On October 18, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the registration of glufosinate-P, a new herbicide active ingredient designed to manage weeds in crops such as field corn, sweet corn, soybean, cotton, and canola. This registration, informed by EPA’s Herbicide Strategy Framework introduced in August 2024, underscores the agency's commitment to balancing effective weed control with environmental protection and compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
A Milestone in Herbicide Regulation
Glufosinate-P is the first herbicide to undergo registration under the new Herbicide Strategy Framework, which standardizes mitigation measures to reduce impacts on federally listed species and their habitats. The framework enables EPA to meet its ESA obligations efficiently while minimizing environmental risks. Key mitigation measures for glufosinate-P include:
Prohibiting applications during rainfall or on saturated soils.
Maintaining protective buffer zones to limit spray drift.
Requiring adherence to the EPA’s Mitigation Menu and Endangered Species Bulletins to implement appropriate protective strategies.
Environmental and Agricultural Benefits
Compared to its predecessor, glufosinate, this new active ingredient offers equivalent efficacy with approximately half the application rate, resulting in reduced environmental impact. Its flexibility in application timing further supports postemergence weed control, enhancing its usability for both resistant and non-resistant crop systems. EPA’s comprehensive risk assessment concluded that glufosinate-P poses no significant human health risks. While potential ecological risks were identified for certain species, the mitigation measures implemented aim to prevent adverse impacts.
Supporting Sustainable Agriculture
The approval of glufosinate-P demonstrates EPA’s dedication to promoting sustainable agricultural practices while addressing regulatory and environmental challenges. This development is expected to benefit farmers by providing an effective, environmentally conscious solution for weed management. Source: EPA
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