As we approach the upcoming growing season, staying informed about the latest herbicide innovations is crucial for effective crop management and maximizing yields. The agricultural landscape is continuously evolving, with new herbicide products regularly introduced to help farmers manage weeds, protect crops, and address resistance challenges.
In this article, we will highlight some of the newest herbicides on the market and those set to launch soon. It is important to note, however, that many “new” herbicides are either new formulations of existing active ingredients or new premixes of these ingredients. Below are some of the key herbicides to watch for in the season ahead, featuring products from AMVAC, BASF, Bayer, Corteva, FMC and Syngenta.
We also recommend referring to the “Take Action Herbicide Mode of Action Chart” which is designed to help farmers and ag professionals quickly and efficiently sort through commercially available herbicide products and determine their modes of action. The chart organizes herbicides and herbicide premixes by their modes of action, grouped by Group Number (0 to 29) and color-coded for easier reference. By comparing your herbicide program with the chart, growers can rotate among herbicides with different sites of action, helping to delay the development of herbicide resistance.
Note: The typical use rate provided for each product is based on medium-textured soil. Understanding your soil type is essential to applying the correct rate. Always refer to the product label to verify the appropriate rate for your specific soil type, crop, and target weeds.
New Herbicide Products
AMVAC
Zalo is a postemergence (POST) herbicide containing quizalofop-P-ethyl (Group 1) and glufosinate ammonium (Group 10). It is labeled for glufosinate-resistant soybeans up to the R1 stage and canola up to 14 days before flowering or no later than 65 days before harvest. The typical use rates are 32–43 fluid ounces per acre for soybeans and 22–29 fluid ounces per acre for canola. The addition of quizalofop-P-ethyl broadens the spectrum of weed control, effectively managing a wide range of annual broadleaf weeds while also enhancing activity against grasses.
BASF
Surtain is a preemergence (PRE) and early POST herbicide for field corn. It contains saflufenacil (Group 14) and pyroxasulfone (Group 15) and is typically applied at a rate of 14 fluid ounces per acre. Surtain features a ZC formulation, a novel solid encapsulation technology that combines a suspension concentrate (SC) of pyroxasulfone with a capsule suspension (CS) of saflufenacil. This advanced formulation allows for application through the V3 growth stage of corn and effectively controls annual grasses and broadleaf weeds.
Beyond Xtra is a POST herbicide containing imazamox (Group 2), which combines Beyond and Raptor herbicides. It is labeled for Clearfield crops as well as conventional crops including dry beans, peas, alfalfa, soybeans, and wheat, with a typical use rate of 4–6 fluid ounces per acre. It targets several broadleaf and grass species. Beyond Xtra replaces Beyond and Raptor as existing stock is depleted. Beyond was marketed for use on Clearfield wheat, rice, sunflowers, lentils, and canola, while Raptor was primarily used on alfalfa, dry beans, and other crops. The chemistry and formulation of Beyond Xtra will remain the same as those of Beyond and Raptor, and it will continue to be available for all crops previously covered by these herbicides.
Liberty Ultra is a POST herbicide labeled for glufosinate-resistant crops, including soybeans (up to R1) and corn (through V6). It contains L-glufosinate (Group 10), a more active isomer, which allows for lower use rates compared to Liberty 280 SL. The typical use rate is 24-29 fluid ounces per acre, with a specific recommendation of 19 fluid ounces per acre for canola. A 24 fluid ounce per acre application of Liberty Ultra is equivalent to 36 fluid ounces per acre of Liberty 280 SL. Liberty Ultra provides broad-spectrum weed control.
BAYER
Convintro is a PRE herbicide currently under EPA review, with anticipated approval later this year. It contains diflufenican (Group 12) and is intended for use in corn and soybeans to control pigweed species, including waterhemp and Palmer amaranth. Convintro will need to be tank-mixed with other PRE herbicides for effective and broad-spectrum weed control. Once approved, it will be the first Group 12 herbicide available for weed management in corn and soybeans in North America.
