Resistance Fighters: How Crop Protection Leaders Are Taking on Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

In the ever-evolving battle between farmers and resistant weeds, innovation has become more than just a buzzword — it’s a necessity. As herbicide-resistant species continue to threaten yields and disrupt agricultural systems globally, major crop protection companies are stepping up with breakthrough technologies designed to turn the tide. From new chemical classes to strategic pre-emergent solutions, 2025 has seen a wave of significant announcements signaling a more sophisticated and sustainable approach to weed management.

Weed resistance now affects at least 273 species across 75 countries, with over 500 unique resistance cases documented. To address this, companies are pushing the boundaries of chemistry, data science, and formulation technology. The result? A diverse toolbox of next-generation herbicides aimed at providing growers better control, longer residual activity, and new modes of action to outpace resistance.

BASF: Zidua PRO Offers Strong Pre-Emergent Defense

At BASF, the focus is on setting up fields for success through Zidua PRO, a pre-emergent solution that blends three proven chemistries: Sharpen, Pursuit, and Zidua. Designed to tackle small-seeded and large-seeded broadleaf weeds, it gives soybean crops a fast, flexible start across all trait platforms.

“Having three modes of action working collaboratively is critical,” said Liam Vincent, Technical Marketing Manager at BASF. “It reduces weed emergence and selection pressure, which slows the development of resistance.”

BASF also emphasizes proper use of post-emergent solutions like Liberty ULTRA and recommends following their START guidelines to optimize application timing and coverage.

Corteva: Expanding Preemergence Control with Kyber Pro and Sonic Boom

Corteva Agriscience expanded its soybean herbicide portfolio with the introduction of Kyber Pro and Sonic Boom — two new preemergence solutions launched for the 2025 season. Designed to address resistant weed pressures and support higher yield potential, both products offer multiple modes of action and extended residual control in convenient liquid premix formulations.

“Kyber Pro and Sonic Boom herbicides give growers flexible, powerful tools to start clean and stay clean,” said Drake Robards, U.S. Product Manager for Soybean Herbicides at Corteva. “They’re effective against key resistant weeds like waterhemp and Palmer amaranth, and fit well into program approaches with Enlist E3 soybeans.”

Kyber Pro features three modes of action — metribuzin, flumioxazin, and pyroxasulfone — delivering control of over 50 broadleaf and grass weeds, plus up to six weeks of residual activity. Sonic Boom combines metribuzin and sulfentrazone for strong performance on tough broadleaves and excellent crop safety. Together with Enversa herbicide, these additions mark Corteva’s ongoing investment in season-long soybean weed control.

Valent U.S.A. & Kumiai: Effeeda Expands Resistance Tools for Rice

Valent U.S.A. and Kumiai Chemical have partnered to bring Effeeda (fenquinotrione) to the U.S. rice market. As a new triketone herbicide targeting ALS-resistant weeds, Effeeda offers significant promise for both water-seeded and dry-seeded rice systems.

“Kumiai and Valent are proud to bring this innovation to U.S. rice growers,” said Masaru Yokoyama, President of Kumiai. “Effeeda reflects our ongoing commitment to expand sustainable solutions globally.”

With strong performance in trials and regulatory development underway, Effeeda will complement Valent’s existing portfolio, including Regiment and Bolero.

Bayer: Icafolin Marks a New Chapter in Weed Control

Bayer recently filed regulatory applications in the EU for its novel herbicide, icafolin, completing earlier submissions in the U.S., Canada, and Brazil. As the first new mode of action for post-emergent broadacre weed control in over 30 years, icafolin represents a major milestone. It works by “freezing” weeds in the field — disrupting their competition with crops while preserving structure to prevent erosion and conserve moisture.

“Icafolin is agriculture’s first new post-emergent mode of action in a generation, and it’s a game-changer,” said Mike Graham, Head of R&D for Bayer Crop Science. “It helps farmers combat resistance and supports regenerative practices like reduced tillage.”

