By Dallas Peterson
The long-awaited announcement regarding re-registration of the dicamba products labelled for use on Xtend soybeans and cotton finally happened a couple weeks ago. The EPA approved the registration for two more years, extending them through December 20, 2020. The new labels will include some additional restrictions from the previous versions to try and further minimize the issues of non-target dicamba injury to susceptible crops and plants.
In addition to the previous label guidelines and restrictions, below is a list of the primary changes to the Xtendimax, Engenia, and FeXapan labels.
- Only certified applicators may purchase and apply (no application under direct supervision).
- Mandatory dicamba or auxin applicator training is required annually for anyone applying the products. Training requirements to be determined by each state.
- Only apply between 1 hour after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset.
- Postemergence treatments must be applied prior to 45 days after soybean planting or R1 stage and 60 days of cotton planting or mid-bloom stage, whichever comes first.
- Recommended to test spray solution for pH and add buffering agent if the pH is less than 5.
- Enhanced tank clean-out instructions for the entire spray system.
- Records must be generated within 72 hours of application instead of 14 days.
- Planting date and documentation of surrounding crops and areas must also be recorded.
- In counties where endangered terrestrial dicot species may exist, in addition to the 110 ft. downwind buffer, a 57 ft. buffer is required around all other perimeters of the field.
- Consult http://www.epa.gov/endangered-species for the list of counties requiring additional protection measures along with guidance for specific areas that can be included in the buffer distance calculation for fields in affected counties.