The Arkansas State Plant Board (ASPB) investigates in response to complaints or allegations filed by citizens. Each year, the ASPB handles a significant number of complaints relating to alleged chemical misuse; the complaints may name a suspected chemical, but until inspectors can get on-site and diagnose based on symptomology and collect records, there is no way determine the chemicals used. Since 2015, the ASPB has worked to investigate and in some cases prosecute for a higher than normal volume of dicamba-related complaints.

Dicamba is a selective herbicide in the chlorophenoxy family of chemicals. It comes in several salt formulations and an acid formulation. It is a common herbicide used to eliminate weeds and woody plants.

To request an investigation due to suspected dicamba symptomology, complete the Request for Alleged Pesticide Misuse/Drift Investigation or call 501-225-1598 and ask to speak to the Pesticide Division.

Laws & Regulations

• Arkansas Rules on Pesticide Use
• Chapter 16 - Arkansas Pesticide Control Act and Regulations
• Chapter 20 - Arkansas Pesticide Use and Application Act and Rules (Green Book)
• Pesticide Enforcement Response Rules (Red Book)

Arkansas Training and Resources

• USDA Definition of Specialty Crops
• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Herbicide Resistance Management, by UAEX
• Pesticide Training, Education, & Licensing, by UAEX
• Prevention and Control of Glyphosate Resistant Pigweed in Soybean and Cotton, by UAEX
• Arkansas Pesticide Training 2022 (436.96 KB)

Other Resources

• Association of American Pesticide Control Officials Dicamba Resources