By Paul O. Johnson
On June 3, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a decision to vacate the registration of three Dicamba products including Xtendimax, Engenia, and FeXapan for over the top use on soybeans. In lieu of this decision, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) has decided to suspend all sales and application of these products until further guidance is provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, the SDDA sent a letter to the EPA on June 5 asking for guidance as South Dakota’s 24 C label discontinued use on June 30.
Options for South Dakota Producers
Due to the suspension of Dicamba products, South Dakota producers now have restricted options available until the EPA responds.
“This is having huge effects on South Dakota’s producers,” said Paul O. Johnson, SDSU Extension Weed Science Coordinator.
Tavium, a mixture of Dicamba and S-metolachlor, is still labeled for over the top use, however there are limited supplies available. Conventional products like Flexstar, Ultra Blazer and Cobra are labeled for post application and are effective on waterhemp at 2-4 inches, but will have limited control on larger weeds. Furthermore, Cobra is effective on Kochia at 1-2 inches. Producers should follow labels closely, as there are limited products available to control other broadleaf weeds.
Source : sdstate.edu