By Blake Jackson
In light of the U.S. District Court of Arizona's recent decision to vacate registrations for three dicamba products—Engenia 5L, XtendiMax 2.9L, and Tavium 3.39CS—labeled for over-the-top use in Xtend and XtendFlex soybean systems, Pennsylvania producers face regulatory changes. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance for the 2024 growing season now classifies these products as no longer registered, but existing stocks can be used under specific conditions.
The EPA's "existing stocks order" permits private and commercial applicators to utilize these products until May 31, with applications allowed until June 30 in Xtend brand soybean fields.
Notably, the EPA order restricts further distribution and sales of these dicamba products to existing stocks possessed by dealers before Feb. 6, 2024. While major manufacturers cannot sell these products, dealers with existing inventories may sell until May 31, and applicators can use them until June 30, adhering to label instructions. To apply Xtend-specific dicamba products, annual dicamba training is mandatory, and training reciprocity allows applicators to undergo a single dicamba-specific training each year, regardless of the product or training organization.
For dicamba training options, BASF, Bayer, and Syngenta offer online resources, with in-person sessions during winter crop meetings available through local Penn State Extension offices or dealers. It's crucial to note that other dicamba-containing products like Clarity, Diflexx, Status, and generics are not legally allowed for over-the-top application on Xtend brand soybeans. Glyphosate and glufosinate products, depending on the variety, remain permissible. Enlist E3 soybean varieties remain unaffected by the dicamba lawsuit, allowing registered 2,4-D choline products (Enlist One and Duo) for use in that system.
However, these and other 2,4-D products cannot be applied over the top in Xtend and XtendFlex soybean systems, as they pose a risk of significant crop damage. Producers should stay informed and adhere to these regulatory changes for responsible and compliant agricultural practices.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-leightrail
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Soybeans