Herbicide with new mode of action against ryegrass registered in Argentina

By Leonardo Gottems, Reporter for AgroPages

FMC is in the final process of developing and registering a new pre-seeding herbicide based on the Isoflex active technology named “Azugro,” used for the long-term control of ryegrass (Lolium spp.) in wheat.

Every year, ryegrass and its biotypes are becoming more resistant to herbicides that utilize the EPSPS, ALS and ACCase modes of action. On an area sown with wheat of around 6.5 million hectares in Argentina, more than 30% is affected by this species, and projections indicate that over the next five years, this figure will rise to above 50%.

“It is an original concept for controlling Lolium spp. and resistant biotypes that affect wheat, as it will offer a new mode of action. It is also an option that will ensure greater sustainability in the production of our star winter cereal," said Eng. Agr. Ignacio Sagarzazu (FMC Herbicide Manager for Southern Cone).

Traditional post-emergent ryegrass treatments, for various reasons, tend to have control efficiency levels that vary between 60% and 80% on average, with costs being around $30 per hectare, to which application costs must be added.

“A tool like Azugro helps keep ryegrass and its resistant biotypes uncompetitive from the start and during critical stages, improving efficiency throughout the crop cycle. Considering that we reached average control levels higher than 90% to 95%, we will also help reduce the seed bank and the selection pressure of biotypes resistant to other modes of action,” he added.

Juan Caporicci (Manager of the FMC Technical Service Area) highlighted the importance of testing the technology in different environments under high pressure from Lolium spp. and resistant biotypes.

“We are facing a very challenging scenario in the control of ryegrass in wheat. As an R&D company, we are committed to offering producers more solutions. We hope to soon launch this innovative tool in wheat fields and, therefore, help generate higher yields, while also collaborating in maintaining the sustainability of the system. We invite all wheat producers and advisers to learn about the virtues of Azugro™ in the field during demonstrations that we will organize in all wheat producing areas of Argentina during the 2021 campaign,” Sagarzazu stressed.