University of Missouri Extension recently released a list of pesticides approved for industrial hemp production in Missouri.
According to MU Extension Field Specialist, Justin Keay, in Missouri, hemp producers are allowed to use pesticides approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use on industrial hemp and registered with the state of Missouri.
This new list makes it easy for producers to find approved pesticides for managing hemp pests. Keay says that contracted buyers may have additional restrictions on pesticide use. To guarantee acceptance at harvest, growers should confirm pesticide approval with buyers prior to use.
Industrial hemp grown in rotation with conventional crops has the potential for residual herbicide contamination. Some herbicides carry over for many years, so it is important to know how the land was previously used and if treatment is necessary before planting hemp.