By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor
A new herbicide for use on genetically-engineered soybeans has been approved for registration by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Isoxaflutole was first conditionally registered for use on field corn in 1998 and subsequently registered for field corn, seed corn and corn grown in 2004. It is a selective herbicide that controls broadleaf and grass weeds, and product labels state it is effective in controlling glyphosate- and auxin-resistant weeds.
“We’ve heard from farmers across the country about the importance of having new means available to combat economically-damaging weeds,” EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Alexandra Dapolito Dunn said. “We listened and believe this action balances the need to provide growers with the products necessary to continue to provide Americans with a safe and abundant food supply while ensuring our country’s endangered species are protected.”
The product is currently registered for use on corn in 33 states, including the Texas Panhandle region north of Interstate-20. As a “restricted-use pesticide,” applicators must receive training and certification to use the product or be supervised by a certified applicator.
EPA reviewed relevant data and conducted detailed human health and ecological assessments while considering the registration for soybeans genetically engineered to resist the herbicide.
“Based on this analysis and careful consideration of public input, EPA concluded that the application of isoxaflutole on genetically engineered soybeans with certain use conditions could be done in an environmentally-protective manner in certain parts of the country,” the statement said.
As with corn, the new registration is for restricted-use only, and EPA said applicator training will emphasize ways to protect ground and surface water, as well as non-target plants.
The herbicide is only registered for use in specific counties located in the Texas Panhandle and the northern and northeast parts of the state, Brant Wilbourn, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. “The registration of isoxaflutole for soybeans is very good news for Texas soybean farmers,” Wilbourn said. “Texas has many herbicide-resistant weeds, and our farmers welcome another tool to combat them. Herbicide-resistant weeds cause significant economic damage for farmers, so we welcome every new advancement in keeping farms profitable.”
More information, including the final registration decision, can be found here.