By Scout Nelson
Research and Extension specialists from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota share updates about dicamba herbicide use for soybean production. Federal approval now allows over the top dicamba applications on dicamba tolerant soybeans for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons.
On Feb. 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved federal registrations for three dicamba herbicide products. These include Engenia Herbicide, Stryax with VaporGrip Technology, and Tavium Plus VaporGrip Technology. The registrations allow farmers to apply these herbicides directly over dicamba tolerant soybean crops during the growing season.
The new approvals include additional rules designed to reduce spray drift, limit volatility, and protect nearby crops and the environment. Minnesota will also continue to enforce state specific restrictions on dicamba applications.
Label instructions for these products include strict application deadlines. Farmers south of Interstate 94 cannot apply for dicamba after June 12. In northern parts of the state, applications are not allowed after June 30.
Temperature limits also apply across the entire state. Dicamba cannot be applied if the air temperature at the field is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Farmers must also check the National Weather Service forecast for the day. If the predicted high temperature exceeds 85 degrees, dicamba application is not allowed. Applicators must record the forecast temperature before beginning the application.
These federal registrations are valid until Feb. 6, 2028. Use restrictions will be promoted through the mandatory annual dicamba specific training provided by the manufacturers. Compliance with Minnesota-specific restrictions and other restrictions listed on the product label is mandatory. For more information visit Over-the-Top Dicamba | Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Licensed pesticide applicators must complete annual training before using restricted dicamba products. Training programs are provided by the product manufacturers and explain label requirements, safety practices, and environmental protection steps. Applicators must also follow the Minnesota Pesticide Control Law.
Several additional restrictions apply during application. Farmers may apply a maximum of two dicamba treatments per year, totaling no more than one pound of dicamba acid equivalent per acre. Approved drift reduction agents and volatility reducing agents must also be mixed with the herbicide before application.
A buffer zone of 240 feet downwind must remain between the treated field and nearby areas to reduce drift risks. Crop growth stage limits also apply. Tavium cannot be used after the V4 soybean growth stage, and Stryax cannot be used after the R1 stage.
Farmers must also follow environmental conservation practices identified by the Environmental Protection Agency. These measures include vegetative buffers, cover crops, and contour farming to help reduce runoff and protect wildlife habitats.
These updated rules aim to help farmers manage weeds in soybean fields while protecting nearby crops, natural resources, and endangered species.
Additional information on state-specific restrictions and OTT dicamba can be found on the MDA’s website at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/pesticide-fertilizer/over-top-dicamba.
Photo Credit: credit-minnesota-corn-growers-association
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Soybeans