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 are able to get on site and diagnose based on symptomology and collect records, there is no way to make a determination on 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 in getting rid of weeds and woody plants.

To request an investigation due to suspected dicamba symptomology, complete the Request for Suspected Dicamba 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