2,4-D in Corn: Setting the Record Straight

May 1, 2026
Crop Protection

*This content was previously published by Corteva Agriscience.

As you’re talking to farmers about PowerCore® Enlist® corn, you may hear some common misconceptions about 2,4-D. The good news is these myths are pretty simple to clear up. This handy myth-busting guide can help you overcome objections in sales conversations and open more customers up to the opportunities of planting PowerCore Enlist corn.

Myth: You can’t spray 2,4-D past early post stage.

Reality: PowerCore Enlist corn is tolerant to 2,4-D choline in Enlist® herbicides, allowing you to spray up to 30” corn. (And if you’re using drop nozzles, up to 48” corn.) That’s a longer window than when using older forms of 2,4-D on corn without the Enlist® corn trait. Also, Enlist One® and Enlist Duo® herbicides are the only 2,4-D-containing herbicides that you can spray on PowerCore Enlist corn. Generic forms like 2,4-D amine and 2,4-D ester are not authorized.

Myth: 2,4-D injures emerged corn.

Reality: The Enlist trait in PowerCore Enlist corn confers robust tolerance to 2,4-D choline in Enlist herbicides. When used according to the label, there’s no risk of twisting, brittleness or brace root injury that you might have experienced with older forms of 2,4-D in non-Enlist corn.

Myth: 2,4-D isn’t as effective in burndown.

Reality: The burndown rate for traditional 2,4-D is 0.5 lb ae/A. The Enlist herbicide burndown rate is 1.0 lb. ae/A. This higher rate is much more effective.

Myth: You can’t spray a grass herbicide on corn.

Reality: PowerCore Enlist corn is tolerant to four herbicides: 2,4-D choline in Enlist herbicides, glyphosate, glufosinate and FOP herbicides. FOP tolerance in corn is a new development, allowing you to spray Assure® II herbicide to control grasses

Myth: Glufosinate doesn’t fit with corn.

Reality: The Enlist® weed control system allows you to diversify herbicide modes of action. In cases of resistant weeds, Enlist One herbicide plus glufosinate is one of the most effective post tank-mix solutions on the market to fight emerged waterhemp and pigweed.

Myth: Using 2,4-D in both soybeans and corn will only create resistance issues.

Reality: When used properly as part of a program approach, applying 2,4-D to corn is a tool to lessen resistance development to traditional corn herbicides. Sustainable programs are achievable. Enlist herbicide use recommendations always include residuals and incorporating multiple modes of action in post applications to reduce resistance risks and keep this technology working for the long term in both corn and soybeans.

¹ FulTime® NXT and Keystone® NXT are Restricted Use Pesticides. ² Not all FOP herbicides are labeled for use in Bt corn products with the Enlist® trait. Before use, review the product label to ensure the product is labeled for use on Bt corn with the Enlist® trait.

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