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Alternative Weed Control Options on Xtend Soybeans

06/16/2020
  • The Illinois Department of Agriculture extended the ability to apply approved dicamba formulations in dicamba- tolerant soybeans from June 20th to June 25th.
  • Follow the label and best management practices to reduce off-target movement and obtain effective weed control. 
  • If the application window for dicamba use has passed, there are still other herbicide options available to manage weeds. 

In recent days, the 9th circuit court ruled to vacate the existing XtendiMax®, Engenia® and FeXapan® federal herbicide labels. With the ruling have come concerns around managing resistant weeds. The federal EPA has issued a statement indicating that any dicamba stock in the possession of the user or retailer can be used by July 31st. This exception currently does not apply to Tavium® herbicide, due to it having a later registration date. While the EPA cutoff date is July 31st, the state of Illinois has a cutoff date of June 25th.  Applications must still follow the federal label with consideration for soybean growth stage and the 45 days after planting cutoff. 

Several things need to be considered before making those applications of dicamba. These include planting date, growth stage, temperature and wind speed, just to name a few. Even with the recent EPA statement issuing that all product be used or halt applications on July 31st, the state of Illinois applicators still must follow the 24(c) local needs label and abide by the labeled growth stage, planting date and air temperature restrictions. As for neighboring states that did not implement a 24(c) label, the cutoff date would be July 31st, 45 days after planting or the labeled growth stage, whichever comes first. 

Also, remember that if the application window for dicamba sprays has passed, there are other herbicide options for weed control. However, these products need to be applied to small weeds and coverage is essential for effective weed control to be accomplished. Products like Cobra®, Flexstar® and Ultra Blazer®, all foliar applied PPO inhibitors, would be a viable option for control of problematic weeds. Due to varying levels of PPO resistant frequency within a field, plants that are PPO resistant will likely be uncontrolled. Another key to improving the performance of these products is to use higher carrier volumes, proper nozzles that can provide excellent coverage and proper adjuvants. Additionally, to reduce the risk of herbicide carryover to next year’s crop, the product labels should be checked prior to the application for their planting interval restrictions to the following crop. Another option is to utilize the overlaying residual concept. Within 25-28 days following the preemergence residual application, follow with a postemergence application of a group 15 herbicide like Outlook®, Warrant®, Dual Magnum® or Zidua® herbicide. These products do require rainfall to activate and do not control weeds that are emerged. Any emerged weeds will require an effective burndown herbicide for control.

As the application cutoff date approaches, follow the dicamba label and best management practices to keep this product as an effective and viable tool for weed management. If you have questions regarding dicamba applications and stewardship guidelines or other weed control options after the cutoff date, contact your local FS Crop Specialist. 

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