ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 4, 2010

EPA APPROVES HERBICIDE FOR KOCHIA IN FLAX FIELDS

BISMARCK – Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring says North Dakota flax growers can again use Spartan 4F® to control kochia and ALS-resistant kochia in their fields.

“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved my request for a new Section 18 specific exemption for Spartan 4F on flax, because kochia continues to flourish in much of the state,” Goehing said Tuesday. “Many producers are finding their options for controlling the weed are limited because much of the kochia is now resistant to herbicides that inhibit ALS (acetolactate synthase).”

ALS is an enzyme essential to a plant’s metabolism.

Goehring said that 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 from 30 days before to 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, and expires June 30.

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

North Dakota produced 95 percent of the nation’s flax in 2009.

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MEDIA: For more information, please contact Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2231 or tquanrud@nd.gov.