BASF expects to deliver the first trait-enabled, resolved isomeric postemergence herbicide with its introduction of Liberty ULTRA herbicide, Powered by Glu-L Technology, to the U.S. marketplace next season, the company reports.
Liberty Ultra herbicide will effectively control grasses and tough broadleaf weeds like waterhemp, palmer amaranth, giant ragweed and kochia in glufosinate-tolerant soybeans, cotton, canola, and corn. Registration is anticipated in late 2023, enabling a targeted launch in 2024 and a full launch in 2025.
The introduction of the herbicide will pave the way for several Glu-L Technology based premix herbicides to come from BASF within the decade.
Glu-L Technology removes the inactive D isomer and concentrates the herbicidally active L isomer to enable a 25% use rate reduction compared to currently available glufosinate herbicides. This innovation packs the power of 32 fluid ounces of Liberty herbicide into a convenient 24 fluid ounces of Liberty Ultra herbicide, according to BASF.
“The specific combination of solvents and surfactants added to the Liberty herbicide formulation creates a significant weed control advantage over generic glufosinate herbicides,” said Liam Vincent, technical marketing manager for BASF.
The formulation locks more droplets onto weed leaves for better leaf coverage with every pass. Once the leaf is covered, the proprietary formulation has also been shown to drive nearly three times more herbicide into weeds1 compared to generic glufosinate products.
The company says Liberty Ultra represents a step change in the way glufosinate is manufactured and sold and will eventually replace the racemic mixture of Liberty herbicide.
