TIPTONVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee officials say trees at Reelfoot Lake are expected to recover after being harmed by a weed-killer that’s been the subject of complaints, lawsuits and investigations.
The Commercial Appeal reported Thursday an Agriculture Department analysis confirmed some trees there have been harmed by dicamba.
Department spokeswoman Samantha Jean says an investigation will determine its source as the dicamba could’ve been sprayed on any of roughly 20 area farms. She says anyone found to have improperly used dicamba faces up to $1,500 fines per violation.
Officials say dicamba can vaporize and recondense, or wind can carry droplets away. Sold under brands such as XtendiMax and Engenia it targets weeds that develop tolerance to other herbicides.
Dicamba manufacturers including Monsanto Co., BASF Corp. and DuPont say it’s safe if following label directions.
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Information from: The Commercial Appeal, https://www.commercialappeal.com
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