EPA Public Comment Period for Dicamba

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) solicited public comments on the registration of Monsanto’s new dicamba formulation premixed with glyphosate to use in Monsanto’s Xtend trait systems in soybean and cotton. Although in commercial use for years, the use of dicamba in Monsanto’s Xtend seed trait system requires a new, separate registration. The public comment period is open from Apr.1 – May 31. Public comments will influence the EPA’s decision to grant the required registration. If successful, it is thought the EPA will also grant a registration to the BASF product Engenia, which is a dicamba-only product.
Growers should be aware that:
(1) The seed trait is already commercialized and has been planted in some states starting in 2015, but the herbicide product is not yet registered. Currently it is illegal to make an in-crop application of dicamba to Xtend beans and cotton.
(2) The interest groups opposing the registration of the new dicamba formulations are likely to file lawsuits if the EPA registers the products. This will lead to further delays and perhaps more restrictions on the eventual use of the product.
(3) The EPA has determined that labels MUST include language about field buffers (to the edge of the field in all directions) of 110 feet to 220 feet depending on application rate. This essentially limits farmers’ ability to manage their acres with this technology.
(4) The EPA will prohibit tank mixes on the label. Sometimes there are “synergistic effects” and enhanced activity when products are combined. Even though there doesn’t appear to be any enhanced activity in this instance, the EPA is sensitive to potential toxicity to endangered species. If you would like to comment, you can do so on the site.
https://www.regulations.gov/?tr=y&auid=12679480#!docketDetail;D=EP