ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 14, 2008

EPA OKAYS HERBICIDE FOR KOCHIA IN FLAX

BISMARCK – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a Section 18 specific exemption for Spartan 4F^®, allowing North Dakota flax producers to use the herbicide to control kochia and ALS-resistant kochia.

“Kochia has flourished in central and western North Dakota in recent years,” said Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, who requested the action. “Making matters worse, much of the kochia is now resistant to herbicides that inhibit ALS (acetolactate synthase), thus reducing the options growers have for controlling the weed.”

Johnson said that left uncontrolled, kochia can reduce flax yields by an estimated 25 to 50 percent.

The exemption allows a single ground application of 3 to 8 fluid ounces of Spartan 4F^® per acre, depending on soil type. The application must be made up to 30 days before and three days after planting.

Applicators must follow all directions, restrictions and precautions on both the Section 18 use directions and the EPA- registered product label. They must have a copy of the Section 18 use directions in their possession during application.

The exemption allows for treatment of 250,000 acres of flax.

FMC Corp., the manufacturer of Spartan 4F^®, supported the exemption request.

North Dakota grows 94 percent of the nation’s flax.

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MEDIA: For more information, please call Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2233 or tquanrud@nd.gov or Patrice Lahlum at (701) 239-7210 or plahlum@nd.gov.