In an effort to quell complaints about the weedkiller dicamba, Monsanto invited dozens of weed scientists to a summit in St. Louis, “but many have declined, threatening the company’s efforts to convince regulators the product is safe to use,” said Reuters. The EPA is considering additional rules governing how and when the herbicide can be sprayed onto strains of cotton and soybeans genetically modified to tolerate the chemical.
The combination of the herbicide and seeds was touted as a tool for growers faced with invasive weeds that resist herbicides such as glyphosate. But there were widespread complaints of damage to neighboring crops. The problem was worst in northeastern Arkansas and southeastern Missouri. “Weed scientists from the two states declined to attend the summit on concerns about Monsanto’s response,” said Reuters. Monsanto, which blames the problems on faulty application, also sells drift-resistant versions of dicamba, though some weed specialists say the new formulations are still too volatile. The seed and ag chemical company has questioned their integrity.
BASF, which also sells a low-volatility version of dicamba, will hold its own meeting with scientists, and the American Soybean Association, representing growers, plans a meeting as well, said Reuters.