Xtend™ Soybean Variety Performance in Georgia - 2016 (Prostko)

     One of the biggest concerns that I have had regarding the new auxin-resistant (2,4-D or dicamba) soybean technologies has been variety performance.  Since Georgia is a relatively small soybean production state (~255,000 acres harvested in 2016), not much emphasis has been put into early screening of adaptable varieties.  Up until the end of 2016, I had no university yield trial results in my files. Using preliminary data from tests conducting in 2016 by the UGA-OVT group, the tables in this blog depict the ranking of Xtend™ (dicamba-resistant) soybean varieties at each location.  I have highlighted the varieties within each maturity group that look the most promising based upon this data set and my own opinion.  I was specifically looking for varieties that were consistently in the Top 10 and/or had lower average rankings.  
     I would strongly encourage all soybean growers to use multiple varieties and multiple sources of yield information, regardless of technology.  Variety selection is one of the most important choices a grower will make.  For the record, I have no Southeastern yield data for any Enlist™ (2,4-D resistant) soybean variety.  Please remember that Enlist™ Duo (2,4-D choline + glyphosate) is not yet registered in Georgia.  For more complete information about 2016 soybean variety performance in the Southeast, check out the following web-sites:

University of Georgia
http://www.swvt.uga.edu/2016/SY16-pr/sy16-pr-contents.html

Auburn University http://www.aces.edu/anr/crops/varietytesting/documents/2016PerformanceofSoybeanCultivarsinAlabama.pdf

Figure 1.  Xtend™ irrigated soybean variety rankings, Group V + VI maturity groups, UGA-OVT, 2016.

Figure 2.  Xtend™ irrigated soybean variety rankings, Group VII maturity group, UGA-OVT, 2016.

Engenia™ Label Approved (Prostko)

I just received word that BASF's low volatility formulation of dicamba (Engenia™) was approved for use on dicamba-tolerant (DT) cotton and soybean.  You may recall that Monsanto's Xtendimax™ with Vapor Grip™  was registered back in November 2016.  It is important to remember that Engenia™ and Xtendimax™ are not the same formulation and that their labels are slightly different.  I have tried to succinctly summarize their differences in Table 1.  A copy of the supplemental Engenia™ labels can be accessed from the following locations:  soybean  cotton  

Table 1.  Engenia™ vs Xtendimax™.

	Engenia™	Xtendimax™ with Vapor Grip™
dicamba formulation	BAPMA	DGA
dicamba lbs ae/gal	5.0	2.9
Single POST In-Crop Application Rate/A	12.8 oz	22.0 oz
Total POST  In-Crop Rates/A (2 apps)	25.6 oz	44.0 oz
Total Season Rates/A	51.2 oz	88.0 ozs
Time of Application	PPLNT/PRE/POST (R1)	PPLNT/PRE/POST (R1)
Tractor Speed	< 15 MPH	< 15 MPH
Boom Height	24” or less	24” or less
Nozzles	Turbo TeeJet® TTI11004	Turbo TeeJet® TTI11004
Wind Speed	0-3 MPH = confirm temperature inversion 3-10 MPH = optimum 10-15 MPH = do not apply if wind blowing towards sensitive crops > 15 MPH = do not apply	0-3 MPH = do not apply 3-10 MPH = optimum 10-15 MPH = do not apply if wind blowing towards sensitive crops > 15 MPH = do not apply
GPA	10+	10+
Buffers	110 ft	110 ft = 22 oz/A; 220 ft = 44 oz/A
Tank-Mixes	NO herbicides; NO AMS or UAN www.engeniatankmix.com	NO herbicides; NO AMS or UAN www.xtendimaxapplicationrequirements.com

There is also likely to be another low volatility formulation of dicamba from Dupont® sold as FeXapan™ plus Vapor Grip™. I will let you know when that one gets labeled.  Georgia will issue 24-C labels for these new dicamba formulations which may have additional requirements.  

