News

Isoxaflutole herbicides allowed in 12 Wisconsin counties

A pre-emergence corn herbicide popular in many states is now available in more Wisconsin counties.

The active ingredient Isoxaflutole was limited to eight southern counties when brought to Wisconsin last year for a product safety study. Now, it’s approved for 12 counties.

Ag Department spokesperson Donna Gilson tells Brownfield the herbicide was not allowed in Wisconsin for almost two decades after it was introduced.  “There were concerns about its effects on both surface and groundwater, and some effects on non-target crops, that it could actually hit on target crops kill those along with the weeds that corn farmers were trying to kill.”

 

Gilson says there are additional restrictions and the state is monitoring area groundwater.  “There are restrictions that apply to the type of soil and proximity to streams and rivers, lakes, reservoirs, basically to water sources so we’re really trying to give the company a chance to show that it can be used safely, but we are keeping a close eye on it.”

Corvus and Balance Flexx are the only two Wisconsin-licensed products, and they’re made by Bayer Crop Science.

 

The herbicide can be purchased in all 72 counties, but use is limited to 12.  The 12 counties that are part of a study allowing Isoxaflutole are Columbia, Dane, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Sauk, Grant, Lafayette, Walworth, Dodge, Green, Rock, and Waukesha.  Gilson says studies on Isoxaflutole are also being conducted in Minnesota and Michigan.

 

 

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!