University researchers and FMC experts discuss new alternatives for crop protection at Anthem? Herbicide University Summit

University researchers, educators and FMC Agricultural Products Group experts gathered together to discuss research findings and opportunities for a new herbicide currently being developed by FMC Corporation. The Anthem™ herbicide University Summit, which was held in January in Bonita Springs, Fla., allowed university and company researchers to share and exchange experiences and trial information regarding the efficacy of the new herbicide, which is under development and has been submitted to EPA for product registration. The discussion included preplant, preemergence and early post applications in corn and soybeans.

"Our partnership with researchers and educators is critical to developing best-in-class crop management solutions,” said Bob Hooten, technical support manager, FMC Agricultural Products. “The Anthem University Summit was an opportunity to exchange research findings and discuss opportunities that in turn will help develop Anthem herbicide and support our mission of making our customers the most productive and efficient growers in the world.”

Presentations were made by FMC and Kumiai researchers, covering the technical chemistry class of pyroxasulfone, in addition to the product development objectives for Anthem. A university panel and breakout sessions allowed researchers in the Midwest, Southern and Eastern regions to discuss research indicating appropriate application rates and data on weed resistance issues, crop safety and the overall efficacy of chemical classes in their respective areas.

After several years of research and development, Anthem has demonstrated excellent preemergence activity and residual control of many key grasses and broadleaf weeds. In addition, the product has shown excellent post contact activity on several key broadleaf weeds including velvetleaf, lambsquarter, morningglory, pigweeds and waterhemp. The herbicide also has shown excellent crop safety to corn, soybeans and wheat when applied as a preemergence treatment. It also delivers excellent crop safety in corn and soybeans when applied early post. FMC is continuing development work, including numerous field trials in 2011. EPA registration is pending. FMC anticipates product registration for the 2012 crop year.
FMC entered into a development and distribution agreement with Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., and Ihara Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., for access to the new herbicide pyroxasulfone for use in combination with the FMC herbicide fluthiacet-methyl. Both herbicides are effective on glyphosate-resistant weeds.

pyroxasulfone is a new molecule that provides broad-spectrum control of most grass and broadleaf weeds when applied preemergence and early postemergence. Under the agreement, FMC has the exclusive right to develop and sell premixes of pyroxasulfone with the FMC fluthiacet-methyl herbicide for use in corn, soybeans and wheat in the United States, Canada and Mexico. FMC also can evaluate this premix on all crops except tree fruit, nuts and vines in North America.