Dow AgroSciences unveils new weed control system

A new herbicide tolerant trait system that is designed to help growers advance modern farming has just been announced by Dow AgroSciences.

Dubbed the "Enlist Weed Control System," this new herbicide tolerance trait system will provide robust tolerance to a new 2,4-D product in addition to glyphosate, according to a company news release.

"Enlist-a name, which farmers told us means commitment, is our weed control system to advance modern farming," said Antonio Galindez, president and CEO, Dow AgroSciences. "We are committed to helping growers move forward to address their weed control challenges and continue delivering the productivity needed by a growing world population."

The new technology is in response to the growing problem of various herbicide resistant weeds that are beginning to gain a foothold in many regions of the country. Weeds have adapted, becoming more difficult to control. This has resulted in a decline of herbicide performance and increased resistance in important global agricultural markets.

"In a recent grower survey, 96 percent of growers said they wanted a system that improves on the glyphosate-tolerant system they have integrated into their operations," said Damon Palmer, Dow AgroSciences U.S. commercial leader for this new project. "Enlist Weed Control System will offer growers new technology to enable them to advance modern farming."

In developing the new system, Dow AgroSciences listened to growers and brough forward a solution that was tailored to meet their needs. To ensure that this would happen, the growers' input was incorporated early into the research and development of the new system, according to Palmer.

The system is designed to partner with and improve upon the glyphosate-tolerant cropping system and address growers' needs while enabling exceptional weed control.

"The Enlist Weed Control System represents a thrilling accumulation of scientific innovation that will deliver a new, much desired solution for growers," Palmer said. "Growers have long embraced herbicide tolerant trait technology into their farming practices because of the ease of use and performance, but as of recently, present technology has had its challenges.

"This technology will be available in elite germplasm," he continued. "The Enlist Weed Control System will be stacked with the glyphosate-tolerant trait as well as insect-resistant traits."

The new system will enable broad-spectrum control against tough weeds and a wide window for over-the-top application that aligns with the current glyphosate window. Commercial launch in the United States is expected in the 2013 crop year, starting with corn, with other crops to follow.

"The Enlist Weed Control System, integrates our chemistry and biotechnology expertise, Galindez said. "This cross-platform effort allows us to fine tune the technology and stay close to the customer."