Enlist E3 soybeans await Chinese approval

The Enlist weed-control system that features tolerance to 2,4-D choline is a go for cotton. Ditto for corn. Soybeans?

Well, all is a go for a widespread commercial U.S. launch except for a familiar sticking point that caused the system that includes tolerance to 2,4-D not to widely commercially debut in 2018.

“We continue to seek import approval from China,” says Shawna Hubbard, product marketing manager with Corteva Agriscience, agriculture division of DowDuPont. Once approved, it’s a go. In the meantime, Corteva Agriscience is concentrating on stewardship of the soybean launch, she says. Hubbard and other Corteva Agriscience officials updated members of the agricultural media at a field day last week near Lebanon, Indiana.

WHAT THE ENLIST SYSTEM DOES

The Enlist system confers herbicide tolerance to a new 2,4-D formulation—2,4-D choline—and glyphosate in corn, soybeans, and cotton and fop herbicides in corn. Herbicide options include Enlist Duo, a mix of glyphosate, and 2,4-D choline. Enlist One is straight 2,4-D choline that can be tankmixed with approved label herbicides.

“We don’t recommend Enlist One be used alone,” says Hubbard. However, she says it gives farmers flexibility to mix with labeled products designed to match weeds in their fields.

Corteva Agriscience officials say it’s also important to use a preemergence product and also to use multiple effective modes of action as means to forestall resistance. “It is important to preserve the efficacy of each of them, so we continue to have (herbicide weed-control) options,” she says.

Corteva Agriscience officials say these herbicides that contain 2,4-D choline have an 87% and 96% reduction in volatility compared with existing 2,4-D amine and 2,4-D ester formulations, respectively. Meanwhile, Enlist Duo cuts drift potential 90% compared with older 2,4-D formulations when applied using low-drift-potential nozzles, say Corteva Agriscience officials.

Enlist E3 soybeans that can tolerate glyphosate, 2,4-D choline, and glufosinate are available this year via a closed-loop system to select growers through Brodbeck Seeds, Dairyland Seed, Mycogen Seeds, Pfister Seeds, and Prairie Brand Seed. If China gives approval, a full widespread commercial launch in soybeans ranging from relative maturity groups 0 to 5 will occur for 2019, says Hubbard.

“If I could say there is one silver lining—or perhaps as Dave (Hillger, Corteva Agriscience field specialist) puts it—an aluminum foil lining to our later anticipated launch date—is that it has given us a chance to refine our breeding program,” Hubbard says. “We have even more zeroed in on the best varieties for a particular maturity.”

She adds that the herbicides available for use on Enlist E3 soybeans gives farmers flexibility and the ability to customize their weed-control programs.

The later anticipated launch date has also given Corteva Agriscience officials a chance to observe what’s gone on with dicamba and off-target applications. “One thing we have learned from others is the need for a swift investigation and resolution of off-target concerns,” says Hillger. “It can be emotional when off-target movement occurs. You certainly do not want that emotion to fester and build because you are waiting for a company representative to come out and talk to you.

“Communication is important,” he adds. It can be difficult keeping track of competing herbicide-tolerant systems due to switches in land rental agreements. Still, Hillger says communication and planning with neighboring farmers ahead of time can help head off the potential for off-target situations.

MAINTAIN WEED SCIENCE PRINCIPLES

“This is not a system where you can forget about using other modes of action,” says Hillger. “So, keep fundamental weed science management principles in place.”

Farmers still need to get in their fields and scout, says Dave Roome, customer technical specialist for Corteva Agriscience. That’s not only the case for the present year, but upcoming years, as well, he says. Documentation of current weeds during the growing season can help with future weed-management decisions, he says.

Waterhemp, of course, remains public enemy number one for weeds in the Midwest, he says. Still, Palmer amaranth is also present. “Giant ragweed is coming back in full force in Indiana and in the Midwest,” adds Roome. “We are also seeing lots of the viney weeds like bindweed. Also, green and yellow foxtail are coming back.”