Selecting herbicide-tolerant soybeans is just the first step. Protecting your yield potential requires carefully managing each variety’s specific herbicide system. 

Today’s trait platforms offer multiple options, and each comes with distinct herbicide tolerances. Misapplying herbicides, even slightly, can lead to crop injury, lost yield, and legal risk. Matching the right herbicide to the right trait system is critical to your agronomic and regulatory success.

Trait vs. Herbicide System: Why It Matters

Herbicide tolerance traits are not interchangeable. Each system has a unique set of compatible chemistries, application windows, and label requirements.

The wrong match, or an off-label application, can harm your crop, cause drift to neighbors’ fields, and invite compliance issues with regulators.

Understanding trait compatibility protects your crop and ensures the herbicide system does what it’s designed to do: support effective weed control without compromising plant health.

Glyphosate (Roundup® Herbicide) Tolerance: A Shared Base

All three major trait systems, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend®, XtendFlex®, and Enlist E3®, are tolerant to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® herbicides. While glyphosate compatibility doesn’t distinguish trait packages, it remains a core component in many weed control programs.

Glufosinate (Liberty® Herbicide) Use: XtendFlex® and Enlist E3® Only

Glufosinate, the active ingredient in Liberty® herbicide, is only approved for use on XtendFlex® and Enlist E3® soybeans. It offers valuable control of glyphosate-resistant weeds and is a powerful option in fields with known resistance issues.

Do not apply Liberty® to Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans. They are not tolerant to glufosinate, and doing so can result in crop injury or death.

Dicamba Systems

Dicamba-tolerant soybeans, such as XtendFlex® and Roundup Ready 2 Xtend®, may allow for use with certain approved dicamba products, including XtendiMax® or Engenia®, depending on the label and local guidelines.

Before making an application:

• Confirm current product labels
• Consult with your retailer
• Review any state-specific restrictions

Staying up to date helps manage both agronomic and regulatory risk.

2,4-D Systems: Enlist E3® Soybeans Only

Only Enlist E3® soybeans are tolerant to 2,4-D–based herbicides. Use labeled products such as Enlist One® or Enlist Duo®, which are designed for in-crop applications.

Older or non-labeled 2,4-D formulations are illegal and dangerous. They may cause off-target injury or stand loss, even when applied pre-plant. Never apply 2,4-D unless your soybeans carry the Enlist® trait.

The Burndown Misconception

Pre-plant burndown applications must still align with trait compatibility. For example, applying dicamba just days before planting Enlist E3® soybeans may seem safe, but it can still cause crop injury or poor emergence.

Check every product label for plant-back restrictions and trait compatibility. A quick review of your burndown strategy against your soybean order can prevent stand loss and legal exposure.

Avoid Costly Mistakes: Label and Local Compliance Is Key

Using the wrong herbicide, even unintentionally, puts your entire operation at risk. Along with crop injury and yield loss, you may face fines or liability for damage to neighboring fields.

To stay compliant:

• Confirm every product is labeled for your trait system
• Check with your chemical retailer and state regulatory agencies
• Keep detailed records of herbicide applications and seed traits

Summary: Match Your Trait, Herbicide, and Application Strategy

Herbicide-tolerant traits are valuable tools, but they only deliver results when used correctly. Match each trait with the correct herbicide, follow labeled application windows, and double-check your burndown plans before planting.

Explore LG Seeds’ soybean portfolio to find the right trait and maturity fit for your acres.

Have questions? Consult with an LG Seeds agronomist to ensure your trait-herbicide system delivers optimal performance, legally and agronomically.