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Common-sense approach to latest herbicide technologies

An agronomist recommends a common-sense approach as farmers take advantage of the latest weed control technologies.

Dan Koehler with DeKalb/Asgrow is based in Minnesota, a state that recently approved Monsanto’s Xtendimax herbicide—a Dicamba product–for use on Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans.

He says growers are excited, but cautious.

“They remember the Dicamba, the Banvel of old, where there was a lot of volatilization.  Well, this is a much-improved technology.  It’s virtually 99 percent less volatile.”

Koehler suggests farmers simply follow the label.

“If you look at other labels on herbicides you spray, are there buffers on there?  Do they recommend wind speeds?  And Best Management Practices like that.  And when we talk about it that way, there isn’t really anything that much different about Xtendimax.”

Koehler says if there’s a sensitive crop downwind, and the wind is blowing in that direction, don’t spray.

All 10 Brownfield states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin) have approved application of Xtendimax with VaporGrip technology on Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans.

The herbicide is one of three new Dicamba products entering the market this year.