The UK Pesticide Guide 2014, jointly published by BCPC and CAB International, is the perfect planning tool for guiding you on responsible pesticide use this coming spraying season. Buying the book also means 2 CPD points can be earned for BASIS members.

The database, that is used to create the printed book, is also available as a web-based subscription service – plantprotection.co.uk. Being online means more frequent updating is possible – the latest update went live on 13 January 2014. It is also searchable and contains far more information than could possible be squeezed between the covers of a book.

“The new web based format, introduced in 2012 is so much easier to use than the previous version and I thoroughly recommend it,” advises Mr Martin Lainsbury, editor of The UK Pesticide Guide.

There is still uncertainty from European Regulations on many essential pesticides currently in use but the new Guide, and the associated web-based resource, provide the most comprehensive and current information to keep you on the right track during the spraying season.

“This year sees the first use of penthiopyrad mixtures for disease control in cereals,” says Martin Lainsbury, “On the other hand we see the departure of flusilazole mixtures so what we gain with one hand with lose with the other. This edition lists 14 new active ingredient profiles countering the 16 profiles no longer listed in the main section of the book.”

“Many of the products have been issued with revised expiry dates and hundreds of new Extension of Authorisation for Minor Uses – EAMUs are included which are vital for the production of the less mainstream crops,” explains Martin. ”Each active ingredient profile classifies the mode of action, which is important for managing the risk of resistance. And, with products being lost from the market place this guide will help identify what is still legal to use and what must be disposed of safely from pesticide stores.”

Copies of The UK Pesticide Guide 2014 are now available priced £47.50 from: BCPC Publications Sales, 7 Omni Business Centre, Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QD UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1420 593 200 Email: publications@bcpc.org. Credit cards are accepted. Secure orders can also be placed online from the BCPC website on www.bcpc.org/bookshop. To subscribe to the web-based resource priced £65 per year visit www.plantprotection.co.uk