Minnesota Announces Dicamba Restrictions for 2023 Growing Season

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding pesticide applicators of the state's specific restrictions regarding the use of dicamba herbicide for the 2023 growing season.  To minimize drift and promote responsible usage, only three dicamba formulations, Engenia by BASF, Tavium by Syngenta, and XtendiMax by Bayer, are approved for application on dicamba-tolerant (DT) soybeans.  

In Minnesota, there are strict cut-off dates for applying dicamba on DT soybeans. South of Interstate 94, dicamba products cannot be used after June 12, while north of Interstate 94, the cut-off date is June 30. Additionally, applicators must consider temperature restrictions statewide. Dicamba cannot be applied if the air temperature exceeds 85° Fahrenheit at the time of application or if the forecasted high temperature for the nearest available location exceeds 85°.  The forecasted temperature should be recorded at the start of the application. 

It is essential for applicators to have all relevant labels in their possession when using these dicamba products. Compliance with these Minnesota-specific restrictions, as well as other restrictions specified on the product label, is mandatory. 

Announced on January 10, 2023, this year's cut-off dates follow the state's restrictions from the previous –07-2023growing season. These measures have led to a significant decrease in reported drift complaints. 

Dicamba herbicide is most effective early in the growing season, with product labels recommending its application on small broadleaf weeds that are up to 4 inches tall. After the cut-off dates, alternative herbicides from Group 9 (Glyphosate), Group 2 (Pursuit, Classic, FirstRate), and Group 14 (Flexstar, Cobra, Cadet, Ultra Blazer) can be used for weed management.  

For soybeans with the Enlist trait, Enlist One or Enlist Duo herbicides can control broadleaf weeds, while other 2,4-D formulations cannot be used postemergence on Enlist soybeans.  For herbicide-resistant weeds like waterhemp, following University of Minnesota Extension recommendations on layering residual herbicides, such as Dual, Outlook, Warrant, and Valor, is advised.  

It's important to note that postemergence dicamba products intended for soybean use are classified as "Restricted Use Pesticides" and can only be sold to and used by certified applicators.  By adhering to these guidelines, applicators can ensure proper usage of dicamba herbicides while preserving crop integrity and environmental safety.