The EPA reviews Syngenta's new product proposal, and the use of triticolobin is again attracting attention

Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received an application from Syngenta for a new product containing the registered active ingredients Dicamba and S-metolachlor, including the over-the-top (over-the-top) application of Dicamba-resistant cotton and soybeans. Because the application relates to a new pattern of use of Dicamba, the agency is offering a 30-day public comment period on the registration application under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

Syngenta's proposed labeling allows for application before, during and immediately after planting, as well as topside application during soybean plant growth to the "V2" stage, no later than June 12 of each year. For Dicamba resistant cotton, application time is allowed before, during and immediately after planting, as well as top application before the cotton plant reaches the 6-leaf stage, no later than July 30 of each year.

Dicamba is a widely used herbicide registered for specific growth stages of corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, sugar cane and other crops. However, there has been a significant increase in non-target crop damage incidents associated with the use of Dicamba since it was first registered in 2016, highlighting the serious risks the product poses to non-target organisms and critical habitats.

• In 2017 and 2018, due to crop damage and economic losses caused by the drift of Dicamba, EPA amended the registration of all Dicamba products containing OTT uses;  
• In June 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit vacated the 2018 registration on the grounds that the EPA had grossly underestimated its risks. Subsequently, the EPA issued an order for the affected products, involving existing inventory.
• In October 2020, the EPA re-approved the registration of two formulations, XtendiMax (Bayer) and Engenia (BASF), and extended the registration of Syngenta's Tavium formulation product. At the time of approval, all three products adopted new risk reduction measures to avoid the harm caused by Dicamba drift;
• In December 2021, the EPA released its 2021 Summary report of adverse events for Dicamba. Despite the risk mitigation measures implemented by the EPA in the October 2020 registration of Dicamba, there has been little change in the number, severity, and geographic scope of adverse event reports caused by Dicamba.
• In March 2022, the EPA approved additional labeling to further restrict OTT use of Dicamba in Minnesota and Iowa. 
• In February 2024, the United States District Court for the District of Arizona revoked permits for BASF, Bayer and Syngenta to spray Engenia, XtendiMax and Tavium directly on top of plants. And issued an existing stock order on Feb. 14, allowing for the limited sale and distribution of Dicamba top applied products that are already owned by growers or in trade channels and not controlled by pesticide companies.

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