In response to numerous complaints of suspected dicamba drift, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture issued emergency application restrictions on newer dicamba formulations. Use of older dicamba formulations are banned in Tennessee for the rest of the season.
The rules are in effect from July 11 to Oct. 1.
Among the new requirements are:
- Anyone applying dicamba products must be certified as a private applicator or licensed as a pest control operator in the category of Agricultural Pest Control (AGE), and is required to keep records for such applications.
- The use of older formulations of dicamba products for the remainder of this agricultural growing season is prohibited.
- To minimize the potential for off-target movement of the product due to temperature inversion, dicamba may only be applied from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the respective time zone for the location of application.
- Applying dicamba over the top of cotton after first bloom is prohibited.
Read the full text of the emergency restrictions by clicking here.
Suspected misapplications can be reported to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture at 800-628-2631 or 615-837-5148.
Violations may include suspension or revocation of a certificate and state penalties of up to $1,500 per violation. Federal penalties and possible criminal prosecution also may be added.