Liquid "Valors" (Flumioxazin) - Prostko

     In 2017, there will be 2 liquid formulations of flumioxazin available for use.  These include Valor EZ (Valent) and Panther SC (NuFarm).  As far as I know, they are the same stuff in a different bottle (4 lbs ai/gal)!  I am still a bit confused on how these will be marketed since it is likely that that Valor SX 51WG (dry) could be cheaper.  Also, it is very unlikely that Culpepper and I will officially recommend these liquid formulations in Georgia since we have almost no efficacy and/or crop tolerance data.  Earlier today, I did some bottle tests with the local Valent folks (John Altom and Hunt Sanders) to see if there might be any potential tank-mixing problems with the new liquid formulation. A few key observations:

1) When compared to the dry formulation, the liquid formulation disperses more quickly and evenly when mixed with water (Figure 1).

2) However, mixing order is extremely important.  The liquid formulations must be added to the tank first before mixing other chemicals.  If other tank-mix partners, such as glyphosate or paraquat, are put into the tank before the liquid flumioxazin, it is very likely that a nozzle/screen clogging precipitate could occur (Figure 2).

3) Agressive tank-agitation will continue to be very important when using liquid formulations of flumioxazin.  

Figure 1.  The equivalent of 3 oz/A in 15 GPA (Panther 4SC - left; Valor SX 51WDG - right) approximately 10 seconds after adding to the bottle (no agitation or shaking).

Figure 2.  NIS (0.25% v/v) followed by Gramoxone 2SL (48 oz/A) followed by Panther 4SC (3 oz/A) after agitation/shaking (rates equivalent for 15 GPA). Notice white precipitates floating around. 

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.

Using Pesticides Wisely - 2017 Classroom Trainings (Culpepper)

We are currently planning a final round of trainings for our Using Pesticides Wisely training during February/March of 2017 and would request your input on potential locations.  Our goal continues to be making it as easy as possible for attendance.   To date, we have conducted the training 26 times in Georgia as noted below.  Please e-mail Culpepper at stanley@uga.edu to give us feedback on where we have growers that we have missed and your thoughts on potential locations by November 1, 2016.  A few other thoughts about this training:

*Remember if auxin technologies do get labeled, which is currently unknown, licensed applicators responsible for in-crop applications of dicamba or 2,4-D, in respective technologies, will be required to take this training.

*Our estimates suggest we have trained at least 85% of the growers that would want to use these technologies.

*The small number of people left to train should easily fit in county offices, so our locations will be at Agent facilities if agents are supportive.

*Anticipating 2 or 3 final locations for South Georgia and 2 locations for North GA?

Off-Label Dicamba Use (Prostko)

     In case you have not heard, there have been numerous problems in certain states, such as Missouri and Arkansas, with off-label applications of dicamba on dicamba-resistant crops.  In Arkansas, things have gotten so out of hand that the Arkansas State Plant Board is proposing numerous restrictions on the use of dicamba in their state.  Some of these potential restrictions include the following:

1) Banning the use of dimethylamine (DMA) salt and acid formulations (i.e. Banvel), except on pastures/rangeland but only if all susceptible crops are at least 1 mile away in all directions.

2) Prohibiting the application of dicamba diglycolamine (DGA) salt and sodium salt formulations (i.e. Clarity) from April 15 through September 15 (except on pastures/rangeland with the 1 mile susceptible crop buffer).

3) When BASF's Engenia formulation (dicamba-BAPMA) is used, a 1/4 mile downward buffer zone and 100' buffer zone in all other directions will be required.  Engenia is less volatile than Banvel or Clarity.

4) New certification training will be required for both the Enlist (2,4-D) and Xtend (dicamba) technologies.  As you already know, we (UGA Extension) have been doing this type of training for 2 years.  

     These restrictions are not final with a 30 day comment period and public hearing scheduled for November 21.  Ultimately, the Governor and state legislature in Arkansas will have the final say.

     As far as I know, Georgia growers have done a good job of not abusing dicamba this year and there has been no talk of restrictions such as those listed above in our state. However, what's going on in Arkansas should serve as a reminder to any Georgia grower or chemical dealer of the potential consequences of off-label uses or violations.  Since Georgia is a large producer of potentially sensitive speciality crops, it will be important for all of us involved in this situation to do the right things and use common sense!!!