Jul 27, 2020

Homeplate organic herbicide approved in California

Registration approval of the non-selective herbicide Homeplate by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) unlocks a new option for growers in the 2020 growing season, Certis USA officials said in a news release.

CDPR announced the approval for statewide use of Homeplate labeled for use in all crops on June 25, 2020.

“We are excited to now have Homeplate available in California to deliver control of troublesome weeds in grower fields and orchards,” Mike Allan, Certis vice president, North America said in the news release. “California growers now have a reliable broad-spectrum herbicide alternative that effectively saves time and reduces labor costs from handweeding in their fields and sucker removal in orchards and vineyards.”

As an OMRI-Listed and NOP-Compliant product, Homeplate is flexible enough to be used on organic and conventional acreage to control a variety of weeds, according to Certis. Its non-systemic formulation has proven efficacy against broadleaf weeds and grasses, including black nightshade, Canada thistle, catchweed bedstraw, chickweed, common lamb’s quarter, foxtail, mallow, shepherd’s purse and wild Chamomile

Homeplate was granted U.S. EPA approval for use in all crops in February 2019 and has been adopted by many growers in states across the US with great success, Certis officials said.

“In its first year, Homeplate has proven to deliver reliable performance in burndown, direct and shielded sprays, pre-plant applications, post-harvest sprays, as a harvest aid and for sucker control and as a pruning and trimming aid,” Jeremy Adamson, Certis product manager said in a news release. “Growers trust Homeplate as a single solution to a myriad of weeds that threaten the health of their crops.”

Utilizing a blend of active ingredients including caprylic acid and capric acid, Homeplate is fast-acting on plant leaves and shutting down photosynthesis, according to the news release. Low re-entry intervals (REI) and zero-day pre-harvest interval mean that growers can control weeds that threaten their crops right up to the day of harvest.

Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Certis develops, manufactures and markets a comprehensive line of distinctive and proven biopesticide products sold in over 40 countries today for use in specialty agricultural, horticultural and the home and garden markets.