Bayer unveils new Bollgard3 XtendFlex Platform at Farm Show 2025

The multinational Bayer introduced its new Bollgard3 XtendFlex platform for the 2024/2025 Brazilian cotton season during Farm Show 2025, held in Primavera do Leste, Mato Grosso, with coverage by AgroPages.

Bayer told AgroPages that the Bollgard3 XtendFlex platform represents "the evolution of the most advanced biotechnology" for cotton. According to the company, the innovation added tolerance to dicamba and glufosinate-ammonium herbicides.

The manufacturer emphasized that the launch delivers "high productivity and flexibility in management, with better control of weed competition in the field and broad protection against damage caused by the main caterpillars that attack the crop."

"Based on trials conducted by the company, we estimate a potential productivity gain of 11 arrobas of lint per hectare with the Bollgard3 XtendFlex platform, thanks to more efficient weed management," said Fernando Prudente, Executive Director of Cotton at Bayer's agricultural division.

According to the company, the goal of the new launch is to contribute "to the consolidation of Brazil's recently achieved global leadership in cotton exports. The company brings its most advanced technology for cotton cultivation to both events, as part of an integrated portfolio of solutions for high productivity and sustainability."

"Mato Grosso holds a prominent position in global cotton production. The state combines high productivity and excellent fiber quality, along with one of the most sustainable crops in the world. This position was only achieved thanks to significant investment in innovation and cutting-edge science, a characteristic of producers in the region," Prudente said.

During the event, Bayer also highlighted at its booth a portfolio "tailored to the specific needs of cotton growers in a country with a tropical climate and continental proportions like Brazil." The multinational presented Deltapine seeds, which result from the world's largest cotton seed germplasm bank.

When combined with Bollgard biotechnology and good management practices, Bayer claims that Deltapine seeds promote "high productivity, superior fiber quality, and adaptability in winter and summer crop environments."

Notable seeds include DP 1949 B3RF, the most planted Bollgard biotechnology cultivar in Brazil, known for its stability, health, and high yield potential; DP 2111 B3RF, characterized by its early cycle, high productivity, and resistance to ramulosis and root-knot nematodes, providing more security and efficiency in cultivation; as well as DP 2297 B3XF and DP 2252 B3XF, which feature Bollgard 3 XtendFlex technology.

According to estimates, the planting area for Brazilian cotton cultivation is expected to grow by about 6.3% this season. Consequently, Bayer warned, there is an increased incidence of pests and diseases with high potential for damage in the fields, such as the cotton boll weevil. This entire scenario underscores the utility of the new Bollgard 3 XtendFlex platform.

Future is Near

Bayer also revealed exclusively to AgroPages that it has in its pipeline for the coming years the launch of "Roundup Transorb TOP," a glyphosate-based herbicide with a high concentration of the active ingredient that allows for greater ease in management. Additionally, it will launch an herbicide featuring the first new active ingredient introduced to the segment in 30 years, focusing on post-emergence weed control. 

Finally, it will introduce the active ingredient Spidoxamat for combating sucking pests in soybean and cotton crops, which acts on controlling eggs and nymphs to block the reproduction process.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)