The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) on Thursday, submitted comments to Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) concerning the Chlorpyrifos Special Registration Review.

MSGA stressed that Chlorpyrifos is an imperative tool to help sustain soybean yields by combating yield-robbing pests such as soybean aphids and spider mites.

With Minnesota having a limited number of chemical and biological options for pest management, Chlorpyrifos is needed to protect soybean plants. The three main chemical families to combat soybean aphids in Minnesota are Organophosphates, Pyrethroids and Neonicotinoids. Currently, Minnesota has tightened restrictions on Neonicotinoids and resistance has been documented in Pyrethroids.

“Farmers are dealing with resistance because we have fewer options to use,” said Jamie Beyer, MSGA President. “Chlorpyrifos is an important tool for farmers to combat aphids, and is one of only a few tools we have left.”

The rise in Chlorpyrifos use is directly related to the rise in resistance, Beyer said. MSGA called on MDA to engage in research and outreach, which Beyer says has been an effective tool for addressing any Chlorpyrifos issues.

Pointing to MDA’s Chlorpyrifos Response Plan of September 2019, Beyer noted that due to outreach and communication to farmers, MDA was able to delist Seven Mile Creek, located between Mankato and St. Peter, for detection of Chlorpyrifos after six years.

“MSGA is prepared to help in any way we can to get the best management practices out to soybean growers,” Beyer said. “With the increased use due to resistance it is important MDA looks at what has successfully led to delisting in the past and stay committed to those winning efforts.”

Read the comments from the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association below.