Zest™ Approved for Use in Inzen™ Grain Sorghum (Prostko)

I just received word that Zest™ 75WDG (nicosulfuron) has received Georgia approval for use on Inzen™ herbicide-tolerant grain sorghum varieties.  Grain sorghum growers who use this technology will now be able to get better POST control of Texas panicum and other grasses.  I have discussed Zest/Inzen in a previous UGA Weed Science Blog (February 15, 2016) and in our December agent training meetings. Nicosulfuron is the same active ingredient in Accent, which is registered for use on field corn.

A couple of reminders:

1) Zest can only be used on Inzen herbicide-tolerant grain sorghum varieties. The use of Zest on conventional sorghum varieties will result in crop death! Inzen grain sorghum varieties are not GMO's.

2) The current formulation of Zest is a WDG.  I have been testing a liquid formulation so rates would be different in any slides you have previously seen from me.

3) UGA has limited variety performance data (i.e. none).  As far as I know, the only company with Inzen varieties is Advanta/Alta (http://altaseeds.advantaus.com).  Pioneer will likely have some varieties in 2018 or 2019?  Thus, I would suggest Georgia sorghum growers proceed with caution until an adapted variety is identified.  I have not been overly impressed with the varieties that I have been testing up until now.

4) I would still recommend the use of Concep treated seed + a PRE application of Dual or Warrant in this system.  Atrazine should be tank-mixed with Zest to improve the control of broadleaf weeds.

5) A copy of the complete Zest label can be accessed from the following location:
http://www.cdms.net/ldat/ldDEH000.pdf

Dicamba Labels Approved (Prostko)

Yesterday, the EPA approved the first labels of dicamba for use on on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans. A few interesting highlights from the labels include the following:

1) Xtendimax™ with VaporGrip™ Technology can ONLY be tank-mixed with products that have been tested and found not to adversely affect off-site movement potential.  A list of those products can be found at www.xtendimaxapplicationrequirements.com (This site was not yet available for viewing as of 9:24 am today).

2) Only 1 nozzle type is permitted (TTI11004 with 63 PSI max)

3) Must be applied in a minimum of 10 GPA

4) Maximum ground speed is 15 MPH

5) Maximum boom height of 24" above target pest or crop canopy

6) Can only be applied when winds are between 3 MPH and 15 MPH (3 MPH to 10 MPH is optimum).

7) Must maintain a 110 to 220 foot downwind buffer, depending upon rate, between the last treated row and the closest downwind field edge.

8) A copy of the cotton label can be viewed at the following location:

https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0187-0958

If you are not familiar with VaporGrip™ technology, refer to the following YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWW4scEgpuU

More specific and up-to-date information will be presented at the UGA Weed Science Agent Update on December 7.