CORTEVA
Resicore REV is a reformulation of Resicore and it is a preplant/PRE/POST herbicide for field corn. It contains acetochlor (Group 15), mesotrione (Group 27), and clopyralid (Group 4), with a typical use rate of 2.25–3 quarts per acre. The updated formulation includes encapsulated acetochlor for improved crop safety and easier handling. This allows for a wider application window, allowing use in field corn up to 24 inches tall – an improvement over the original Resicore label, which was limited to 11 inches.
Kyber Pro is a PRE herbicide for soybeans (preplant and preemergence up to 3 days after planting) containing flumioxazin (Group 14), metribuzin (Group 5), and pyroxasulfone (Group 15), with a typical use rate of 1 pint per acre. Kyber Pro targets several broadleaf and grass species.
Sonic Boom is a PRE herbicide for soybeans (preplant and preemergence up to 3 days after planting) containing sulfentrazone (Group 14) and metribuzin (Group 5), with a typical use rate of 11–26 fluid ounces per acre. Sonic Boom targets several broadleaf and grass species.
Tolvera is a POST herbicide containing bromoxynil (Group 6) and tolpyralate (Group 27). It is labeled for use on wheat (spring, winter, and durum) and barley, with a typical use rate of 11–14.7 fluid ounces per acre. Applications should be made from the 1-leaf crop stage up to the jointing stage. Tolvera targets both broadleaf and grass weed species.
NovaGraz is a POST herbicide for grass pastures and hayfields, containing 2,4-D (Group 4) and florpyrauxifen-benzyl (Group 4). The typical use rate is 24 fluid ounces per acre, and it targets several broadleaf species. It is safe on several forage grasses and preserves white clover. However, it will injure or kill other legumes including red and crimson clover, alfalfa, and birdsfoot trefoil. NovaGraz has recently been registered for use in Minnesota.
FMC
Anthem Flex is a PRE and early POST herbicide labeled for peas, lentils, potatoes, sunflowers, wheat, corn, and soybeans, containing pyroxasulfone (Group 14) and carfentrazone-ethyl (Group 15). Typical use rates range from 2–7.28 fluid ounces per acre depending on the crop. It targets broadleaf and grass species.
Express is a PRE/POST/burndown herbicide containing tribenuron methyl (Group 2). It is labeled for use on cereals, corn, soybeans, and sunflowers, although it is only approved for PRE and post-harvest burndown applications in corn and soybeans. The typical use rate for sunflowers is 0.25–0.5 ounces per acre, with up to two POST applications allowed, not exceeding 1 ounce per acre per year. It targets a range of broadleaf weed species.
Keenali is a PRE to early POST herbicide for rice, containing tetflupyrolimet (Group 28), which introduces a brand new site of action. It targets grass species and select broadleaf species. Keenali has been submitted for review and is currently awaiting EPA approval. Although it will not be used in Minnesota, we wanted to include it in this article to inform stakeholders about the new site of action available in the market.
SYNGENTA
Storen is a PRE/POST herbicide for field and seed corn (up to V8 stage), containing S-metolachlor (Group 15), mesotrione (Group 27), pyroxasulfone (Group 15), and bicyclopyrone (Group 27). Storen is labeled for use in sweet corn, but the application must be made prior to crop emergence (i.e., preplant or preemergence). The typical use rate is 2.1–2.4 quarts per acre and it targets several broadleaf and grass species.
Tendovo is a PRE herbicide labeled for soybeans containing S-metolachlor (Group 15), metribuzin (Group 5), and cloransulam-methyl (Group 2). It can be applied 30–45 days before planting, or within 14 days of planting with a typical use rate of 1.5–2.1 quarts per acre. Tendovo targets broadleaf and grass species.
Conclusion
As new herbicides enter the market, understanding their characteristics, application timing, and target weed species is essential for maximizing their effectiveness. The introduction of innovative formulations and active ingredients provides improved weed control while supporting resistance management efforts. By staying informed and strategically incorporating these herbicides into your weed management program, you can enhance weed control efficiency and increase farm profitability.
Always review product labels for specific application guidelines and consult with agronomic advisors to select the best options for your operation.
Note: The use of trade names is for clarity and educational purposes only and does not imply endorsement of a particular brand or product over another. Likewise, exclusion does not imply non-approval.