How the Dicamba Registration Affects your Management Options
Nov 03, 2020
The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the re-registration of several in-season dicamba products, with important label updates that affect your options for managing Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® and XtendFlex® soybeans systems in 2021. Here’s what you need to know to manage next season’s acres:
What are the major dicamba label changes for in-season applications in 2021??
XtendiMax® herbicide with VaporGrip® Technology, FeXapan® herbicide Plus VaporGrip® Technology, Tavium® Plus VaporGrip® Technology and Engenia® herbicide have all been re-registered for in-season application through 2025 with some additional label requirements. The key label updates include:
If you are planning to plant Xtend or XtendFlex soybean varieties, you will be able to utilize labeled dicamba products but will need to follow the new federal label requirements outlined above. In addition, states could require additional restrictions. Plan to work closely with your agronomist to ensure that you understand and are complying with both state and federal label requirements for in-season dicamba applications.
How can you manage your soybean acres to optimize ROI in 2021??
Regardless of the soybean variety or trait platform you choose, the decisions you make now can affect your profitability potential next season. Here are some actions you can take to ensure you meet your production goals.
What are the major dicamba label changes for in-season applications in 2021??
XtendiMax® herbicide with VaporGrip® Technology, FeXapan® herbicide Plus VaporGrip® Technology, Tavium® Plus VaporGrip® Technology and Engenia® herbicide have all been re-registered for in-season application through 2025 with some additional label requirements. The key label updates include:
- A nationwide over-the-top application cut-off date of June 30 for soybeans and July 30 for cotton.
- An increase in the buffer zone requirement to a downwind buffer of 240 feet in counties without endangered species, and a downwind buffer of 310 feet and 57 feet omnidirectional in-field in areas where endangered species are located.
- Over-the-top dicamba products will need to be tank mixed with an EPA-approved pH-buffering agent prior to all applications, and the EPA will enforce the use of a pH-buffering agent through recordkeeping practices.
- Labels for over-the-top dicamba products will only include uses for dicamba-tolerant cotton and dicamba-tolerant soybean products, and will not be able to be applied on non-dicamba-tolerant crops.
If you are planning to plant Xtend or XtendFlex soybean varieties, you will be able to utilize labeled dicamba products but will need to follow the new federal label requirements outlined above. In addition, states could require additional restrictions. Plan to work closely with your agronomist to ensure that you understand and are complying with both state and federal label requirements for in-season dicamba applications.
How can you manage your soybean acres to optimize ROI in 2021??
Regardless of the soybean variety or trait platform you choose, the decisions you make now can affect your profitability potential next season. Here are some actions you can take to ensure you meet your production goals.
- Take a systems-approach to management: Take a holistic view of your soybean crop plan, starting with the seed you choose. Don’t just focus on the trait package, but rather the overall yield and agronomic solutions your seed can deliver. Once you’ve chosen the right seed for the acre, be sure to match the right herbicides, adjuvants, plant nutrition products and tools to ensure success.
- Make the most of your investment with proper spray management practices: To get the most from the technology you’ve paid for, you need to follow through with in-season management. Make sure you follow label requirements and best application practices to get the most effective weed control possible. That includes using appropriate nozzles for the herbicides you’ve chosen, applying the correct herbicide rates and water volumes for adequate weed control, and adding effective adjuvants to help improve herbicide performance. If you plan to spray dicamba in-season, you'll need to include an approved drift reduction adjuvant (DRA) and volatility reducing adjuvant (VRA) in the tank mix. For tank mixtures containing glyphosate, a water conditioner is also recommended to achieve optimal weed control. If you’re looking for convenient options or industry-leading agronomics, we have manufacturer approved solutions to help you meet every situation and price point. Talk with your local agronomist to find out more.
- Take advantage of tools that can help you succeed: You’ll need more than just the right products and production practices to optimize your soybean potential in 2021. Reliable in-season data and expert advisors can help you confidently manage your acres and pivot your plan as the season hands you unexpected challenges.