Restrictions on 2, 4-D Herbicide Application for 2008 given

For several crop seasons, a growing problem had emerged with damage to non-target crops, gardens, and other plants, primarily in the parishes of Evangeline, St. Landry, Avoyelles and Rapides. This damage resulted, primarily from herbicides in the Phenoxy group, which consists, for the most part, of plant hormonal growth regulators. The most common used in this area include those in the 2, 4-D family, or mixes using 2, 4-D as one of the main ingredients, such as Grazon P +D, Weedmaster, Weedar, Crossbow, as well as many of the commercial lawn herbicides under different trade names. These herbicides are used by many of our parish rice growers, cattlemen, hay producers, and homeowners.

As a result of these problems, normal waiver restrictions as well as a special permit process were put in place. In the past, these restrictions have been on commercial applicators using ground rig or aerial application of 2, 4-D or any herbicides containing 2, 4-D in the mixture.

This year, as last year, the regulations will affect both commercial and private applicators as follows:

•April 1, to April 30: Waiver for commercial ground Permit for commercial aerial

•May 1, to August 1: No commercial or private application of 2, 4-D Herbicides or 2, 4-D mixes in Evangeline Parish ; Exception for permitted applications only in the following area: south of state Highway 104 and state Highway 26-North of Highway 190 between state Highway 165 and state Highway 13 in Allen and Evangeline parishes.

•August 1, to September 15: Waiver for aerial or ground commercial application

Waivers may be obtained from the district office of the La. Dept. of Ag. and Forestry, located in Opelousas (227)-948-0230. Permits may be obtained from the state office of the La. Dept. of Ag. and Forestry, Baton Rouge. (225-925-3763).

This ban and/or waiver, permit system does not apply to hand injections of pesticides which are usually used in forestry or tree and brush deadening situations. These are commonly referred to as “hack and squirt” applications where the applicator chops into the bark layer and injects pesticide to deaden the plant.

Anyone who would like further explanation of these regulations, or if you have questions about the 2, 4-D Restrictions, please feel free to contact: The Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture Regional office in Opelousas, at (337)-948-0230, or Keith Fontenot, county agent at the Evangeline Parish office of the LSU AgCenter at (337-363-5646).