Oklahoma cotton and soybean farmers who use dicamba can continue to do so as a result of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s extension.
The EPA announced Oct. 31, 2018, that it is extending the over-the-top use of dicamba to control weeds in dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybean crops for two years – until Dec. 20, 2020. This only effects three dicamba products: XtendiMax, Engenia and FeXapan.
“We are glad to have this tool for weed control available again in Oklahoma for our soybean and cotton farmers,” said Kenny Naylor, Food Safety & Consumer Protection Services Division director at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.
Along with the extension, there were a number of other changes for the 2019-2020 growing season. According to the EPA, they are as follows:
- Those working under the supervision of a certified applicator may no longer make applications. Only certified applicators may apply dicamba over the top.
- The over-the-top application of dicamba may not be applied on soybeans 45 days after planting and on cotton 60 days after planting.
- Both crops are now limited to two over-the-top dicamba applications. Cotton was previously limited at four applications.
- Applications will only be allowed from one hour after sunrise to two hours before sunset.
- In counties where endangered species may exist, the downwind buffer will remain at 110 feet, and there will be a new 57-foot buffer around the other sides of the field. The 110-foot downwind buffer applies to all applications, not just in counties where endangered species may exist.
The EPA clarified the training period, ensuring consistency across all three products and enhanced tank clean out instructions for the entire system. The label was cleaned up for consistency and will improve compliance, enforceability and applicator awareness on low pH impact on the potential volatility of dicamba.