By Ryan Adams
Before spraying dicamba formulations, know the label requirements. That’s the message from Chad Asthmus, technical marketing director for BASF.
So, here is a refresher on the new and updated label changes for spraying Engenia herbicide over dicamba-tolerant crops.
Application window. This portion was updated for 2019. For dicamba-tolerant soybeans, only apply from emergence through 45 days after planting or until R1, whichever is first. When it comes to dicamba-tolerant cotton, only apply through 60 days after planting or until mid-bloom.
Spray time. Applications can be made from one hour after sunrise until two hours before sunset.
Endangered species. This is new to the label. Fields identified as having endangered species will require a 110-foot downwind buffer and a 57-foot buffer on all other sides of the field. Check epa.gov/espp to see if your area has these additional use restrictions.
Number of applications. Cotton producers can only spray two postemergence applications.
Certified applicators. Not everyone can buy or use Engenia herbicide, only a certified applicator. Also, individuals operating under a certified applicator may no longer buy or use Engenia.
Spray volume. The minimum spray volume is now 15 gallons per acre.
Sensitive areas or crops and residential areas. There was some confusion on what constitutes “sensitive” on the label. Bodies of water and nonresidential, uncultivated areas that harbor sensitive plant species are considered a “sensitive area.” Any food, forage or plants grown for sale or consumption is considered a “sensitive crop.” These areas have a downwind buffer requirement and wind condition that must be met to spray. Residential areas include houses and apartment complexes. Applicators cannot apply when the wind is blowing in the direction of any of these areas.
Nonsensitive areas. This definition was expanded to include areas such as roadside rights-of-way or ditches. It also includes land that is mowed or managed next to a field.
Record-keeping. Reports must be created within 72 hours of spraying. This requirement was 14 days but has been moved up. Planting date must be recorded. The report needs to include how an applicator calculated buffer distance.
Rainfall restriction. Engenia may not be applied if rain is expected in 24 hours that will exceed the soil field capacity.
Spray solution. It is recommended that applicators add a buffering agent if the solution pH is less than 5. Training. All applicators are required to complete training annually. States still determine how the training requirement is met.
Source: ncsu.edu