Sumitomo Chemical submits registration applications for new herbicide Rapidicil

Sumitomo Chemical Latin America announced that it has submitted the regulatory dossier to the Brazilian and Argentine authorities of the application for registration of a new herbicide active ingredient Rapidicil (epyrifenacil) developed by its controlling company Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. (SCC). Initially, the targets are soybean, corn and cotton crops. 

Rapidicil, registered trademark of epyrifenacil, is a new herbicide that is part of a pipeline of products to be submitted for registration in the main markets in Latin American countries. The product belongs to a class of compounds known as protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors. The proprietary compound is expected to be a top seller for the company.

“We are very excited to advance what will be an important weed control tool, as farmers need diversity of products for mixtures or to alternate different modes of action. Rapidicil is expected to play a vital role in future resistance management recommendations,” said Alim Bicalho, LATAM Strategic Marketing Manager, Sumitomo Chemical.

“Once approved, Rapidicil will provide growers with effective performance against a wide range of broadleaf and narrowleaf weeds in foliar applications,” says Bicalho.

Extensive research has demonstrated that Rapidicil is fast-acting at low doses and can be used for a wide variety of crops, including soybeans, corn and cotton. Rapidicil is also environmentally friendly and contributes to sustainable agriculture as it provides weed control prior to seeding in no-till, which can suppress carbon dioxide emissions compared to tillage practices.

“We applied our herbicide expertise and invested in world-class research to create Rapidicil,” said Fabio Oliveira, Director of Research and Development at Sumitomo Chemical.

“Farmers will have a new tool for managing weeds, thus optimizing crop yield and harvest quality,” concluded Oliveira.

Additionally, Rapidicil is being developed for combination with PPO inhibitor-tolerant crops, being developed by Bayer, in a joint global collaborative relationship with Sumitomo Chemical. Rapidicil can be used during post-emergence crop development periods. By integrating the expertise of both companies, this collaboration will provide growers with effective next-generation solutions to address their weed management challenges.