BASF announces Ridivex herbicide in the United States

BASF has announced the Ridivex herbicide for post-emergence weed control in corn crops in the United States. The formulation combines three active ingredients. The company is targeting the technology for managing resistant populations and protecting the productive potential of crops.

The product is still awaiting registration with the United States Environmental Protection Agency before it can be marketed. While the process is under evaluation, the company is releasing technical information to guide producers and consultants.

Ridivex combines diflufenzopyr, dicamba, and pyroxasulfone. The mixture promotes control of already emerged weeds and has a residual effect in the soil. The technology aims to keep areas free of competition during critical stages of corn development.

According to BASF, the herbicide controls more than 200 species of broadleaf weeds. The formulation also enhances the transport and performance of dicamba through diflufenzopyr. The company reports visible results within four hours of application.

The residual effect is effective against more than 80 species of broadleaf weeds and grasses. Control can last up to eight weeks after application. This effect is due to the presence of pyroxasulfone.

The formulation also includes a "safener" to increase selectivity to the crop. BASF states that the product allows for low-dose application and uses a lower dicamba load compared to competing technologies.

Company-sponsored trials in 2024 evaluated the herbicide's performance in seven locations across the United States. The tests involved states in the Midwest and South. Ridivex achieved high levels of control six weeks after application.

The technical recommendation calls for application in early post-emergence of corn, between stages V2 and V5, with a limit up to V8 or until plants reach 36 inches in height. The suggested dose is up to 8 ounces per acre, with the possibility of adjustments in cases of larger or resistant plants.

BASF recommends a spray volume of 15 gallons per acre. The product can be incorporated into tank mixtures with herbicides such as atrazine, mesotrione, or glyphosate to broaden the control spectrum.

The company states that pressure from resistant weeds is increasing in corn-producing areas. This scenario demands more applications and combinations of products. BASF positions Ridivex as a tool to simplify management and increase the efficiency of weed control in the field.