- Dicamba-containing products for use in soybeans were re-registered for an additional two years.
- Illinois now has a section 24(c) label that restricts use after June 30th.
- Additional application restrictions are now required and should further limit off-target movement.
- A program approach is still needed to successfully manage our hard-to-control and resistant weed species.
It has been two years since the approval of XtendiMax™, Engenia™, and FeXapan™ for the over-the-top use in dicamba-tolerant soybeans.These herbicide labels were approved as a 2-year conditional label. They have since been re-registered for an additional 2 years.With the re-registration, this is a good opportunity to share some key successes over the past two years and a few changes to the new label.
The most common comments after two seasons of dicamba-tolerant soybeans have surrounded the increased level of weed control that was observed.This new technology has provided growers with an additional tool to manage tough to control and resistant weed species, especially waterhemp. While this has been the most noticeable success, one of the other successes has been the amount of training and expertise the FS System has obtained surrounding the application of these new products.Making the application at the right time and using the correct application practices have been paramount to the FS System to ensure the product is applied and stays on target.
Additionally, the label revisions with the re-registration have further ensured the applications remain on target.There is now an omnidirectional buffer of 57 ft in counties where a known endangered species is present in addition to the 110 ft downwind buffer.Also, to reduce the potential for movement in an inversion, the application must be made between the hours of 1 hour after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset.These applications also have to occur within 45 days of planting or R1 growth stage, whichever comes first.On March 1st, a section 24(c) for Illinois restricts the use of these products to soybeans after June 30th.These revisions will further ensure that growers continue to have a positive experience with this technology.
While many have experienced the benefits of utilizing the approved herbicides that come with dicamba-tolerant soybeans, we cannot forget that the success of this technology relies on a program approach.To manage weeds in the short and long term, we must utilize preemergence herbicides.Without one, we are likely to fail.When it comes to the POST trip, include an overlapping residual to manage through crop canopy.When we take this chemical approach, along with cultural and mechanical control measures, we can start clean and stay clean throughout the season.
In the 2019 growing season, we look forward to the continued success of this weed control platform.