I am sure that all of you are aware of the forthcoming 2,4-D and dicamba tolerance in soybeans.  These new technologies have been eagerly anticipated as a tool to use against herbicide resistant (HR) weeds, especially those resistant to glyphosate.

Now it seems that producers will have a longer wait before these new technologies become available.  Several recent articles, one of which is cited here, refer to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service statement that outlines the increased scrutiny and testing that is being required before these two technologies can be finally approved.  This new policy will delay the availability of these technologies by a year or more.

The forthcoming use of soybean varieties that are tolerant of the above two herbicides has obviously generated considerable debate about the environmental impacts of their use.  I urge you to read a complete and thorough review of this subject in an article published by Purdue University Extension.  This article discusses the background leading to the development and evolution of these two genetically engineered (GE) traits, a description of the two technologies, and concerns about, factors affecting, and methods of minimizing off-site movement of the two herbicides when they are used on tolerant crops.

As more GE crops with herbicide resistance are developed, it is a safe assumption that this type of increased scrutiny will be the norm rather than the exception before forthcoming HR crops will become commercially available.  All parties will be watching how these HR crops and their intended herbicide partners are used and applied, how effective and economical they are at managing their intended weed targets, and how they may impact nontarget plants.  It will be incumbent on producers to ensure that all label requirements are followed so that targeted plants are controlled and nontarget plants are unaffected.

In its efforts to support newly developed HR weed management technology, the MSPB is funding research projects with objectives of assessing the effect of environmental factors on off-site movement of these two herbicides and pesticides in general.  The ultimate goal of these projects is to define and refine guidelines that will ensure safe and environmentally sound application of pesticides in order to prevent their misuse and ensure their longevity as a tool for controlling targeted problem pests.

Composed by Larry G. Heatherly, June 2013, larryheatherly@bellsouth.net