Western Growers is pleased to bring forward good news on the availability of key crop protection materials. Kerb SC Herbicide is now, once again, federally registered for use on leaf lettuce, and labels are available in both California and Arizona. 

“Western Growers has been working to make this use available for several years and we are extremely pleased that USEPA and the states have restored leaf lettuce to the Kerb label,” said Hank Giclas, Western Growers Senior Vice President, Science & Technology and Strategic Planning.

Kerb SC was first registered in California in 2008. At that time, “lettuce” was not differentiated as head vs. leaf per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Due to a federal change in tolerance expression in 2009, head lettuce was labeled for use but leaf lettuce was no longer covered.  

Since that time, Dow AgroSciences (DAS) and the IR-4 Program have worked tirelessly to develop the data necessary to support the addition of leaf lettuce. Western Growers played a large role in demonstrating the importance of this product and its usefulness to the lettuce and leafy greens industry.

“Western Growers helped document a critical need and facilitated direct dialogue between industry, USEPA and state agencies which was instrumental in this approval,” said Brian Bret, DAS Regulatory Manager.

The new label for Kerb SC includes a prior supplemental label for chemigation at lower rates to facilitate shorter PHIs, which was first supported by Western Growers through a special local needs label in 2005. For more information, please contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205.