A "days-after-planting" limitation, a "time of day" use restriction, and a new endangered plants buffer requirement are among the new label conditions for dicamba.

The EPA released its new label October 31 for the selective crop protection compound dicamba, extending the registration for its use for two more years for “over-the-top” use (application to growing plants) to control broadleaf weeds in soybeans and cotton that are genetically engineered to resist dicamba. The trait was discovered at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2007. The trait confers the ability to rapidly metabolize dicamba. It was found in the soil bacterium Pseudomonas maltophilia. The trait was then inserted into soybeans, enabling the plants to break-down dicamba to an inactive form that is not harmful to the crop.

EPA has reviewed substantial amounts of new information and concluded that the continued registration of these dicamba products meets FIFRA’s registration standards, it says. The agency has also determined that extending these registrations with the new safety measures will not affect endangered species.

“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 address drift and volatilization concerns from neighboring growers not using the product. The label changes help ensure that these products can continue to be used effectively while addressing potential concerns to surrounding crops and plants:

New Label Restrictions for 2019-2020

  • A two-year registration (expires again on 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 (or before soybeans reach the R1 growth stage - a current restriction that continues), or whichever comes first or is more restrictive;
  • For cotton, limit the number of over-the-top 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 plants are listed as an endangered species, 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). Growers and applicators must first check a U.S. EPA online database (BulletinLive!Two) to confirm that no endangered species are listed for their county of application. If there's a listing, applicators must apply dicamba according to the limitations listed therein. Nationwide, there are more than 290 counties where this will apply. In Iowa, there are currently no federally-listed endangered species plants (there are five threatened plants in Iowa); 
  • Clarify the training period for 2019 and beyond, ensuring consistency across all commercially-available 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; and,
  • 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. It is registered for use in 34 states.

To learn more go to this link: https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/registration-dicamba-use-genetically-engineered-crops