Icafolin is also the first product developed using CropKey, Bayer’s AI-powered molecule discovery platform. “With CropKey, we’re not just reacting — we’re anticipating,” said Rachel Rama, Senior VP of Small Molecules. The herbicide is expected to launch first in Brazil in 2028, followed by global expansion.

Syngenta: Tackling Grass Weed Resistance with Metproxybicyclone

Addressing widespread grass weed resistance, Syngenta unveiled metproxybicyclone, a fourth-generation ACCase-inhibitor and the first new subclass in nearly two decades. Targeting hard-to-control grass weeds resistant to glyphosate and clethodim, this novel compound is expected to launch in Argentina by 2026.

“Herbicide resistance affects more than 100 crops across 75 countries,” noted Camilla Corsi, Syngenta’s Global Head of R&D. “Metproxybicyclone is a breakthrough that reflects our ‘Safer by Design’ philosophy — delivering solutions that are both effective and sustainable.”

Developed at Syngenta’s UK research hub, this herbicide underscores the company’s ongoing leadership in resistance management technologies.

ADAMA: Temper More Delivers Control and Flexibility

For U.S. growers, ADAMA’s newly registered Temper More herbicide offers a dual-mode solution that combines S-Metolachlor and Glufosinate-ammonium with the proprietary Sesgama Formulation Technology. It provides both immediate burndown and long-lasting residual activity, ideal for tackling tough-to-control glyphosate- and PPO-resistant weeds like waterhemp and morningglory.

“Temper More is a leap forward in the fight against herbicide-resistant weeds,” said Germain Boulay, ADAMA’s Head of Global Herbicides. “It brings flexibility and reliability back to the grower’s weed management plan.”

Temper More allows for smarter rotation and tank-mix strategies, giving farmers a reliable option across soybean, corn, and cotton systems.

Nufarm: Dual Salt Technology Enhances Herbicide Efficiency

Nufarm has earned U.S. EPA registration for Weedar XHL and WeedMaster XHL, both powered by the company’s patented 2,4-D Dual Salt Technology. These formulations provide higher active ingredient concentrations and increased coverage, with reduced volatility and improved tank mix compatibility.

“With slim margins, growers need proven inputs that offer more value,” said Dan Beran, Nufarm’s Director of Technical Services. “XHL Technology delivers more acres per jug with the same trusted performance.”

These herbicides are key tools for cereals, soybeans, pastures, and rangeland, offering broad-spectrum control in resistant weed environments.

UPL: New Chemistry for Corn Resistance Management

UPL’s INTRAVA DX herbicide is now approved by the EPA, featuring amicarbazone, a Group 5 herbicide new to the U.S. corn market. When combined with metribuzin, it provides over 30 days of residual control against atrazine- and HPPD-resistant weeds like Palmer amaranth.

“This is a game-changing product for corn growers,” said Kathryn Ruddy, UPL’s Herbicide Portfolio Lead. “We’re giving them back control over difficult weed populations.”

Designed for use in both conventional and no-till systems, INTRAVA DX is flexible enough for one-pass or foundational pre-emergent programs.

FMC: Dodhylex Powers the Future of Rice Herbicides

FMC is preparing for the launch of Keenali Complete (2027) and Keenali GR (2028), both powered by Dodhylex active — the first new global herbicide mode of action in nearly 40 years. These rice-focused herbicides provide potent residual control against resistant barnyardgrass and sprangletop.

“In the Mid-South, barnyardgrass with resistance to five modes of action is a real problem,” said Lawson Priess, FMC Technical Service Manager. “Keenali’s synergy gives growers the extra time and residual activity they need.”

FMC collaborated with university researchers nationwide, and early results show strong efficacy, crop safety, and flexibility for diverse rice-growing conditions.

The Future: Integrated, Smarter Weed Management

While each herbicide offers unique strengths, the message across the industry is clear: resistance management must be proactive, diverse, and integrated. With new chemistries, improved formulations, and smarter application strategies, crop protection companies are equipping farmers to reclaim control and future-proof their operations.

As Matt Plitt of Valent U.S.A. puts it: “Sustainability isn’t just about environmental outcomes — it’s about ensuring growers have the tools to keep farming for generations to come.”