The U.S. EPA has requested comments concerning the registration of Balance Bean herbicide and Alite 27 herbicide. These two herbicides’ main active ingredient is isoxaflutole for use with HPPD tolerant soybeans.

The EPA has initiated the 30-day public comment period, effective Jan 15, 2020 to propose the registration for Alite® 27 Herbicide use on GT27 and LibertyLink GT27 soybean. For comments to be used, they must be submitted by Feb. 13, 2020 through the online comment process here.

This new technology brings a new tool for soybeans. Minnesota farmers in the southwest portion of the state are very familiar with the isoxaflutole herbicide as it has been used in corn since 1998.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) product bulletin has limited the use of the compound to areas with low leach loss capacity (OM>2%, higher clay content soils, etc.). Isoxaflutole is specifically prohibited in the following counties: Dakota, Doge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Wabasha and Winona, as well as north of I-94. It is anticipated that MDA will have similar limitations on Balance Beanand Alite 27.

The proposed EPA Balance Bean label for use in Minnesota is limited to Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne, Wadena and Wright counties.

As farmers seek more options for weed control in their fields, we encourage you to consider submitting your comments to the EPA on the Balance Bean and Alite 27 herbicides.