For states that allow Bayer training, a self-guided computer based training option will be available January 2021. Please check-in at RoundupReadyXtend.com/training for availability.
Also, live Webinars will be led by authorized trainers. Trainees MUST sign-up/pre-register to attend a live webinar.
Kurt Vollmer, Extension Weed Management Specialist
University of Maryland
On September 28, Bayer announced that the European Commission has authorized XtendFlex soybean technology for food, feed, import and processing in the European Union. XtendFlex soybeans have tolerance to glyphosate, glufosinate, and dicamba. With this approval, Bayer expects a full launch in the United States and Canada in 2021. However, no dicamba-containing products are currently registered for over-the-top applications in soybean. Previously registered dicamba products including Xtendimax, Engenia, FeXapan, and Tavium are still pending re-registration for use next season.
Over 300 agricultural organizations recently sent a letter (http://wssa.net/wp-content/uploads/Neguse-Udall-FIFRA-letter.pdf) to members of the House and Senate opposing legislation that would drastically amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
For more information on H.R. 7940 and S.4406 (the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act of 2020) visit https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/7940/text?r=7&s=1.
To send a letter to your lawmakers opposing the current legislation visit https://www.votervoice.net/CropLifeAmerica/campaigns/77203/respond.
EPA press release
WASHINGTON (June 8, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a key order providing farmers with needed clarity following the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ June 3, 2020 vacatur of three dicamba registrations. Today’s cancellation order outlines limited and specific circumstances under which existing stocks of the three affected dicamba products can be used for a limited period of time. EPA’s order will advance protection of public health and the environment by ensuring use of existing stocks follows important application procedures.
“At the height of the growing season, the Court’s decision has threatened the livelihood of our nation’s farmers and the global food supply,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Today’s cancellation and existing stocks order is consistent with EPA’s standard practice following registration invalidation, and is designed to advance compliance, ensure regulatory certainty, and to prevent the misuse of existing stocks.”
EPA’s order will mitigate some of the devastating economic consequences of the Court’s decision for growers, and particularly rural communities, at a time they are experiencing great stress due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Details of the Order
EPA’s order addresses sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks of the three affected dicamba products – XtendiMax with vapor grip technology, Engenia, and FeXapan.
Background
On June 3, 2020, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order vacating EPA’s pesticide registrations containing the active ingredient dicamba: Xtendimax with Vaporgrip Technology (EPA Reg. No. 524-617); Engenia – (EPA Reg. No. 7969-345); and FeXapan – (EPA Reg. No. 352-913).
Dicamba is a valuable pest control tool that farmers nationwide planned to use during the 2020 growing season. Since the Court issued its opinion, the agency has been overwhelmed with letters and calls from farmers citing the devastation of this decision on the millions of acres of crops, millions of dollars already invested by farmers, and threat to America’s food supply.
Kurt Vollmer, Weed Management Extension Specialist
University of Maryland
On June 3, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision vacating the registration of three dicamba herbicides, Xtendimax® (Bayer), Engenia® (BASF), and FeXapan (Corteva). However, this ruling does not seem to include Tavium® (Syngenta). This ruling is a result of a lawsuit filed against the EPA’s 2018 registration decision (https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/epa-announces-changes-dicamba-registration) requesting that U.S. registrations of certain low-volatility dicamba formulations be vacated. If the label remains vacated, growers who have planted dicamba tolerant soybeans will not be able to use dicamba-containing products in their weed control program. That is unwelcome news to those who plan to use it to control glyphosate and ALS-resistant common ragweed and Palmer amaranth. As a result, PPO-inhibiting herbicides (Group 14) such as (Cobra®, Reflex®, Ultra Blazer®) are the only labeled products that will provide POST control of these weeds in dicamba tolerant soybeans. Further information and updates on this issue can be found by going to https://www.roundupreadyxtend.com/Pages/xtendimax-updates.aspx?utm_source=Various_Collateral.
Erika Crowl, Agriculture Agent Associate
University of Maryland Extension, Baltimore County
In October 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved revised labels for Engenia (EPA Reg. No. 7969-345), FeXapan (EPA Reg. No. 352-913), and Xtendimax (EPA Reg. No. 524-617). While the EPA revised labels, they also announced the registration extension on dicamba for two years for “over-the-top” use on dicamba tolerant cotton and soybean plants.
Changes for 2019:
Records must be generated within 72 hours of application instead of 14 days. Must also include planting date on records. Record keeping forms for Engenia, FeXapan, and Xtendimax may be found online on the product website.
Please note this is not a comprehensive list of label changes for each dicamba product. I would encourage all applicators to read in detail all requirements on each specific product label. To find local dicamba trainings, please consult your local extension agent or Maryland residents may take the online training