Key Takeaways
- The U.S. EPA approved a new federal registration for Bayer Crop Science's low-volatility dicamba herbicides in 34 states.
- Bayer will commercialize the registration under the Stryax dicamba herbicide brand.
- The decision supports in-crop weed control in dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.
- Specific application requirements include volatility and drift reduction measures.
- State-level approvals and applicator training will follow the federal registration.
Bayer Supports EPA Registration for Low-Volatility Dicamba Herbicides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new federal registration covering 34 states for low-volatility dicamba herbicides, enabling continued access to dicamba-based weed control tools for U.S. farmers growing dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton. The registration follows the EPA’s scientific review and is intended to provide growers with additional options to manage herbicide-resistant weeds.
Bayer welcomed the EPA’s decision, noting that weed pressure remains a significant challenge across major row crop systems. The registration allows approved low-volatility dicamba products to be used under defined application parameters designed to address volatility and drift concerns.
“We welcome the EPA’s scientific review and registration decision for low-volatility dicamba herbicides,” said Brian Naber, president of North America & Australia/New Zealand Region, Crop Science at Bayer. “Growers tell us they value the flexibility that dicamba, and XtendFlex soybeans and cotton, add to their operations.”
Bayer to Launch Stryax Dicamba Herbicide Under New Registration
Bayer confirmed it will launch the new registration as Stryax dicamba herbicide, which will be classified as a restricted use pesticide. The product is designed to support control of glyphosate-resistant broadleaf weeds as well as other difficult-to-control species.
According to the company, Stryax offers up to 14 days of soil activity on certain broadleaf weeds and is intended for in-crop use with XtendFlex soybeans, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans, and XtendFlex cotton. All applications will require the use of a qualified volatility reduction adjuvant (VRA), such as VaporGrip® Xtra Agent, in addition to a drift reduction agent (DRA) in the tank mix.
Approved Use Timing and Application Requirements
Under the federal registration, approved low-volatility dicamba herbicides may be applied in-crop up to seven days prior to harvest in XtendFlex cotton. In XtendFlex soybeans, applications are permitted through the R1 growth stage. These use parameters are intended to provide flexibility while maintaining compliance with federal standards.
“With a federal registration in hand, we’ll begin the process of seeking state approvals,” said Dr. Ty Witten, vice president of commercial stewardship, Crop Science at Bayer. “In the coming weeks, we’ll launch applicator training opportunities and stewardship education.”
Next Steps for Bayer and State-Level Approvals
Bayer stated it will work with individual states to secure the necessary state registrations before commercial availability. The company also plans to expand stewardship and applicator training programs to support proper use of Stryax dicamba herbicide.
According to Bayer, these efforts are aimed at ensuring growers and applicators understand application requirements while maintaining access to an important weed management tool for dicamba-tolerant cropping systems.
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