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Wisconsin considering Reflex for lima beans

Wisconsin officials are close to approving the use of Reflex herbicide on Lima beans.  Donna Gilson, with the Wisconsin Ag Department, tells Brownfield the chemical will likely be granted a special registration in April to help farmers battle two invasive weeds.  “Two of the weeds that Lima bean growers have particular problems with are Palmer amaranth and nightshade.  The problem with Palmer amaranth is that it’s a relatively new invasive plant in Wisconsin and it can just take over a field so quickly because it produces so many seeds.”

Gilson says Lima bean growers want better control of nightshade.  “At the end of the season, it produces toxic berries, so if you want to sell your crop to a processor and a representative from that processor sees that there’s any nightshade in a field at all, he or she is not going to buy your crop.”

 

The comment period for the special registration ends April 5^th.  Gilson says the ag department is prepared to file the special registration paperwork soon after that so growers can use Reflex for five years, starting this season.

Reflex is made by Syngenta using fomesafen as the active ingredient.  It’s already allowed in Wisconsin for use on dry beans, potatoes, snap beans, and soybeans.  Gilson says once approved, the new Wisconsin Reflex labels will be available at retailers and on their website.