Background
The MDA is the lead state agency carrying out all aspects of pesticide and fertilizer environmental a
The MDA is the lead state agency carrying out all aspects of pesticide and fertilizer environmental a
The purpose of the Pesticide Management Plan Committee (PMPC) is to provid
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced that state-specific use restrictions for three dicamba herbicide products will be in place for the 2024 growing season in Minnesota. The restrictions are aimed at curbing off-site movement of the products.
The affected dicamba formulations are Engenia by BASF, Tavium by Syngenta, and XtendiMax by Bayer. These are the only dicamba products labeled for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans.
The three products will have the following restrictions in Minnesota in 2024:
“These restrictions have been effective over the past two growing season at decreasing complaints of off-target movement,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “These products must be used without impacts on neighboring homes, farms, and gardens. The Minnesota-specific restrictions are based on scientific evidence and have proven to be effective.”
During the 2023 growing season, the MDA received 11 formal complaints and four responses to an informal survey, all alleging off-target movement. This is a major decrease from a peak in 2021 which saw a total of 304 formal complaints and survey responses. The MDA implemented the date and temperature restrictions in 2022, which resulted in 32 reports of alleged off-target movement.
There are also other federal requirements for the products that appear on the product labels. They include:
In addition to the cutoff dates, Xtendimax and Tavium have crop growth stage cutoffs.
Since dicamba was first registered for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans in the 2017 growing season, the MDA has fielded complaints each year of alleged off-site movement onto neighboring property. The chemical is highly volatile and can damage non-target plant species through spray drift and/or volatilization. Volatility is influenced by several factors including temperature, relative humidity, rate of application, and crop stage. The annual totals of complaints were:
2023: 15 reports
2022: 32
2021: 304
2020: 128
2019: 20
2018: 51
2017: 249
Engenia, Tavium, and XtendiMax formulations of dicamba are approved for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans only and are “Restricted Use Pesticides.” The dicamba products are only for retail sale to and use by certified applicators.
Pesticide product registrations are renewed on an annual basis in Minnesota.
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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us
The MDA is requesting proposals to develop curriculum that will support both certification and recertification for pestici