BASF-Monsanto JV set to launch new weed control formulations

BASF and Monsanto Company today announced major advancements in the development of dicamba-based weed control formulations, which would be available to farmers globally this decade.

The two companies said they have made significant progress toward launching the next-generation dicamba-based weed control systems for soybeans and cotton.

"We are focused on providing farmers another tool for weed management. Today's announcement is an indication that together with BASF, we are making significant progress in bringing this new technology to farmers," said Kerry Preete, Monsanto vice president of crop protection. "Together the strength of the formulation expertise BASF has with dicamba and our team's biotech focus seeks to deliver another breakthrough product in weed control."

The companies recently completed joint field trials of new dicamba-based formulations over the top of Monsanto's next-generation dicamba-tolerant soybean technology in development. The research, conducted at Monsanto's Monmouth, Illinois research facility, demonstrated excellent weed control and crop safety on the dicamba-tolerant soybeans, according to a joint release.

"Innovative formulations with proven chemistries are an invaluable asset for weed resistance management and a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture," said Markus Heldt, president of BASF's crop protection division. "The dicamba tolerant system is designed give growers pre- and post-emergence application flexibility, allowing them to better manage their resources and thus improving productivity," he added.

Upon commercialisation, the companies said, the dicamba tolerance trait will be stacked with the high yielding Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybean trait.

BASF, the world's leading chemical company, and Monsanto, the world's leading agriculture technology company, entered into a joint licensing agreement to develop innovative formulations for dicamba for use with herbicide-resistant cropping systems in January 2009. The two companies also have an established R&D collaboration to develop other new trait technologies for farmers.