The Arkansas State Plant Board has proposed a rule change to dicamba use, which would extend the amount of time farmers could use the pesticide.
If passed, the proposed rule would allow for the over-the-top spraying of multiple dicamba formulations, including Engenia, Xtendimax, and Tavium. Farmers could spray the pesticide through June 30 for soybeans and through July 30 for cotton.
Currently, the cut-off date for dicamba usage is May 25. This
The new rule would also require farmers to use a Voltatility Reducing Agent, or a pH buffering agent, to be tank-mixed with the dicamba. There would also be a required downwind buffer area of 240 feet.
Under the current rule, commercial, non-commerical and private application of dicamba-containing pesticides labeled for agricultural use are prohibitd from May 26 to October 31. There are exceptions, including for turf, ornamental and direct injection for forestry activities and home use, which is allowed year-round, as well as for use on pasture and range land with is allowed year-round with buffers.
Currently, farmers using dicamba for crops must maintain a one-mile buffer in all directions from university and USDA research stations, certified organic crops and commercially grown specialty crops, and during application, a half-mile buffer must be maintained in all directions from non-dicamba-tolerant crops. Farmers are not permitted to use tank mixes of Glyphosate-containing products with dicamba products.
There will be a 30-day comment period on the proposed rule. The State Plant Board will review comments received during this period and make a determination. If adopted, the rule will proceed to the Arkansas Legislative Council’s Administrative Rules Subcommittee. The Arkansas Legislative Council must approve the proposed rule to go into effect.
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