Progress In Dicamba-based Weed Control Allows Application Flexibility

Posted by Matt Hopkins|9 November 2010

LUDWIGSHAFEN , GERMANY and ST. LOUIS — BASF and Monsanto Co. recently announced significant progress toward launching next-generation dicamba-based weed control systems for soybeans and cotton, according to a press release.

The companies say they have made major advancements in the development of dicamba formulations, which could be available globally for farmers this decade, according to the release. BASF and Monsanto entered into a joint licensing agreement to develop innovative formulations for dicamba for use with herbicide-resistant cropping systems in January 2009. The two companies also have an established R&D collaboration to develop other new trait technologies for farmers.

“Innovative formulations with proven chemistries are an invaluable asset for weed resistance management and a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture,” said Markus Heldt, President of BASF’s Crop Protection division, in the release. “The dicamba tolerant system is designed to give growers pre- and post-emergence application flexibility, allowing them to better manage their resources and thus improving productivity.”

The companies recently completed joint field testing of new dicamba-based formulations applied over the top of Monsanto’s next-generation dicamba-tolerant soybean technology in development. This new formulation work offers even further improvement in physical characteristics that result in better performance and safety to nearby crops, said the companies.