Clethodim Remains a Strong Alternative to Treat Grasses Resistant to Other Herbicides
20 December 2023 Clethodim, an herbicide developed by Chevron in 1987 to control grass weeds in both row and specialty crops, is making an upward trend. In 2022, the global market for the herbicide was $556 million and is predicted to reach $830 million by 2029, according to Lynn Justesen, Technical Services Specialist at UPL, a major manufacturer of clethodim.
AgriBusiness Global interviewed Justesen to learn more about how the herbicide is being used and expectations for the future.
ABG: How is clethodim most commonly used?
Lynn Justesen: Clethodim is a member of the cyclohexanedione family of herbicides. It is most commonly used to control both annual and perennial grasses in many crop and non-crop areas.
ABG: How would you characterize the market for clethodim right now?
LJ: The clethodim market is growing due to two things: Price per acre for control and shifting pest pressures.
Lynn Justesen, UPL. Photo credit: UPL
ABG: What are the opportunities and challenges for growing the clethodim market?
LJ: Use in burndown control is a growth opportunity as is the use in tank mixes with trait crops in particular soybeans and canola.
Tank mixes can and will limit or shift rates to achieve control. Also, best management practices are needed to ensure ACCase-inhibiting herbicides like clethodim do not develop resistance.
ABG: Has the herbicide formulation changed in any way?
LJ: There are formulations available in 1, 2, and 3# active ingredient load. The active ingredients are all the same, but with the different formulations, they have varying requirements for adjuvants to make them effective.
ABG: What regulatory concerns has the herbicide faced?
LJ: There are no deficiencies and no toxicological concerns at this time with the EPA.
ABG: We’ve heard a lot about resistance to products like glyphosate. Can clethodim be used as an alternate or in conjunction with this or other products?
LJ: The only significant resistance at this point is Italian ryegrass. And yes, it can be mixed and used with many other products to aid and improve control. Always read and follow label directions.
ABG: What else do we need to know?
LJ: Clethodim continues to be an excellent tool in weed control strategies when used properly.
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