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Misuse of 2,4-D could threaten future weed-control

An extension weed scientist says herbicide drift is a problem again this year, and it’s not just over-the-top dicamba.

Kevin Bradley at the University of Missouri says he’s disappointed and concerned about the numerous complaints he’s getting of 2,4-D drift, which goes beyond neighboring soybean fields to damaging trees, gardens and neighboring properties.

“At what point is your field, your convenience, your costs, your weed control situation more important than your neighbors?”

Bradley says due to higher input costs, some applicators might be illegally using older 2,4-D formulations on Enlist soybeans.

“Those formulations are much more volatile.”

He says later burndowns due to the extended growing season, along with some windy days can also cause herbicide drift, but that’s not the primary cause. And Bradley says the misuse of 2,4-D could lead to additional regulations or threaten the future availability of Enlist technology, if it continues.

“The makers of the trait and the technology of are very well aware of this issue, and they’ve come out and said, you know, we’re not going to be able to keep this trait and technology around if there’s going to be abuse of it.”

He says there’s also been OTT dicamba drift in the Missouri Bootheel and other parts of the state this year.