FMC seeks more registration on Anthem herbicide

FMC is seeking registration on a new herbicide with a new active ingredient. Called Anthem, the new herbicide offers flexibility by being both a pre- and postemergence product for both corn and soybeans.

The residual action of the new product lasts two to three weeks longer than the action of typical products for broadleaf and grass herbicides, reports Paul Stratman, FMC Midwest technical lead. He says Anthem works well on difficult grasses and traditional grasses like foxtail.

What sets Anthem apart is a much broader spectrum of control and its effectiveness on weeds like waterhemp and other pigweed species, Stratman says. “It has very good activity on velvetleaf, common ragweed, morningglory and more. It is also very active on a number of weed species that are becoming more tolerant to herbicides,” he says.

Registration for Anthem is anticipated in early 2012. The new active ingredient is pyroxasulfone. Stratman says FMC acquired the rights to pyroxasulfone from the Japanese company Kumiai (AgroNews 2010-09-08). The other active ingredient in Anthem is fluthiacet-methyl. Universities have conducted research on both ingredients since the early 2000s, Stratman says.

FMC also is seeking registration of Anthem AZT that contains atrazine. This product will be used for corn only. The atrazine offers additional control of weeds like cocklebur and velvetleaf. Stratman says it is a premix formulation.

Both products offer simplicity and excellent crop safety, Stratman adds.