New Requirements for Farmers using Dicamba Products on Dicamba Tolerant Soybeans

Cecil Tharp, MSU Pesticide Education Specialist

 

EPA, working with Monsanto, BASF and DuPont, finalized measures to minimize drift from the use of dicamba formulations in genetically modified cotton and soybeans. Kevin Bradley, a University of Missouri researcher, estimates greater than 3.1 million acres of soybeans have been injured by dicamba in at least 16 states. That number represents almost 4 percent of all U.S. soybean acres. Montana is not historically known to grow soybean, however planting has increased to approximately 10,000 acres in 2017. Either way, Montana was not listed as a state where “over the top” applications of dicamba are acceptable. Farmers wishing to use this technology in other states, or in Montana if current state restrictions were changed should understand the new rules.

The new measures will be in place for the 2018 growing season in many states (excluding Montana):

  • Classifying products as “restricted”, permitting only certified applicators with special training and those under their supervision to apply them; dicamba-specific training for all certified applicators to reinforce proper use;
  • Requiring farmers to maintain specific records regarding the use of these products to improve compliance with label restrictions;
  • Limiting applications to when maximum wind speeds are below 10 mph (from 15 mph) to reduce potential spray drift;
  • Reducing the times during the day when applications can occur;
    Including tank clean-out language to prevent cross contamination; and
  • Enhancing susceptible crop language and record keeping with sensitive crop registries to increase awareness of risk to especially sensitive crops nearby.

See the complete EPA news story

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact Cecil Tharp, Pesticide Education Specialist, at the MSU Pesticide Education Program office (406)-994-5067, [email protected]. For more information on the future of dicamba “over the top” registrations in Montana contact the Montana Department of Agriculture (406-444-5400).

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