Dicamba

July 23, 2025, USEPA released for public comment its proposed registration for three (3) dicamba products for broadleaf weed control in dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.  

These proposed dicamba products would allow postemergence applications to dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans, commonly referred to as "over-the-top" (OTT) use.  

Specifically, EPA is proposing the following mitigation measures on the three products being proposed:

• A single use maximum application rate of 0.5 lb. acid equivalent (a.e.) dicamba per acre. 
• No more than two applications allowed with a maximum annual application of 1 lb. a.e. dicamba per acre from all combined dicamba-containing products.
• Prohibition of aerial applications.
• Maintaining a 240-ft downwind buffer.
• The spray solution must include an approved drift reduction agent and pH buffering volatility reduction agent added to the tank in higher percentages as temperatures increase. 
• Temperature-dependent application restrictions to manage volatility. Users have flexibility to implement temperature-dependent restrictions by reducing the percent of field treated, including by using precision agriculture techniques, or prohibiting certain tank mixes at higher temperatures.
• No applications at temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Three points of mitigation required based on the runoff/erosion mitigation menu.
• Users must access and follow any applicable endangered species bulletin from “Bulletins Live! Two” web-based system. Six points of runoff/erosion mitigation will be required in some pesticide use limitation areas where pesticide exposures are likely to impact the continued existence of a listed species, which may include a reduction in survival or recovery of the species.
• Applicators are required to wear baseline attire (i.e., long-sleeve shirt, long pants and shoes plus socks) along with personal protective equipment  including chemical-resistant gloves when handling these products. A NIOSH-approved dust/mist filtering respirator with any R, P, or HE filter is also required for all handlers of the BAPMA-salt-formulated product. There is a restricted entry interval  of 24 hours. Use is restricted to a limited number of approved states by certified applicators only. Applicators are required to complete additional dicamba-specific annual training and maintain records of all applications.

EPA understands that the proposed suite of mitigations is not standard and could present operational challenges for farmers. Therefore, EPA is particularly interested in receiving feedback about the temperature-dependent volatility mitigations, percent of field treated restrictions and any science-backed solutions to manage volatility. Detailed information about these mitigation measures is available in the proposed decision in and around Table 8 and in the Proposed Label Requirements section. 

To read more about the proposed registration of dicamba and to comment, see docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0154 at Regulations.gov. The public comment period will be open for 30 days, closing on 8/22/2025.

The U.S. EPA press release regarding the proposed registrations can be found here: EPA Dicamba Press Release

If the registrations of the three (3) products are granted following the public comment period, please be advised the the Illinois State Specific Dicamba Restrictions will still remain in affect.  (See Below)

Temperature Restriction

• A pesticide containing dicamba shall not be applied on soybeans if the air temperature at the field at the time of application is over 85 degrees Fahrenheit or if the National Weather Service's forecasted high temperature for the nearest available location for the day of application exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Local National Weather Service forecasts are available at https://www.weather.gov.

Cutoff Date Restriction

• Application on soybeans of a pesticide containing dicamba shall not be made after June 20 of each year.
• Before applying a pesticide containing dicamba on soybeans, the applicator shall consult the FieldWatch sensitive crop registry (https://www.fieldwatch.com ) and comply with all associated recordkeeping and label requirements.
• Application on soybeans of a pesticide containing dicamba shall not be made if the wind is blowing toward: any Illinois Nature Preserves Commission site that is adjacent to the field of application; or an adjacent residential area.