Dicamba is a highly volatile chemical that can damage non-target plant species through spray drift and/or volatilization (vapor drift). Misuse of dicamba products may cause serious damage to non-dicamba-tolerant soybeans, sensitive crops, non-crop plants, and endangered species.
Reporting Dicamba Damage
If you have experienced dicamba drift related damage, please complete the Dicamba Complaint Form. The MDA may use this information to help evaluate the impact of dicamba use in Minnesota.
To file a chemical misuse complaint and request an MDA investigation of suspected dicamba drift-related damage, complete the Dicamba Complaint Form or call the Dicamba Complaint line at 651-201-6333.
The MDA only investigates chemical misuse complaints that have been submitted in writing. Inspectors are able to visit the site to diagnose damage based on symptomology, collect records, and collect samples for laboratory analysis.
Dicamba Online Survey Results for 2017 and 2018
The MDA conducted surveys in 2017 and 2018 to gather information and obtain a thorough understanding of how to properly use these new dicamba products. In 2017, the MDA received 249 complaints and conducted 56 official investigations. Dicamba related damage was reported in 49 counties of the state in 2017. Prior to the 2018 growing season, the MDA amended label restrictions to minimize the potential for off-target movement of dicamba. In 2018, the MDA received 53 entries in the online dicamba survey. Out of 53 complaints, only 29 people requested official investigation. Dicamba related damage was reported in 20 counties of the state in 2018. In order to mitigate the potential off-target movement, the USEPA has added additional label requirements for the post-emergence use of dicamba in dicamba-tolerant (DT) soybeans in 2019.
What was the MDA's response to complaints in 2017 and 2018?
The MDA received large number of complaints related to the use of the herbicide dicamba in Minnesota in 2017. In an effort to prevent dicamba-related complaints in 2018, the MDA set forth additional restrictions of an application cutoff date of June 20 and a cutoff temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit for the 2018 growing season. In the 2018 growing season, the MDA received significantly fewer complaints than in the 2017 growing season.
2021 Cutoff Date
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set June 30 as the application cutoff date for the dicamba herbicides XtendiMax, Engenia and Tavium in 2021. The federal label prohibits applications of these three dicamba products after June 30th.
From 2018 to 2020, the MDA set June 20 as the annual cutoff date for registered dicamba products to curb off-site movement. This date was based on research and pesticide misuse complaints. At the time, there was not a cutoff date included on the federal label.
In addition to the June 30 cutoff date, Xtendimax and Tavium have crop growth stage cutoffs.
These formulations of dicamba are “Restricted Use Pesticides” for retail sale to and for use only by Certified Applicators and have additional label requirements. View Dicamba - Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
