Arkansas governor approves state dicamba rules

Arkansas Plant Board logoArkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has approved proposed dicamba regulations that the Plant Board first adopted in December 2016.

As part of his Jan. 4 letter of support, Hutchison tasked the Plant Board with clarifying the methods and research it relies upon to approve new technologies.

“To this end, I’m tasking the Plant Board to submit a solution to me within 45 days, which provides clear rules to industry as to what the Plant Board expects in terms of prior study and testing by independent third-party research.”

At its Jan. 20 meeting, the Plant Board revisited the dicamba regulations but left them unchanged and as originally proposed.

Below are synopses of the Plant Board’s actions and are not meant to replace product labels. Additional questions should be directed to the Plant Board Pesticide division at 501-225-1598.

Dicamba

Applications of DMA salt and acid formulations of Dicamba labeled for agricultural use are prohibited. The Plant Board granted an exemption for pastures and rangeland, providing a 1-mile buffer in all direction from sensitive areas and non-target crops is maintained.

From April 15-Sept. 15, the board has prohibit application of all agricultural products that contain DGA salt and sodium salt of dicamba. This includes XtendiMax with VaporGrip technology from Monsanto. As with DMA dicamba, the board granted DGA dicamba an exemption for pasture and rangeland use as long as the 1-mile buffers from sensitive areas are maintained.

Engenia

For Engenia herbicide, a BAPMA dicamba from BASF Corp., the wind speed has been reduced to 10 mph. In addition, all applicators must first complete an online new technology certification course before use.

Users also must include a 100-foot buffer in every direction, except 1/4 mile downwind from the field of application, to sensitive areas and on-target susceptible crops identified by the product label.

Enlist Duo

For Enlist Duo (2,4-D with Colex-D technology) from Dow AgroSciences, the wind speed has been reduced to 10 mph, and all applicators must first complete an online new technology certification course before use.

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