Dow AgroSciences successfully produces 2,4-D choline

Date:11-08-2011

Dow AgroSciences announced that the company has successfully produced 2,4-D choline in a commercial scale-up setting. This milestone is an indicator of the company’s manufacturing expertise to produce Enlist Duo™ herbicide, which will be a highly differentiated herbicide solution for its Enlist™ Weed Control System. Once all regulatory approvals are secured, Enlist will introduce an innovative combination of herbicides and herbicide-tolerant traits in elite germplasm to meet the emerging weed control challenges facing farmers, while sustaining beneficial farming practices.

The new 2,4-D choline is a quaternary ammonium salt, which is different from 2,4-D amine or ester formulations. This technology retains the positive attributes of traditional 2,4-D products, such as the same weed control efficacy and favorable environmental profile, while providing growers new advantages for the management of resistant and hard-to-control weeds.

Colex-D™ Technology is a technology package featured in Enlist Duo™ and is comprised of 2,4-D choline, the latest in formulation science and a propriety manufacturing process. Those components taken together will provide growers with new benefits with the herbicide, including ultra-low volatility, minimized potential for drift, decreased odor and improved handling characteristics.

"Our success in achieving commercial-scale production of 2,4-D choline is a result of our on-going investment and expertise in research, manufacturing and formulation science, ” says Joe Vertin, global leader, Enlist Weed Control System, Dow AgroSciences. “This effort was done safely, on schedule, and validates our ability to deliver on the benefits of Enlist Duo™ with Colex-D™ Technology, as we move down the regulatory pathway. Colex-D Technology is an important aspect of our overall stewardship program for the Enlist Weed Control System.”

Dow AgroSciences is committed to stewardship for the Enlist system and is developing a comprehensive stewardship program to promote responsible use and sustain the long-term future performance of its trait and herbicide technologies.