The Environmental Protection Agency has extended the label for the three approved dicamba formulations through December 20, 2020. This will allow for over-the top the use of dicamba in dicamba-resistant soybeans to manage tough to control weeds such as waterhemp and marestail. With re-registration come some additional restrictions for the upcoming growing season to follow. The new label restrictions will ensure a safe and effective application that addresses concerns that some may have faced under the former label.The changes include:
- Only certified applicators will be legally able to apply dicamba over-the-top of resistant soybeans; this means that those working under the supervision of a certified applicator may no longer make applications of dicamba.
- Applications of dicamba are limited to within 45 days of soybean planting.
- To help combat spraying into an inversion, the label will now read that applications are only to be made 1 hour after sunrise and up to 2 hours before sunset.
- The downwind buffer will remain at 110 feet AND there will be a new 57-foot buffer around the remaining sides of the field in counties where endangered species are present.
- Enhanced tank cleanout instructions to help mitigate contamination, as well as improved awareness of the impact that low pH has on volatility of dicamba will also be addressed in the label.
The re-registration of the approved dicamba formulations for over-the-top use in soybeans ensures that this tool remains in the toolbox to manage tough to control weeds. Contact your local Crop Specialist with any questions regarding this re-registration or to purchase dicamba-resistant soybeans.