Moa Technology discovers molecules that enhance the action of herbicides

Moa Technology, a UK company, announced the discovery of a class of molecules with the potential to create a new category of agricultural pesticides. Called "amplifiers," these substances do not have herbicidal action on their own, but they could allow farmers to reduce the dose of herbicides currently used.

Over the past three years, the company has identified 80 new herbicide modes of action with its technology platform. Some of these already effectively control difficult-to-manage weeds in field trials in the US, Canada, France, Spain, the UK, Australia, and South America.

Amplifier technology also paves the way for the combined use of biological and chemical solutions in weed control, reducing environmental impact. According to the company, the bioherbicide sector still represents a small market share due to the difficulty in developing effective and affordable natural products.

The partnership with Gowan Company marks the first commercial agreement involving amplifiers. The company will make a significant investment, with upfront payments, contractual milestones, and royalties, to develop a specific amplifier for an active ingredient. Both companies emphasize the importance of innovation in the context of more sustainable and productive agriculture.

In Australia, the first field tests with a Moa amplifier evaluate the reduction of herbicide doses in the fight against lolium rigidum, one of the most resilient and damaging weeds in the world. The pest costs the country's grain producers approximately A$3,3 billion annually in losses and control costs, according to Weedsmart.

In the UK, similar tests are taking place against Annual ryegrass, where glyphosate resistance was recently confirmed. The plant poses one of the greatest threats to agricultural production in Western Europe.