Syngenta launches 'master key' herbicide to combat resistant weeds

Syngenta has introduced Authence® featuring VIRESTINA™ technology, a groundbreaking herbicide designed to tackle resistant grass weeds in key crops like soybeans and cotton. Presented to approximately 400 producers, advisors, and distributors in Buenos Aires, this innovation marks the first selective herbicide globally developed to control resistant grass weeds in these crops in nearly four decades.

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Master key

The development of Authence®, which contains the active ingredient metproxibiciclona, took 10 years. It can also be applied pre-emergence in cereals and corn. Syngenta highlighted the product as a "master key" and "revolutionary solution" to a critical problem facing agriculture. Marcos Bradley, Latam Director of Crop Protection at Syngenta, stated that resistant weeds cause an estimated US$1 billion in losses annually for producers.

According to the company, these resistant grass weeds affect 70% of Argentina's productive land and can reduce crop yields by up to 70%. They survive common herbicides like glyphosate and cletodim, competing with crops for essential resources and acting as a vector for pests and diseases. Alejandro Piñeiro, South Herbicide Manager, emphasized that Authence® "will change control."

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A real solution is coming.

Syngenta noted that the registration of Authence® in Argentina positions the country as a hub for agricultural innovation. The technology allows local producers access to advanced solutions sooner than in many other parts of the world. The company also highlighted its efficient development process, utilizing predictive science and machine learning models to create the solution in 10 years, significantly faster than the typical 12-14 years for agricultural technologies.

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It's going to change control.

Authence® is described as highly effective against weeds resistant to common herbicides and breaks down quickly in the soil, offering an excellent safety profile and reduced environmental impact. This provides farmers with greater flexibility in crop rotation and cover cropping choices, while also potentially reducing soil compaction and greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing field passes.

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This innovation offers a key solution to one of the most important challenges facing agricultural activity: resistant grass weeds, which affect 70% of the country's productive territory and can generate yield reductions of up to 70%.