The Future of Weed Management: Introducing Innovative Herbicides

Farmers are on the brink of a significant breakthrough in weed control as new herbicide modes of action approach commercial launch for the first time in nearly 40 years. This shift marks a vital development in an industry that has long been in need of innovative solutions to combat resistant weeds.

New Tools on the Horizon

According to Jody Gander, a technical product manager with Bayer Crop Science, “It’s been decades since farmers have had a truly new tool. These next-generation chemistries will help regain control over weeds that have adapted to existing methods.”

Bayer Introduces Convintro and Icafolin

Bayer Crop Science is preparing to launch two new herbicides. The first, Convintro, features diflufenican (Group 12), a chemistry previously utilized in Europe that will be introduced to U.S. corn and soybean systems. Gander emphasized its importance, stating that “this means a completely new active ingredient for American row crop farmers.”

Expected to be available in 2026 pending regulatory approval, Convintro is designed for preplant or preemergence use in corn and soybeans, showing promise for managing resistant species such as waterhemp and Palmer amaranth. Gander noted that Convintro will need to be tank-mixed with other herbicides to enhance efficacy and sustainability.

Bayer is also developing icafolin, a postemergence herbicide expected to hit the market by the end of the decade. This innovative product causes treated weeds to “freeze” in place, effectively halting their growth and eventually decomposing into a surface layer. Gander described icafolin as functioning differently from any current options, suggesting a fresh perspective on weed management.

FMC’s Keenali in Rice

Meanwhile, FMC is making strides in the rice market with its new herbicide, Keenali, incorporating the Dodhylex active ingredient (tetflupyrolimet, Group 28). This marks the introduction of a novel site of action aimed at combatting grass and select broadleaf species.

Lawson Priess, an FMC technical service representative, expressed excitement over this innovation, calling it “the first new mode of action in my lifetime.” Keenali is anticipated to receive EPA registration in 2026, followed by a commercial launch in 2027.

The Long Road to Innovation

Developing new herbicide modes of action is a lengthy and intricate process typically spanning over a decade. Nick Fassler, director of technical service for BASF, elaborated on the evolving discovery pipeline, now focusing on specific biological targets within pests rather than merely testing large chemical catalogs.

Once a promising molecule is identified, it faces multiple rounds of testing for biological activity, safety, and field performance, making the road from discovery to farmer use a challenging endeavor.

Addressing Herbicide Resistance

The urgency of introducing new herbicides is underscored by the escalating problem of herbicide resistance. In Minnesota, notably, the aggressive weed waterhemp has developed resistance to six different sites of action. Extension weed scientists highlight the dwindling options remaining for farmers as they confront increasingly resilient weed populations.

A Comprehensive Approach to Weed Management

Researchers emphasize that no single product will eliminate resistance. Successful management requires integrating cultural practices such as crop rotation and cover cropping alongside herbicide applications. While economic realities present a challenge, the collaboration between traditional methods and innovative chemistry holds promise for the future.

Looking to the Future

Despite the challenges posed by resistant weeds, experts remain hopeful. The investment in weed-control innovation is at a peak, and when new tools make their way to farmers, it is crucial that these products are used conscientiously to ensure longevity and effectiveness.

As farmers like Rye Randolph express a desire for future solutions that match the pace of emerging weed problems, the collective efforts of researchers and agricultural companies will be instrumental in creating a sustainable and effective weed management landscape.

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