Syngenta Launches First New Selective Herbicide for Grass Weeds in 40 Years
Event summary
- Syngenta launched VIRESTINA™ technology, the first selective herbicide for resistant grass weeds in soybean and cotton in nearly 40 years.
- Argentina became the first country to approve the technology, with planned rollouts in Brazil, Australia, the U.S., and Canada.
- The active ingredient, metproxybicyclone, is the fourth generation of ACCase-inhibitor herbicides, effective against glyphosate-resistant weeds.
- Syngenta developed the technology in 10 years, faster than the industry average of 12-14 years.
- VIRESTINA™ breaks down rapidly in soil, reducing environmental impact and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
The big picture
Syngenta’s VIRESTINA™ technology addresses a critical gap in herbicide resistance, a growing challenge for global agriculture. With resistant weeds affecting over 100 crops in 75 countries, this innovation positions Syngenta as a leader in sustainable crop protection. The technology’s rapid development and approval in Argentina highlight Syngenta’s ability to navigate regulatory hurdles and meet urgent farmer needs.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Approvals
- The pace at which VIRESTINA™ gains approval in key markets like Brazil, the U.S., and Canada will determine its global reach and revenue potential.
- Market Adoption
- Whether farmers in soybean and cotton markets will rapidly adopt VIRESTINA™ given its selective nature and environmental benefits.
- Competitive Response
- How competitors like Bayer and BASF will react to Syngenta’s breakthrough, potentially accelerating their own herbicide resistance solutions.
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