Alert

EPA Approves New Herbicide Active Ingredient Glufosinate-P

November 4, 2024

On October 18, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the registration of a new herbicide active ingredient, glufosinate-P. This approval marks a significant milestone in agricultural weed management, offering an alternative to the banned weedkiller dicamba.

What is Glufosinate-P?

Glufosinate-P is a broad-spectrum herbicide that inhibits photosynthesis and causes an excess build-up of ammonia, which is toxic to plants in high concentrations. It is effective in controlling weeds in both conventional and glufosinate-resistant crops such as field corn, sweet corn, soybean, cotton, and canola.

Benefits and Uses

The EPA’s approval of glufosinate-P and glufosinate-P ammonium offers a new weed control solution for corn and soybean farmers. This comes after dicamba was restricted due to health concerns. Notably, this approval is the first under a new strategy aimed at protecting endangered species.

One of the key benefits of glufosinate-P is its flexible application timing, allowing for post-emergence weed control over glufosinate-tolerant crops and early-season use in non-tolerant crops. Additionally, glufosinate-P requires approximately half the application rate compared to currently registered glufosinate products, resulting in fewer chemicals entering the environment.

Environmental and Health Assessments

Before granting the final registration, the EPA conducted thorough evaluations to assess the potential hazardous effects and exposures to human health and the environment. The assessments revealed no human health risks of concern for the uses of glufosinate-P. However, potential risks were identified for terrestrial and aquatic plants, as well as chronic risks to mammals, bees, and other terrestrial invertebrates that may forage in treated fields.

The EPA asserted that adherence to the revised label instructions will mitigate risks to both plant and animal life, encompassing endangered species and their natural habitats. It contended that the proposed glufosinate-P products would result in a diminished quantity of chemicals entering the environment, as they necessitate approximately half the application rate to achieve efficacy.

Farmers Pushback

Agricultural organizations have voiced opposition to the enhanced herbicide restrictions, asserting that they will impose undue regulatory burdens on farmers reliant on conventional crop protection methods. The American Soybean Association (ASA) issued a statement indicating that the additional limitations surpass previous safety determinations. Alan Meadows, an ASA director from Tennessee, remarked, “The EPA seems to have capitulated to pressure from environmental organizations by imposing further Endangered Species Act restrictions on farmers.” This development establishes a worrisome precedent for growers.

Mitigation Measures

To address these risks, the EPA has implemented mitigation measures to reduce exposure to non-target species and minimize impacts on federally endangered and threatened species and their habitats. These measures include maintaining a 10-foot buffer for ground applications to prevent spray drift.

The Takeaway

The approval of glufosinate-P represents a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture, providing farmers with an effective tool for weed management while ensuring the protection of human health and the environment. As the first herbicide approved under the EPA’s new Herbicide Strategy Framework, glufosinate-P sets a precedent for future herbicide registrations aimed at balancing agricultural productivity with environmental conservation.