Page 2 - December Newsletter

Crop Production By: Jeanne Falk JonesEPA Approval for Over-The-Top Dicamba ApplicationsLabels for XtendiMax, Engenia, and Tavium were granted unconditional Section 3 labels on October 27, 2020. The labels will be effective until 2025. Some details are still being confirmed, but information in Table 1 below has been confirmed by labels and/or company representatives.Table 1. Summary of labels for over-the-top dicamba applications. Created by Sarah Lancaster, K-StateApplication cutoffThrough June 30 or R1 soybeanThrough July 30 in cottonThrough June 30 in soy- beanThrough July 30 in cottonThrough June 30 or V4 soybeanThrough July 30 or 6-leaf cottonDrift reduction adju- vantRequiredNot required/depends on tankmixRequiredVolatility reduction agentRequiredRequiredRequiredDownwind buffer240 ft (110 ft with ap- proved hooded sprayer)240 ft (110 ft with ap- proved hooded sprayer)240 ft (110 ft with ap- proved hooded sprayer)Forecast48 hours no runoff pro- ducing event48 hours no runoff pro- ducing event48 hours no runoff pro- ducing eventTrainingUpdated every other yearUpdated every yearUpdated every other yearWeed Scientist.As before, each company will maintain a website that lists approved hooded/shielded sprayers, spray noz- zles, and tank-mix partners. Those websites are:XtendiMax: www.xtendimaxapplicationrequirements.com Engenia: www.engeniatankmix.comTavium: www.taviumtankmix.comThe EPA also issued a clarification limiting the use of Special Local Needs (Section 24(c)) labels to addadditional state-specific restrictions. At this time, it is unclear if the Kansas Department of Agriculture will seek any modifications to the federal label.In a recent survey, 56% of producers indicated they will plant dicamba-resistant soybeans in 2021, down from 78% who reported planting dicamba-resistant soybeans in 2020. A potential increase in non-dicamba- tolerant soybeans for 2021 highlights the need for extra care when making in-crop dicamba applications.Paraquat Training for Certified ApplicatorsParaquat training was first mentioned last fall, although there still may be folks who need this training. Par- aquat product labels require applicators to take an EPA-approved training every 3 years in order to mix, load, apply, or handle paraquat. The training provides important information about paraquat’s toxicity, new label requirements and restrictions, and the consequences of misuse.Where can I find the training?You can access this training here: www.usparaquattraining.com It is only offered online. How long will it take?It is approximately 1 hour course. Create a login and proceed to the course.Which products?All products featuring the new labeling, with the active ingredient paraquat dichloride, will require the addi- tional training in order to apply these products. Products include Gramoxone, Firestorm, Helmquat and Parazone. Do I need to be certified to use products containing paraquat dichloride?Products state that “Product may ONLY be mixed, loaded or applied by a certified applicator who has suc- cessfully completed the paraquat-specific training before use.” Application “under direct supervision” of a certi- fied applicator is NO LONGER allowed.In Kansas, this means that everyone purchasing and using these products has to either obtain a private ap- plicator license (application to agricultural lands owned or operated by individual) or a commercial applicator license (applicators applying to other people’s land for compensation). If you have been applying under someone else’s license in the past you will need to get your own license before applying these products.K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.