Syngenta launches unprecedented selective herbicide for soybeans and cotton

Syngenta announced the global launch of the technology Virestina (metproxybicyclone), a selective herbicide aimed at controlling resistant grasses in soybeans and cotton. Argentina granted the first commercial approval in the world, the company reported. Syngenta plans to bring the new product to Brazil, Australia, the United States, and Canada.

Technology is targeting a growing problem in the field. Resistant weeds survive applications, remain in the crop, and compete with crops for nutrients, light, and water. They also act as a green bridge for pests, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. The impact includes productivity losses and a decrease in the value of agricultural land.

According to Syngenta, herbicide resistance has officially appeared in 75 countries and affects producers of more than 100 crops. Among 273 weed species with registered cases, grasses account for 40%.

In soybean and cotton crops, Virestina allows for the control of grasses resistant to widely used herbicides such as glyphosate and clethodim. The company reports safe use on crops and rapid degradation in the soil, with a favorable safety profile and a smaller environmental footprint. The management also increases flexibility in crop rotation and the choice of cover crops. Another expected effect involves fewer machine passes, reducing soil compaction and greenhouse gas emissions.

Syngenta reports that the technology will be developed over 10 years at its Jealott's Hill research center in the United Kingdom. This timeframe is shorter than the average 12 to 14 years for agricultural technologies.

“Virestina demonstrates Syngenta’s ability to anticipate a challenge a decade in advance, accelerate research and development, and deliver innovation aligned with the needs of growers,” said Ioana Tudor, the company’s global head of crop protection marketing.

In 2025, the company applied for product registration in Brazil.

Reason for request: registration (08/04/2025)

Applicant: Syngenta Crop Protection Ltda

Commercial brand: PERFORM OD

Common name: metproxybicyclone; glufosinate ammonium

Usage class: herbicide

Chemical name: (1RS,5SR)-3-[2-methoxy-4-(prop-1-yn-1-yl)phenyl]-4-oxobicyclo[3.2.1]oct-2-en-2-yl methyl carbonate; ammonium 4-[hydroxy(methyl)phosphinoyl]-DL-homoalaninate or ammonium DLhomoalanin-4-yl(methyl) phosphinate

Intended use: in cotton, oat, rye, barley, millet, corn, soybean, sorghum, wheat and triticale crops.