Page 164 - CW E-Magazine (19-8-2025)

News from Abroad

NEW HERBICIDE
Bayer submits registration applications for novel

herbicide in four major markets

German crop protection major,
Bayer, has submitted registration
applications for icafolin-methyl in
the European Union, following com-
pleted applications in Brazil, United
States and Canada.

According to the company, Ica-
folin is agriculture’s first new mode
of action for post-emergent weed
control for broadacre crops in over
30 years. With estimated peak sales
potential around €750-mn, Bayer ex-
pects Icafolin will be launched from
2028 onward with initial availability
in Brazil.

The new operating model DSO
has been instrumental for advanc- tions like Icafolin is so vitally impor- that helps prevent erosion and trap
ing Icafolin regulatory submissions tant,” said Mr. Mike Graham, Head moisture in the soil. By providing
ahead of schedule, the company of Research & Development for effective weed control it reduces the
stated. the Crop Science division of Bayer. need for tillage, supporting regenera-
“Access to an entirely new herbicide tive practices in agriculture that can
Icafolin belongs to a new chemi- class that complements the existing improve soil health.
cal class providing unique properties toolbox not only helps farmers com-
that allow for lower dose rates, more bat and prevent weed resistance, but Additionally, Icafolin’s intrinsic
targeted applications, and is expected it also helps farmers adopt and main- properties make it suitable for tar-
to demonstrate an exceptional safety tain no-till and reduced tillage prac- geted spray applications and lower
and sustainability profile. tices that improve soil health, which dose rates, which allowed Bayer to
is a cornerstone of regenerative agri- submit registration applications un-
In addition, Icafolin is comple- culture.” der reduced risk status. Icafolin is
mentary to existing herbicides, such the first product to utilise ‘CropKey’,
as glyphosate, adding a novel solu- Icafolin has been developed Bayer’s breakthrough R&D approach
tion in the fight against weed resis- for initial uses in soybean, cereals, to developing new crop protection
tance, a top priority for farmers. Weed pulses, and oil seed crops, as well products, which optimised the formu-
resistances have increased globally as pome and stone fruits, tree nuts, lation recipe by considering multiple
over the last years and are a threat to grapes, and citrus. As a novel mode dimensions including efficacy, safety
food security as resistant weeds are of action, it has unique properties and sustainability criteria, and farmer
competing with crops on sunlight and and benefits. Treated weeds become convenience.
nutrients, thus significantly reducing “frozen” in the fields, meaning they
yield and harvest quality. stop competing with crops for water, Following the first expected
nutrients and sunlight, but the dead launch from 2028 onward in Brazil,
“Weeds threaten food security weeds remain in the field longer Bayer anticipates selling Icafolin in
and farmer livelihoods, which is why because they largely maintain their the US, Canada, EU and other geo-
investing in game-changing innova- structure. This creates a mulch layer graphies over subsequent years.

164 Chemical Weekly August 19, 2025

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