Agents, please refer below to last nights (Oct 31, 2018) EPA press release regarding
dicamba registration for 2019 and 2020. Additionally, MAKE SURE you attend the weed science training Prostko has set up in Tifton
on December 5. In addition to our normal
training approach, we will have two special speakers coming in to talk about
auxin labeling/training in GA for 2019 as well as how Extension should handle pesticide
drift calls/cases.
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EPA Announces Changes
To Dicamba Registration
WASHINGTON (October 31,
2018) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that
it is extending the registration of dicamba for two years
for “over-the-top” use (application to growing plants) to control weeds in
fields for cotton and soybean plants genetically engineered to resist dicamba.
This action was informed by input from and extensive collaboration between EPA,
state regulators, farmers, academic researchers, pesticide manufacturers, and
other stakeholders.
“EPA
understands that dicamba is a valuable pest control tool for America’s
farmers,” said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “By
extending the registration for another two years with important new label
updates that place additional restrictions on the product, we are
providing certainty to all stakeholders for the upcoming growing season.”
The
following label changes were made to ensure that these products can continue to
be used effectively while addressing potential concerns to surrounding crops
and plants:
Dicamba
registration decisions for 2019-2020 growing season
·
Two-year registration (until December 20, 2020)
·
Only certified applicators may apply dicamba over the top (those working under
the supervision of a certified applicator may no longer make
applications)
·
Prohibit over-the-top application of dicamba on soybeans 45 days after planting
and cotton 60 days after planting
·
For cotton, limit the number of over-the-top (OTT) applications from 4 to 2 (soybeans
remain at 2 OTT applications)
·
Applications will be allowed only from 1 hour after sunrise to 2 hours before
sunset
·
In counties where endangered species may exist, the downwind buffer will remain
at 110 feet and there will be a new 57-foot buffer around the other
sides of the field (the 110-foot downwind buffer applies to all applications,
not just in counties where endangered species may exist)
·
Clarify training period for 2019 and beyond, ensuring consistency across all
three products
·
Enhanced tank clean out instructions for the entire system
·
Enhanced label to improve applicator awareness on the impact of low pH’s on the
potential volatility of dicamba
·
Label clean up and consistency to improve compliance and enforceability
The
registration for all dicamba products will automatically expire on December 20,
2020, unless EPA further extends it. EPA has reviewed
substantial amounts of new information and concluded that the continued
registration of these dicamba products meets FIFRA’s registration standards.
The Agency has also determined that extending these registrations with the new
safety measures will not affect endangered species.
