The future of over-the-top (OTT) dicamba products for soybean farmers is uncertain heading into 2025. In February 2024, an Arizona federal court revoked the labels for OTT dicamba products such as Xtendimax, Engenia, and Tavium. This decision left farmers with limited options for the remainder of 2024. As of now, there are no approved labels for OTT dicamba applications on dicamba-resistant soybeans for 2025. New label submissions have been made to the EPA, but these come with significant changes and face lengthy review processes.
In light of this uncertainty, farmers must explore alternative weed management strategies. Options like glufosinate and glyphosate remain viable for postemergence applications in soybeans with the XtendFlex trait. Timely application and a robust residual program will be crucial for effective weed control. Additionally, dicamba products for corn remain unaffected by the court ruling and can be used as preplant burndown options in soybeans, adhering strictly to label restrictions.
Regulatory Challenges Facing Dicamba Products
The regulatory landscape for dicamba has become increasingly complex. Following the revocation of labels for OTT dicamba products in early 2024, farmers were left with only limited use for the rest of that year. Currently, there are no approved labels for OTT dicamba applications on dicamba-resistant soybeans for 2025. The lack of both pre-emergence and post-emergence options means farmers cannot rely on these products moving forward.
New label proposals submitted by major agrochemical companies like Bayer, Syngenta, and BASF include substantial changes. If approved, XtendiMax would be restricted to pre-emergence applications only, while Engenia and Tavium would have a V2 cutoff for their use. These proposals were submitted under the R170 registration for food use, which mandates a 17-month review period. Additionally, compliance reviews for the Endangered Species Act add further delays. Estimates suggest the entire review process could take up to 28 months, making it unlikely that dicamba will be available for OTT use in 2025 or even 2026. Farmers should not plan on having dicamba labeled for OTT use in the near future.
Exploring Alternative Weed Management Strategies
Farmers need to adapt to the changing landscape of weed management without relying on OTT dicamba products. Despite the challenges, several alternatives remain viable. For soybeans with the XtendFlex trait, options like glufosinate and glyphosate are still available for postemergence applications. Similarly, crops with the Enlist trait can utilize glyphosate, glufosinate, and 2,4-D for postemergence control.
A proactive approach is essential for effective weed management. Timeliness and a strong residual herbicide program are critical components. Farmers should apply postemergence herbicides early and ensure overlapping residuals before any weeds emerge. This strategy helps maintain crop health and productivity. Moreover, dicamba products for corn remain unaffected by the court ruling and can serve as preplant burndown options in soybeans, provided all label restrictions are strictly followed. However, these products are not labeled for OTT use in soybeans and must adhere to specific rainfall and waiting period requirements.