Bayer announces herbicide with new site of action for soybean and corn market

Bayer Crop Science has announced a new herbicide coming mid-decade to help soybean farmers battle problem weeds such as waterhemp and Palmer amaranth 

Diflufenican, a new herbicide for North America, will be introduced under the brand name Convintro. Pending approval by the Environmental Protection Agency, Convintro products will be available to soybean growers for burndown and pre-emergence applications. The herbicide will also serve as a new weed control tool for corn growers, say Bayer officials. 

“Diflufenican has been used for years in Europe, managing broadleaf weeds in crops such as lentils and winter cereals,” said Robert Schrick, broadacre crop protection business lead for Bayer, in a news release. “The addition of a product with Diflufenican as the active ingredient for soybean and corn use is not only a first for North America, but a completely new site of action for Palmer Amaranth and waterhemp control in soybeans and corn, providing farmers another tool to add to their weed management plans.”

Providing a new site of action will help soybean farmers manage yield-robbing weeds, but Schrick said a balanced approach to management is still the right approach.

“When it comes to weed management, a best practice is still to use multiple sites of action,” said Schrick. “Management plans that cover multiple years and crops will help farmers avoid issues like resistance.”

“Effective options in integrated weed management are a necessity,” said Frank Rittemann, Bayer product manager for corn, soy, and cotton herbicides, in a news release. “We are taking a look at chemistries that control some of farmers’ most challenging pests and we’re relying on science to bring those options to the market, including previously untapped sites of action.”

Bayer research also continues to explore opportunities to challenge the status quo and work toward new innovations for its customers, said Bayer officials.  

“While there may be no proverbial silver bullets, our crop protection focus will provide continuous advances, adding additional tools where farmers need it most,” said Rittemann.