By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has established new state-specific restrictions for the use of dicamba herbicides during the 2024 growing season. This decision targets three specific dicamba products: Engenia by BASF, Tavium by Syngenta, and XtendiMax by Bayer, which are the only ones approved for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans in Minnesota.
The 2024 restrictions include a date cutoff, prohibiting applications south of Interstate 94 after June 12 and north of it after June 30. Additionally, applications are not allowed if the air temperature at the field exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit or if the forecasted high temperature for the day is above this threshold.
These measures, introduced by Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, aim to reduce the complaints of off-target movement, which have significantly decreased since the implementation of similar restrictions in 2022. In 2023, only 15 complaints were received compared to 304 in 2021.
Federal requirements for dicamba products also mandate the use of a pH-buffering agent to reduce volatility, specific downwind buffers, and additional recordkeeping. Both Xtendimax and Tavium have further crop growth stage cutoffs.
Dicamba, a volatile chemical, has been linked to damage in non-target plant species due to spray drift and volatilization. Since its first registration in 2017, the MDA has received varying numbers of complaints each year, showing a clear need for the newly introduced regulations.
These products are classified as "Restricted Use Pesticides" and are only available to certified applicators. With annual renewals of pesticide product registrations in Minnesota, these restrictions represent an ongoing effort to ensure agricultural safety and efficacy.
Photo Credit - minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Government & Policy