Milestone and ForeFront R&P Herbicides: New Tools for Rangeland and Pasture Weed Management

Indianapolis, IN (June 22, 2006) - Aminopyralid is a new herbicide in two new Dow AgroSciences products (Milestone™ and ForeFront™ R&P herbicides) that can be used in rangeland, permanent grass pastures, natural areas (wildlife management areas, natural recreation areas, campgrounds, trailheads and trails), and grazed areas in and around these sites. Aminopyralid is a new generation active ingredient that is effective at very low rates as compared to currently registered herbicides with the same mode of action, including 2,4-D, clopyralid, triclopyr, picloram and dicamba. Aminopyralid is a broadleaf weed herbicide that provides systemic, postemergence control of broadleaf weeds. Aminopyralid can provide residual control, thus reducing the need for re-treatment, depending on the rate applied and the target weeds.

Aminopyralid was accepted for evaluation under the US EPA's Reduced Risk Pesticide program in October 2004 based upon factors related to the management of noxious and invasive weeds in rangeland, pastures, and non-cropland, when compared to currently registered products. These factors included data and risk assessments for toxicological, ecotoxicological and environmental fate effects and other factors including: (1) equivalent or superior postemergence and residual control of a broad spectrum of difficult-to-control noxious and invasive broadleaf or semi-woody plants compared to currently registered herbicides; (2) reduction in environmental herbicide loading in rangeland and pastures, industrial vegetation management areas, and natural areas by offering control of many key species at rates substantially lower than labeled use rates for many currently registered herbicides; (3) residual weed control activity to reduce the need for re-treatment; (4) fit in integrated weed management programs; and (5) tolerance of established cool- and warm-season perennial grasses.

Milestone is a new option for ranchers, landowners and land managers to control invasive species and other broadleaf weeds that reduce forage production on grazing lands, degrade wildlife habitat, and cause economic losses. Milestone offers excellent control at low use rates. At labeled application rates between 3 to 7 fluid ounces of product per acre, Milestone provides season-long control of broadleaf weeds. Milestone controls several key weeds designated as noxious in many states, which include musk thistle, plumeless thistle, Canada thistle, spotted knapweed, Russian knapweed, and diffuse knapweed. Milestone is safe to desirable grasses.

Milestone is not a federally restricted use product. This herbicide can be applied up to the water's edge, where many broadleaf invasive weeds reside. Non-treated weeds near creeks, watering areas or stock ponds often are a source of undesirable broadleaf weeds that undermine weed management programs and facilitate weed spread to other areas. Milestone carries no grazing restrictions for any class of animal, including lactating dairy animals, beef cattle, horses, sheep, goats and wildlife. It can be applied by ground or by air, and is compatible with other herbicides.

ForeFront R&P is a premix product containing aminopyralid and 2,4-D that is not a federal restricted use herbicide. As a result, ForeFront R&P does not require a license to be purchased or applied. This product provides season-long control of many broadleaf weeds including biennial thistles, wild carrot, goldenrod, horsenettle, and ironweed . ForeFront R&P can be applied by ground or by air and mixes well with liquid fertilizer. ForeFront R&P has a wide window of application, extending through the fall. Recommended use rates range from 1.5 to 2.6 pints/acre, depending on target weeds. ForeFront R&P carries no livestock grazing restrictions, including beef and lactating dairy cattle.

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top tier agricultural company providing innovative crop protection, seeds, and biotechnology solutions to serve the world's growing population. Dow AgroSciences and Mycogen Seeds are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Dow Chemical Company, global sales for Dow AgroSciences are $3.4 billion. Mycogen, the retail seed brand of Dow AgroSciences, markets grain corn, silage corn and nutritionally enhanced corn seed, as well as sunflower, canola, soybean, alfalfa and sorghum seed through an extensive network of dealers across the United States. Learn more at www.dowagro.com and www.mycogen.com.