Key Takeaways
- Syngenta’s new herbicide, metproxybicyclone, has been officially classified as a new chemical subclass of ACCase-inhibiting herbicides.
- The innovation is designed to target herbicide-resistant grass weeds, particularly in crops like soybean and cotton.
- It marks the first new subclass of ACCase inhibitors since 2006, reflecting the difficulty in developing novel herbicide solutions.
- The herbicide is expected to launch in Argentina in 2026, pending regulatory approval.
- Syngenta cites improved sustainability and resistance management as key features of this new molecule.
Growing Herbicide Resistance Drives Demand for New Solutions According To Syngenta
Herbicide resistance is a mounting global concern, with 273 weed species affected across over 100 crops and officially reported in 75 countries. This growing resistance—especially among grass weeds, which represent approximately 40% of affected species—can lead to significant yield losses and long-term land degradation. According to a 2019 study (Savary), weed pressure can reduce crop yields by as much as 43%.
In response to this challenge, Syngenta has introduced metproxybicyclone, a new herbicidal compound that has been officially recognized by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) as belonging to a new chemical subclass of ACCase-inhibitors.
Fourth Generation ACCase-Inhibitor Introduced
Metproxybicyclone is now identified as the fourth generation of ACCase-inhibitors, building upon earlier molecules such as pinoxaden, which Syngenta introduced in 2006. The nearly 20-year gap in new subclass developments highlights the difficulty of discovering effective and safe herbicides that meet modern resistance and sustainability requirements.
Camilla Corsi, Syngenta’s Global Head of Research and Development, explained that the innovation was driven by early detection of resistance risks in key markets: “Years ago, our scientists foresaw that certain grass weeds in Argentina and Brazil would likely evolve resistance to existing herbicides, and since then we’ve raced to bring a solution to market.”
Pending regulatory approvals, the product is slated for release in Argentina in 2026 to support soybean and cotton producers.
Designed with Resistance and Sustainability in Mind
Developed at Syngenta’s International Research Centre at Jealott’s Hill (UK), metproxybicyclone was engineered using advanced computer modelling and expertise in ACCase-inhibitor chemistry. The design process focused on creating a molecule capable of managing resistant grass weeds—including those tolerant to glyphosate and clethodim—while incorporating Syngenta’s “Safer by Design” principles aimed at reducing environmental impact.
Syngenta’s Broader Crop Protection Pipeline
The development of metproxybicyclone complements Syngenta’s existing portfolio of crop protection technologies, which includes ADEPIDYN®, PLINAZOLIN®, and TYMIRIUM® technologies. The company also continues to invest in biological and digital solutions as part of its broader strategy to deliver tools that improve yield while enhancing sustainability in agriculture.
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