U.S. EPA Extends Comment Period on Dow's Enlist Duo Herbicide

In response to requests, the U.S. EPA has proposed to extend for an additional 30 days the public comment period on the proposed regulatory decision to register Dow AgroSciences’ Enlist Duo herbicide, 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. Public comments have been opened until June 30, 2014.

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to glyphosate-based herbicides and are posing a problem for farmers. If finalized, this action would provide an additional tool to reduce the spread of glyphosate resistant weeds. To ensure that Enlist Duo successfully manages weed resistance problems, the proposal would impose requirements on the manufacturer including robust monitoring and reporting to EPA, grower education and remediation and would allow EPA to take swift action to impose additional restrictions on the manufacturer and the use of the pesticide if resistance develops.

EPA made this action available for public comment because 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.

After the comment period closes, EPA will review all of the comments and reach a final decision, which the Agency expects to issue in late summer or early fall.