Key Takeaways:
- Moa Technology discovers novel “amplifier” molecules that could create an entirely new category of crop protection products.
- Amplifiers may reduce the amount of herbicides farmers need, offering safer and more sustainable weed control solutions.
- Partnership with Gowan Company will advance development of the first amplifier product tied to a specific active ingredient.
- Pilot field trials are underway in Australia and the UK to evaluate effectiveness against major grassweeds.
- Discovery expands Moa’s portfolio, which includes 80 new herbicidal modes of action identified in the last three years.
Moa Technology’s Discovery of Amplifier Molecules
Moa Technology announced the discovery of “amplifier” molecules that could represent a new category of agricultural weed control. These molecules are non-herbicidal on their own but have the potential to enhance the performance of existing herbicides, enabling farmers to use lower doses or concentrations.
The discovery opens the door for hybrid solutions that combine biological and synthetic approaches. This could strengthen the role of bioherbicides, currently a small sub-sector of biologicals, by addressing the challenges of finding natural products that control weeds effectively, safely, and affordably.
“We are excited to discover this entirely new category of weed control solutions to help solve a real and immediate problem for farmers and the environment globally,” said Dr. Virginia Corless, CEO of Moa Technology.
Moa’s Strategic Partnership with Gowan
Moa’s first collaboration in this category will be with Gowan Company, a U.S.-based agricultural solutions business headquartered in Yuma, Arizona. The agreement includes upfront payments, milestone-based investment, and royalty sharing tied to future product development.
“We are absolutely thrilled to embark on this exciting new project with Moa,” said Laurent Cornette, Global Herbicide Asset Manager at Gowan. “Together with Moa’s scientists, we’re pioneering innovative solutions for highly efficient weed control at minimal active ingredient rates—empowering farmers with sustainable tools for the future.”
Field Trials Targeting Tough Weeds
Pilot field trials of Moa’s first amplifier are currently underway in Australia, targeting annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum), one of the most damaging and costly weeds for grain producers, with losses and control expenses estimated at A$3.3 billion annually. Additional trials are being conducted in the UK, where glyphosate resistance was recently identified in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), a major challenge for cereal growers.
Moa reports that several of its 80 new herbicidal modes of action discovered over the past three years are already showing success in controlling difficult weeds in field trials across the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, and Australia.
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