Glufosinate label changes and issues with 2,4-D supply?

Glufosinate

Bayer recently made changes in the name, price, and some rates for glufosinate products.  The product “Ignite 280SL” has been renamed “Liberty” (it’s deja vu all over again).  The formulation has not changed – just the name.  The price of Liberty has increased by about 20%, but there are apparently some rebates associated with the purchase of LibertyLink soybeans that make it more economical to use.  

While the current label does not reflect this yet, Bayer is also recommending a minimum rate of 29 oz/A for POST applications in LibertyLink soybeans.  The rates for burndown use or POST use in corn have not changed. 

·      In our research with LibertyLink soybeans, the 22 oz rate has often been adequate for POST applications where a broad-spectrum residual herbicide has been applied at planting. 

·      The higher rate should provide more effective control of giant ragweed and annual grasses, although it is not likely to overcome the weakness of Liberty on barnyardgrass, yellow foxtail, and certain other grasses.  These should be controlled with residual grass herbicides applied at planting, or by mixing a POST grass herbicide with Liberty in POST applications. 

·      Moderate to high populations of giant ragweed will still be most effectively controlled with two POST applications of Liberty, similar to the best strategy when using glyphosate in Roundup Ready soybeans.

2,4-D

We are getting reports of a possible current scarcity in the supply of 2,4-D products, and also a possible concomitant price increase.  The reason - Dow is the major supplier of 2,4-D to other formulators/distributors, and the facility that produces it was apparently out of operation for several months.  We have no other information on this situation, but are mentioning it here so that growers can research the situation for themselves and take necessary steps to procure 2,4-D or adopt an alternative burndown program (more on these in the next newsletter).  Keep in mind that even with a small price increase, the combination of glyphosate and 2,4-D remains the most versatile and economical burndown treatment for many situations.