Dicamba and Metabolites

As more weeds become resistant to glyphosate, herbicide manufacturers have turned to alternative herbicides such as dicamba (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid). Dicamba targets broadleaf weeds by replenishing the plant’s growth rate, causing the plant to outgrow its nutrient supply and die. Dicamba-resistant crops of cotton, soybeans, and other broadleaf plants have been produced so that herbicides can be applied without compromising crop integrity. As dicamba use has increased, concerns have been raised about the negative effects of dicamba on nonresistant crops and dicamba that has drifted from sprayed areas. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has implemented protocols for the 2018 growing season to minimize the occurrence of spray drift and outline the appropriate application of dicamba. Additional information on these requirements can be found here. CIL produces both labeled and natural standards for dicamba, as well as three common metabolites: 2-methoxy-3,6-dichloro-5-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid (DCSA), and 3,6-dichloroortho acid (DCGA). These new standards complement our extensive list of local and labeled herbicide standards.