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To Be Aware Of The Cancellation Of Dicamba Products (XtendiMax, Engenia, FeXapan)

On June 13, 2020

To Be Aware Of The Cancellation Of Dicamba Products (XtendiMax, Engenia, FeXapan)

On June 3, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th circuit vacated the registrations of three dicamba products (XtendiMax, Engenia, FeXapan) labeled for over-the-top use in Xtend soybean systems. Extension Agronomists John Wallace and Dwight Lingenfelter explain we now have guidance from the EPA about use of these products in the 2020 growing season. Based on the Court’s decision, the EPA considers these products no longer to be registered as of June 3, 2020 but allows for use of existing stocks under limited conditions: 

The EPA order allows private and commercial applicators to use existing stocks that were acquired prior to June 3, 2020. Applications of these products are permitted until July 31, 2020.

The EPA order limits further distribution and sales of these products to only existing stocks that were in possession of commercial applicators prior to June 3, 2020 in order to facilitate use of the product by the July 31st deadline.

In light of these recent events, there are few more things to be aware of for the 2020 season. Though the July 31st deadline will permit postemergence use of these dicamba products in full-season soybean, keep in mind that the label restricts applications of these products to 45 days after planting or the R1 growth stage of soybean. Although it was not mentioned in the ruling, we do not recommend using dicamba as a burndown in double-crop soybeans since it can be risky. At that time of year, many sensitive crops and ornamentals are very susceptible to dicamba and weather conditions favor dicamba drift.

Tavium, which is a pre-mix of dicamba and S-metolachlor that can be applied up to the V4 growth stage in Xtend soybean, was not part of the ruling and will continued to be sold, though supply is likely to be limited. Keep in mind, other dicamba-containing products such as Clarity, Banvel, Status, and the many generics cannot be legally sprayed over-the-top of Xtend soybeans. Enlist E3 soybean varieties have not been affected by this lawsuit and thus registered 2,4-D choline products (Enlist One and Duo) can be used in that system. These 2,4-D products cannot be used in Xtend soybean systems, otherwise major crop damage will occur. 

To Be Aware Of Continuing Concerns With The COVID 19 Virus

Most people are weary of the restrictions and limits that have been a part of keeping our families safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone is looking forward to the day when this health threat is defeated and we can move on with our lives. However in spite of the common desire to move on, the virus is still a serious threat to our families.

In recent conversations I have had with folks from several local hospitals, there is a concern emerging. They are now seeing hospitalizations and sadly several deaths from the more rural isolated areas of southeastern PA. Since there are many in those areas who have not been tested and others who experience illness but do not seek medical treatment no one knows how widespread the issue is. But this trend is a reminder that we still need to remember this virus is serious and we need to follow some simple steps to reduce the risk to our families.

First if you’re sick or have been exposed to others who are sick, stay home! Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell. If you go outside your home, practice “social distancing”. Avoid shaking hands or other direct contact. Keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet from others. Wear a cloth mask when you are around other people outside the home. The mask should fit snugly but comfortably and cover your mouth and nose. Remove the mask from the ear bands or ties. Wash your hands immediately after touching or removing your mask.

To Earn Pesticide Credits By Taking A Correspondence Course

Penn State Extension is now offering a correspondence course, “Forage Disease Pesticide Update”, for private pesticide applicators and commercial pesticide applicators, categories 01 and 18.   The course cost is $10 and was developed by Extension Educators Nicole Santangelo and Liz Bosak . After registration, you will receive two workbooks, a quiz, and return envelope by mail.  Each workbook is about 18 pages of text with practice activities.  The quiz is ten questions and you will need to score a 70% score to pass.  Each participant has three opportunities to pass the quiz.  After passing the quiz, you will earn two core (00) and two category (PC, 01, 18) credits.

The core credit workbook will address pesticide recordkeeping.  Certified pesticide applicators in Pennsylvania must complete accurate records within twenty-four hours of a pesticide application. This workbook discusses each required component of a pesticide record, requirements for commercial, public, and private applicators, and aspects of the worker protection standard.

The category credit workbook will address forage diseases.  From rusts of cool-season grasses to water mold in alfalfa, forage diseases challenge dry hay, haylage, and pasture production in Pennsylvania. This workbook will review the disease cycle, common forage disease identification, and control options following integrated pest management protocols.

Register for the correspondence course online at https://extension.psu.edu/forage-disease-pesticide-update or call 1-877-345-0691 .  The course cost is $10; accepted payment methods are credit card and check.  Please note that this correspondence course can only be taken once to earn Pennsylvania pesticide applicator recertification credits.  For questions regarding the course, please contact Nicole Santangelo (814-274-8540, nls18@psu.edu) or Liz Bosak (717-582-6975, ejb246@psu.edu).  

Quote Of The Week “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.” Martin Luther King Jr.