How Enko Is Using AI to Fast-Track the Future of Herbicides
Enko is harnessing AI to identify novel biological targets and rapidly screen billions of compounds. This approach enables the company to outpace conventional R&D and deliver new modes of action with speed and accuracy.
As global weed resistance accelerates and regulatory pressure mounts on legacy chemistries, the crop protection industry is in urgent need of faster, smarter innovation. In a recent interview with CropLife’s sister brand, AgriBusiness Global, Tony Klemm, CEO of Enko, shares how the company is leveraging AI to transform herbicide discovery — from identifying novel targets to delivering field-ready solutions with speed and precision. He discusses the top agronomic signals companies should track, the need for durable chemistry, and why industry collaboration is key to unlocking the next generation of sustainable weed control.
ABG: How is AI reshaping the speed, precision, and success rate of discovering next-generation herbicides — and what implications does that have for staying ahead of global weed resistance?
Tony Klemm: AI is transforming herbicide discovery from a process of guesswork into one of precision. At Enko, we’re harnessing AI to identify novel biological targets and rapidly screen billions of compounds — faster and more cost-effectively than ever before. This approach enables us to outpace conventional R&D and deliver new modes of action with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
Our recent graminicide field trial results highlight this progress. Developed through our AI-enabled platform, this portfolio is already demonstrating strong performance in key geographies where resistance has rendered existing products ineffective. It’s real-world validation that our platform accelerates discovery and delivers differentiated, field-ready solutions built to overcome resistance.
Beyond speeding up the process, we’re also reducing risk. By combining AI with DNA-encoded libraries and deep chemistry expertise, we’re uncovering solutions that are novel, scalable, durable, and designed with safety in mind.
Read more at AgriBusiness Global.
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