Benfluralin (Benefin) Use in Montana: Alfalfa Seed Production

Date: June 14, 2004

From: Jane Thomas
Pacific Northwest Coalition Comment Coordinator
Pesticide Notification Network Coordinator
Pest Management Resource Service
Washington State University Tri-Cities

To: Harold Coble, USDA
Agronomist
USDA/ARS/OA
Office of Pest Management Policy
Cary, NC 27511
Voice: (919) 851-2621

Subject: Benfluralin (Benefin)

Benefin is used in alfalfa seed production in Montana. It is pre-plant incorporated and is applied at 2 pounds product per acre.

In Montana, the more severe spring climate can damage alfalfa seedlings. Here the pre-plant herbicide of choice is benefin because it causes less damage to the crop than a tank mix of Eptam/Treflan. In Montana spring weather damage can be great enough that using Eptam/Treflan pre-plant would result in an alfalfa stand that isn't viable, rather a reduced stand.

I hope that you find this additional information useful.

Jane M. Thomas
Pacific Northwest Coalition Comment Coordinator
Pesticide Notification Network Coordinator
Pest Management Resource Service
Washington State University Tri-Cities
2710 University Drive
Richland, WA 99352
Phone: 509-372-7493
Fax: 509-372-7491
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