Five tips to keep in mind for dicamba applications

Industry leaders and growers talk dicamba certification, stewardship and communication

With planting complete, dicamba applications are winding down. However, applicators making their last sprays should still keep in mind the importance of proper stewardship and following the application checklist. Recently, Scott Kay, BASF Vice President of U.S. Crop Protection, and Logan Grier, BASF Technical Marketing Manager, along with Hunter and Rusty Grills, two growers from Newbern, Tennessee, discussed application best practices and the keys to success with dicamba-tolerant technology.     

 

Here are five key takeaways from their conversation:

 

1. Get dicamba certification

 

In 2018, all growers planning to make applications of dicamba this season are required to go through dicamba- or auxin-specific training. Online training is available through the Engenia® Herbicide Stewardship Portal, and satisfies the U.S. EPA requirements for dicamba application. Some states have additional training requirements, so applicators are encouraged to reach out to their state agency to learn more about state-specific standards.

 

2. Follow the label

 

It’s important for applicators to follow the label when it comes to using dicamba products like Engenia® herbicide. Factors that can impact on-target applications of dicamba include wind, temperature inversions, tank mixes and even nozzle selection, to name a few.

 

“I did a training up in Illinois for about 350 applicators, and afterwards I had a chance to talk with a lot of those folks,” said Logan Grier, BASF Technical Marketing Manager. “They actually really appreciated how the training shows the impact of off-label applications and the importance of doing everything correctly.”

 

3. Communication is key

 

Grier also highlighted communicating with fellow growers, saying, “We emphasize the importance of talking to neighbors, and we heard this year a lot of people are doing a really good job of this. They are understanding what's around their field, and the best places to apply dicamba based on their surroundings.”

 

Knowing what neighbors have planted around dicamba-tolerant fields is important to having success with this technology.

 

When asked about his experience using Engenia herbicide, Hunter Grills, a ninth-generation grower, said, “Make sure that you're communicating and you know what your neighbors are planting and you know what their plans are for the year. Build that relationship and respect their choice.”

 

4. Stewardship means responsibility

 

Having access to dicamba products in the future means using the product responsibly now, by reading the label, following instructions, receiving training and never illegally applying after cutoff dates.

 

“It really comes down to responsibility and making sure we're being responsible with these products so we can secure our future,” said Hunter.

 

5. Working together is working better

 

From state agencies and growers to legislators and researchers, and everyone in between, it’s vital that all industry stakeholders have a place in the conversation around proper and effective dicamba application.

 

“When it comes to the topic of dicamba use, it is critical for the industry to work together,” said Kay. “When we work together, we work better, we grow better and we live better.” 

 

With these conversations, comes better preparedness for the coming months. To learn more about dicamba stewardship best practices, please visit EngeniaStewardship.com.

 

Engenia is a U.S. EPA Restricted Use Pesticide.

 

Please check with your state pesticide regulatory authority as additional requirements may be imposed by state regulatory agencies.

 

Always read and follow label directions.

 

Engenia is a registered trademark of BASF.