By Scout Nelson
The dicamba labels (Xtendimax, Engenia, and Tavium) for over-the-top applications in tolerant varieties have recently been vacated, affecting weed management in soybean farming nationwide (Case 4:20-cv-00555-DCB).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an Existing Stocks Order recently, allowing the use of these dicamba products if they were purchased and in possession before the label was vacated (EPA Existing Stocks Order).
While the Existing Stocks Order permits the use of these products if in possession, the demand may surpass the supply. Farmers are urged to diversify their weed management plans and explore alternative herbicides and non-chemical tactics.
A strong preemergence herbicide program utilizing multiple herbicide groups is recommended to increase the spectrum of weed control and reduce selection pressure on herbicide-resistant weeds.
Effective postemergence herbicides such as glyphosate, PPO-inhibitors (acifluorfen, fomesafen, and lactofen), and ACCase-inhibitors (clethodim and quizalofop) are still available for weed control in soybean.
Farmers should ensure that the herbicides they use are compatible with the seed varieties they have purchased, checking seed labels before application is crucial. Also adding herbicides with soil residual activity to the tank can help control later-emerging weeds during the growing season.
Non-chemical tactics like crop rotation and row spacing also play a crucial role in weed management. Farmers are encouraged to adapt easily to current production practices and consider hand weeding isolated weed patches for effective control.
Despite the potential loss of the dicamba label, farmers can still implement comprehensive weed management plans to ensure successful soybean production.
Photo Credit -istock-sandramatic
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Soybeans