Wisconsin Seeks Public Comments on Potato Pesticide Use

State agriculture department proposes special registration for Linex® 4L herbicide to control weeds in potato crops

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting public comments through March 2, 2026 on a proposed special registration to allow the use of Linex® 4L herbicide, manufactured by Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc., to control weeds in potato crops, particularly in the state's Central Sands region where pesticide options are limited.

Why it matters

The special registration would help potato growers in Wisconsin address a growing weed problem, including common ragweed and Eastern black nightshade, which can outcompete potato crops and produce poisonous berries that present a hazard during harvesting. However, the registration would also impose restrictions on use in areas with shallow groundwater to protect the environment.

The details

Linex® 4L is currently registered for use in potatoes and other crops in Wisconsin, but not in sandy soils, which is why a special registration is necessary. The proposed registration would allow potato growers to control these problematic weeds, but would also restrict application in areas where the depth to groundwater is less than 30 feet, depending on the soil's organic matter content.

  • The public comment period is open until 4:30 p.m. on March 2, 2026.
  • The proposed registration would expire on December 31, 2030.

The players

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)

The state agency responsible for regulating pesticide use and accepting public comments on the proposed special registration.

Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc.

The manufacturer of Linex® 4L herbicide, which is the subject of the proposed special registration.

Otto Oemig

The DATCP official accepting public comments on the proposed special registration.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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