WASHINGTON — The EPA is accepting public comments on a proposal to register Enlist Duo containing glyphosate and the choline salt of 2,4-D for use in controlling weeds in corn and soybeans genetically engineered (GE) to tolerate 2,4-D.
Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to glyphosate-based herbicides and are posing a problem for farmers. If finalized, EPA’s action provides an additional tool to reduce the spread of glyphosate resistant weeds.
The proposal would impose requirements on the manufacturer, including monitoring and reporting to EPA, grower education and remediation and would allow EPA to impose additional restrictions on the manufacturer and the use of the pesticide if resistance develops.
The choline salt of 2,4-D, which is less prone to drift and volatilization than its other forms, is not currently registered for these uses.
Glyphosate, however, is already registered for several varieties of GE soybeans and corn. Since no new use pattern and no new exposures for glyphosate are being considered with this registration action, no further assessment is needed for glyphosate.
2,4-D is one of the most widely used herbicides to control weeds. 2,4-D has been registered for many years in the United States and is registered in dozens of countries.
Public comments must be submitted by May 30. Comments may be submitted to the EPA docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0195 at www.regulations.gov.
The agency expects to issue its final decision in late summer or early fall.
