News

U.S. dicamba-injured crops/plants increasing

The University of Missouri Weed Science Department has compiled dicamba soybean injury reports this season from university weed scientists and acreage is higher than what state ag departments are reporting. MU professor Kevin Bradley tells Brownfield the weed scientists estimate 380-thousand acres of soybeans injured in 10 states, including Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois, “That is much higher than what is actually being reported to the departments of ag and so I think that’s kind of one of the take home messages this year, there’s just not a lot of interest in reporting these issues among a lot of people, anyway.”

Bradley says there is a lot less in-season spraying going on this year, compared to last. He believes restrictions from the EPA and states on dicamba application will reduce the numbers of damaged crops this year and says he stands by his research showing product volatility is one of the factors for damages.

Bradley expects the numbers to grow over the next few weeks. Reports of soybean damage in the south are behind what’s expected because of later planting.

AUDIO: Interview with Dr. Kevin Bradley ~