Several companies have announced new weed-control tools for row-crop growers’ use in the upcoming season. Here is a brief summary of the technologies:
Helena Agri-Enterprises plans to give corn and soybean growers more weed-control options this season with the launch of Testament. The new herbicide provides early-season weed control and strong crop establishment in pre-plant and pre-emergence applications, according to Michael Cox, Helena products group brand manager.
The herbicide combines three active ingredients—saflufenacil, pyroxasulfone, and dimethenamid-p—to create a powerful defense against tough weeds. In trials conducted across diverse regions, including the Dakotas, the Texas Panhandle, and the Mid-South, Testament proved effective against Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, marestail, morningglory and annual grasses.
“Testament fills a gap by providing great weed control in areas where crop rotation sensitivity is a concern,” Cox says in company news release. “Its broad application rate allows you to customize it based on your specific soil type and how long you need the protection to last.”
Timing and Resistance Management
Cox notes one of the standout features of Testament is its versatility. It can be used during fall burndown, pre-plant, or pre-emergence windows. Because it offers generous plant-back restrictions, growers have more flexibility when dealing with unpredictable weather or changing planting schedules. Additionally, by using multiple modes of action, Testament helps farmers manage the growing challenge of herbicide resistance.
In addition to Testament, Helena announced the EPA registration of Sinister Nexus, a three-way soybean herbicide. While Sinister Nexus will have limited availability starting in 2026 (pending state approvals), Cox says it represents Helena’s ongoing commitment to expanding its portfolio of weed control solutions.
Growers interested in learning more about Testament or Sinister Nexus can visit www.helenaagri.com for availability in their state.
The Future Of 2,4-D From Nufarm
Nufarm announces its 2,4-D-based product Weed Master XHL is available for use in 2026. The product features Nufarm’s patented Dual Salt Technology and lower-volatility DGA dicamba.
Four key features of WeedMaster XHL:
- controls 90+ annual and perennial broadleaf weeds
- provides reduced volatility and is a low odor formulation
- offers improved handling and tank-mix compatibility
- delivers superior cold storage performance
BASF Introduces Engenia and Zidua Plus
BASF announces it has received notice from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of federal registration for Engenia herbicide for over the top (OTT) applications on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.
The new registration gives U.S. soybean and cotton farmers an additional tool to battle 200-plus weed species, including Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, kochia, morningglory and ragweed.
Stewardship is a critical component of any pesticide registration, and BASF says it continues to work with the EPA and state agencies to create national and state-specific training materials. The company will offer a suite of training options to ensure farmers and applicators understand the new Engenia herbicide label requirements.
On the horizon — potentially coming to U.S. farmers in 2026 — is new Zidua Plus herbicide. BASF says, upon registration, the herbicide will bring application flexibility, comprehensive weed control and residual endurance to soybeans with two modes of action. The product will be available for application from pre-plant through post-emergence.
First Dual Mode-Of-Action Classification
While not a new herbicide, FMC’s rimisoxafen has been classified by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) as a dual mode of action herbicide, designated under HRAC Groups 12 and 32.
This is the first dual mode-of-action classification in HRAC’s history. The unprecedented classification recognizes rimisoxafen’s unique ability to simultaneously inhibit both phytoene desaturase (PDS) and solanesyl diphosphate synthase (SDPS), two critical biochemical pathways in weeds. The dual mode of action makes it far more difficult for weeds to survive and adapt, providing a critical new tool in the fight against herbicide resistance.
“HRAC’s historic classification of rimisoxafen validates the breakthrough nature of this technology,” said Seva Rostovtsev, executive vice president and chief technology officer, in a press release. “Studies show this molecule delivers control of palmer amaranth and waterhemp, giving farmers an effective solution against weeds that have become resistant to multiple herbicide classes. This is the kind of innovation growers need to protect their crops and their livelihoods.”
Rimisoxafen’s dual mode of action creates a significantly higher barrier to resistance development compared to single mode of action herbicides. Rimisoxafen is designed primarily for use in broadacre crops such as corn, soybean, cereals, pulses and sunflower, and will provide effective control of troublesome and resistant broadleaf weeds.
