MDA Encourages Communication between Herbicide Applicators, Specialty Crop Producers

ANNAPOLIS, MD – As trees and plants green up and soil temperatures rise across the state, farm operations of all sizes and types are getting into full swing of planting season. Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Secretary Joe Bartenfelder is encouraging anyone who will be applying herbicide products during this busy season to be mindful of best management practices and use good communication with their neighbors.

“It’s important for our commodity crop farmers and our growing sector of specialty crop farmers to work together so everyone can be successful,” said Secretary Bartenfelder. “Herbicide applications are critical for corn and soybean production, but there are a number of specialty crops, such as grape vines, that are sensitive to these products.”

One way that farmers can open the door of communication is through MDA’s Sensitive Crop Locator database. This website is a free, voluntary service that allows those with pesticide sensitive crops, organic crops and beehives to report their locations. Herbicide applicators can review the site to gain an understanding of the locations of specialty crops in their area in order to take extra precautions for preventing the potential exposure of these crops to spray drift from neighboring fields. Applicators will also have access to maps and aerial photographs.

“For example, Maryland’s vineyards are currently beginning ‘bud burst,’ or the official start of the vines’ annual growth cycle, so these plants are extremely vulnerable right now,” said Secretary Bartenfelder. “It’s also time for our commodity crop growers to ready their fields for planting, including herbicide applications. Communication between all parties right now is important to ensure successful crop production for everyone.”

The off target movement of herbicides from the site of application, referred to as drift, may cause injury to desirable plants located in adjacent fields, or property. Spray drift is typically the result of small spray droplets being carried off-site by air movement. The main weather factors that cause drift are wind, humidity and temperature changes. Drift can injure foliage, shoots, flowers and fruits resulting in reduced yields, economic loss and illegal residues on exposed crops.

Farmers submit an application to MDA to have their crop data added to the mapping system. The Sensitive Crop Locator map, application and user guide can be found online here. For more information, contact Pesticide Regulation at 410-841-5710.

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