Key Points for Pesticide Safety: Proposed Dicamba Herbicide and the EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public input regarding a new product application by Syngenta, consisting of active ingredients dicamba and S-metolachlor. The proposition includes its use on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans. Click here to learn more and give your feedback before the August 22, 2024 deadline.
Understanding the Proposed Dicamba Herbicide Use
Syngenta’s proposed label suggests application to tolerant soybeans and cotton plants during different growth stages and timeframes. However, the EPA’s approval is not guaranteed and, if deemed suitable, another chance for public comment will follow.
A Brief History of Dicamba
Dicamba—an herbicide used on various crops—has experienced multiple registration modifications following crop damage reports and a Ninth Circuit Court ruling that vacated its 2018 registrations due to unacknowledged risks. As a result, the EPA has initiated measures to prevent damage from off-target movement.
Recent Developments in Dicamba Registrations
In February 2024, a court ruling vacated the 2020 registrations for over-the-top dicamba products. The EPA then issued an Existing Stocks Order to permit limited sale and distribution with strict usage conditions to mitigate environmental damage.
Next Steps for Pesticide Applicators
As pesticide applicators, it’s essential to keep updated about the legal status and recommended usage of products like dicamba. Following EPA-approved labels can help avoid potential lawsuits and negative environmental impacts. Stay involved in the public commentary process that influences decisions about these products.
EPA’s Pesticide Safety Resources
For more detailed information, visit EPA’s page on Registration of Dicamba for Use on Dicamba-Tolerant Crops.
For questions regarding pesticide safety, contact the EPA at pesticidequestions@epa.gov.
| Key Dates | Event |
|---|---|
| Before August 22, 2024 | Submit public comments on the proposed new use of dicamba herbicide |
| February 6, 2024 | Ruling vacating the 2020 registrations for over-the-top dicamba products |
| October 2020 | New registrations issued for two dicamba products; extension of registration for an additional product |
| 2018 & 2017 | Amendments to registrations of over-the-top dicamba products due to reported crop damage |
| 2016 | Initial registration for over-the-top uses on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans |
