Banvel / dicamba

WSSA Resistance Group: 4

Crop/non-crop registration: Corn, wheat, barley, rye, oats, turf, utility rights-of-way

Sensitive weeds: Annual, biennial, perennial BLW (broadleaf weeds); brush species; conifers; especially velvetleaf, Canada thistle, field bindweed & various triazine-resistant BLW.

Application method: PRE and POST in corn (POST only for others).

Absorption & Translocation: Readily absorbed by roots, stems, foliage and then translocated to other plant parts. Moves both through xylem and phloem (apoplast and symplast).

Mode of Action: Disruption of transport systems and interference with nucleic acid metabolism.

Metabolic pathway inhibited: Not completely understood;but similar to that of the endogenous auxin: indole acetic acid (IAA); specific site of action has not yet been identified.

Basis of Selectivity: Metabolized to non-toxic compounds by tolerant species.

Symptoms: Induces abnormal growth typical of growth-hormone herbicides ('epinastic bending'). Twisting, bending of stems and petioles; leaf curling and cupping and development of abnormal tissues and secondary roots. Plant death occurs from growth abnormalities - symptoms occur within hrs of application but death is a slow process: 3-5 wks.

Residuality: Intermediate (1-4 months); no problem in subsequent season if applied at recommended rates.

Toxicity: Oral LD50 = 1707 mg/kg - moderately toxic (BANVEL = 2629 mg/kg- slightly toxic).

Additional comments: Control is best when weeds are small and actively growing; high rainfall or cold temperatures after application may cause temporary corn injury, especially early in season; spray drift may be a problem, especially at high temperatures [>25°C (75°F)]; often tank-mixed with grass herbicides/or phenoxys to increase spectrum of control.