By Blake Jackson
The 2026 herbicide update highlights new active ingredients and premixes, though no new modes of action have been introduced. Several products are also tied to herbicide-resistant crops and updated Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements.
New and Updated Herbicides
Bayer’s Convintro (diflufenican, group 12) is unique to North America, offering PRE control of Palmer, waterhemp, and select broadleaves, though it can bleach crops. Icafolin-methyl (group 23) is experimental with POST activity against annual grasses and broadleaves, likely launching in the U.S. by 2029.
Liberty Ultra 1.76SL (glufosinate, group 10; BASF) is a next-generation formulation for glufosinate-resistant crops, offering improved retention, lower use rates, and consistent control, with EPA approval and ESA mitigation requirements.
Other notable products include NovaGraz (florpyrauxifen + 2,4-D; group 4), a broadleaf control option for pastures and hayfields; Rapidicil (epyrifenacil, group 14) for fast-acting burndown; Surtain (saflufenacil + pyroxasulfone, groups 14/15) for PRE to early POST residual control in corn; and Voraxor (saflufenacil + trifludimoxazin, group 14) for burndown applications.
Several products, including Rimisoxafen and Zidua Plus, are still awaiting registration and may be marketed later in the decade.
Herbicide-Resistant Crops
Enlist E3 soybeans remain the dominant platform, with Plenish E3 offering high oleic oil traits. XtendFlex soybeans are still sold, though dicamba use is pending regulatory approval.
Vyconic soybeans, projected for 2027, will combine glyphosate, Liberty, dicamba, 2,4-D, and HPPD tolerance, eventually replacing XtendFlex. Enlist corn offers multi-herbicide tolerance, with conventional products available for volunteer control.
ESA Compliance
Updated EPA labels require mitigation strategies to protect endangered species, including drift reduction, field borders, cover cropping, and careful application planning. Farmers must follow these measures and consult EPA resources to ensure compliance.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, General