AgroPages-Dow AgroSciences to launch Enlist Duo herbicide in USA-Agricultural news

Dow AgroSciences to launch Enlist Duo herbicide in USA

Related News

Dow AgroSciences announced that it will launch its innovative Enlist Duo herbicide for the 2015 crop season. Enlist Duo is part of the Enlist Weed Control System, a herbicide-tolerant trait technology for corn and soybeans. The herbicide will provide new advantages for the management of hard-to-control and resistant weeds. It will be launched in conjunction with a stewarded introduction of Enlist corn and seed production of Enlist soybeans in 2015.

As resistant weeds have increased, so has grower demand for new solutions. Acres with resistant weeds doubled in the U.S. between 2009 and 2013, now numbering 70 million. Enlist Duo™, a proprietary blend of glyphosate and new 2,4-D choline, will be a powerful tool. It will control the toughest weed species in a long application window, protecting farmers’ crops and helping them maximize their yield.

The herbicide has also been engineered to offer benefits beyond weed control. With proven reductions in volatility and off-target movement, improved handling characteristics, and reduced odor, Enlist Duo with Colex-D™ Technology will be unique to the market.

“Enlist Duo will set a new standard in the marketplace for herbicides,” says Damon Palmer, marketing director for Dow AgroSciences’ U.S. Seeds Business. “We have made significant investments in existing and new assets to reliably supply high quality 2,4-D choline for Enlist Duo, and we are ready to meet the demand.”

Dow AgroSciences is finalizing plans in advance of the 2015 use season to sell Enlist Duo.

Stewarded Introduction for Enlist Corn Seed

Dow AgroSciences will conduct a stewarded introduction of Enlist™ corn seed in the U.S. in 2015. Participating farmers will access the benefits of the Enlist system in corn, while adhering to a thorough set of stewardship protocols and requirements. Enlist corn will be managed throughout the season and at harvest as import approvals continue to be obtained. Isolation areas adjacent to Enlist corn fields will be required, and third-party audits will be conducted as an additional protective measure. Growers must agree that grain from Enlist corn will be fed on farm when harvested.

Farmers participating in the program will be engaged with Dow AgroSciences throughout the season as they steward the technology on their farms.

“We have had significant discussions with the agricultural community, including the National Corn Growers Association, the American Soybean Association, the grain industry and numerous farmers,” says Palmer. “This plan will enable American farmers to access the Enlist technology while respecting current import approval processes abroad.”

Seed Production for Enlist Soybeans under Dow AgroSciences’ Field Forward™ Program

Dow AgroSciences also announced it will move its Enlist soybeans one step closer to the farm gate by working with select farmers to experience the technology under its Field Forward™ program. The program provides a limited number of growers an opportunity to experience the company’s newest technologies before they are commercially available.

Farmers participating in the Field Forward program will grow Enlist soybean seed for Dow AgroSciences. Dow AgroSciences will manage the seed production throughout the season, including handling and storage after harvest.

Regulatory authorities in the U.S. deregulated Enlist corn and soybeans in September 2014, and registered Enlist Duo herbicide in October1. Enlist crops have been approved for import by many countries, and are in process for others.

“This is a robust, targeted plan,” says Paul Bertels, vice president of production and utilization, National Corn Growers Association. “It keeps American farmers competitive and provides access to new technology while respecting global grain markets.”