Key Takeaways
- FMC Corporation has received regulatory approval in Peru for Keenali™ herbicide, powered by Dodhylex™ active (tetflupyrolimet).
- This marks the first global registration for both the active ingredient and a commercial product featuring the newly classified Group 28 herbicide mode of action.
- Keenali™ is designed for pre- and early post-emergence control of resistant weeds in Japonica and Indica rice, offering strong crop safety.
- FMC has submitted regulatory applications for Dodhylex™ active in multiple Latin American and Asia-Pacific markets, as well as the United States.
- The approval in Peru gives FMC access to a significant portion of Latin America’s 4.5 million hectares of rice cropland.
FMC Announces Global Debut of Keenali™ Herbicide in Peru
New Mode of Action Brings Novel Weed Control to Rice Growers
FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) has announced the first regulatory approval and commercial registration for its new herbicide, Keenali™, in Peru. This product features Dodhylex™ active, a novel active ingredient developed by FMC, marking the first herbicide in over three decades to be recognized with a new mode of action by both the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA).
The product is classified as a Group 28 herbicide, offering pre- and early post-emergence weed control specifically for Japonica and Indica rice varieties, with a focus on managing resistant grass weeds such as barnyardgrass and saramollagrass.
“After three decades without a new herbicide mode of action in our industry, we’ve delivered a breakthrough that will change how growers combat resistant weeds,” said Ronaldo Pereira, President of FMC Corporation.
Strengthening FMC’s Presence in Latin America
Market Entry Targets 10% of Regional Rice Acreage
According to FMC, Peru represents a strategic launch market due to its status as one of the fastest-growing rice producers in Latin America. With 4.5 million hectares of rice cultivated across the region, this approval opens access to nearly 10% of the market, positioning FMC for expanded adoption in countries facing herbicide resistance challenges.
“This approval unlocks nearly 10% of those hectares, demonstrating the significant regional market potential for this product,” said Juan Ortiz, Vice President of FMC Latin America (excluding Brazil).
Keenali™ herbicide is expected to be commercially available to Peruvian growers by August 2025.
Expansion Plans and Ongoing Regulatory Submissions
Broader Rollout Anticipated Across Latin America and Asia
Following the approval in Peru, FMC has submitted regulatory applications for Dodhylex™ active in other Latin American markets, including Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador, with additional submissions planned over the next year. Approvals have also been sought in India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States.
Earlier in 2025, FMC received conditional approval in the Philippines for Keenali™ herbicide.
Commitment to R&D and Resistance Management
FMC Highlights Role of Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture
Dodhylex™ active was discovered and developed at FMC’s Stine Research Center, reflecting the company’s continued investment in research and development. The molecule is designed to address herbicide resistance while supporting sustainable productivity and food security.
“This registration is a groundbreaking moment in agricultural innovation and the result of years of scientific leadership at FMC,” said Pereira.
As the company continues to develop herbicide solutions for other crops such as corn, soybean, sugarcane, and sunflower, FMC is reinforcing its role in delivering technologies aimed at meeting the evolving challenges of modern agriculture.
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