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In October 2017 the EPA approved revised labeling for new formulations of dicamba products which are marketed as Engenia (BASF), Xtendimax (Monsanto), and FeXapan (DuPont).  These new herbicides were developed in conjunction with the release of dicamba-tolerant soybean (Roundup Ready2 Xtend soybean varieties).  All three products, which were first available for applications during the 2017 growing season, are now classified by the EPA as “RESTRICTED USE” pesticides, meaning that either a commercial or private pesticide certification license must be held by individuals who purchase and apply these products.  

One of the significant changes with the revised labels is the requirement that applicators must attend a dicamba-specific training session prior to using these herbicide products.  Furthermore, the revised labels have more detailed restrictions outlining how the products should be applied including additional record keeping requirements and clarification regarding buffers and what constitutes sensitive areas and crops.  These new label guidelines must be followed when applying preplant, at planting, or postemergence on Dicamba-Tolerant soybean varieties, and with applications on corn, small grains, or other approved sites for applications.

To meet the mandatory dicamba training requirement for applications in Kentucky individuals must attend a training session that has been approved by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.  These training sessions will be presented by University of Kentucky weed scientists or by the registrants who market these dicamba products.  After an individual has completed the training the Kentucky Department of Agriculture will issue a ‘certification’ that will allow the participant to purchase and apply these dicamba products during the 2018 growing season.