Eric Yu, UMN Extension Crops Educator, David Nicolai, UMN Extension Crops Educator, Ryan Miller, UMN Extension Crops Educator, Debalin Sarangi, UMN Extension Weed Scientist
As the growing season approaches, staying informed about the latest herbicide innovations is essential for effective crop management and maximizing yield. The agricultural landscape continues to evolve, with new products introduced regularly to improve weed control, protect crops, and address herbicide resistance. This article builds on last year’s Minnesota Crop News overview of new herbicides and includes a new section highlighting key updates, such as regulatory changes and label modifications that may impact herbicide use this season. It is important to note that many “new” herbicides are reformulations of existing active ingredients or new premixes. Below are several herbicides to watch in the coming season, including products from AMVAC, BASF, Bayer, Corteva, FMC, and Syngenta.
We also recommend referring to the “Take Action Herbicide Mode of Action Chart” which is designed to help farmers and ag professionals quickly and efficiently sort through commercially available herbicide products and determine their modes of action. The chart organizes herbicides and herbicide premixes by their modes of action, grouped by Group Number (0 to 29) and color-coded for easier reference. By comparing your herbicide program with the chart, growers can rotate among herbicides with different sites of action, helping to delay the development of herbicide resistance.
Note: The typical use rate provided for each product is based on medium-textured soil. Understanding your soil type is essential to applying the correct rate. Always refer to the product label to verify the appropriate rate for your specific soil type, crop, and target weeds.
Beyond Xtra is a POST herbicide containing imazamox (Group 2), which combines Beyond and Raptor herbicides. It is labeled for Clearfield crops as well as conventional crops including dry beans, peas, alfalfa, soybeans, and wheat, with a typical use rate of 4–6 fluid ounces per acre. It targets several broadleaf and grass species. Beyond Xtra replaces Beyond and Raptor as existing stock is depleted. Beyond was marketed for use on Clearfield wheat, rice, sunflowers, lentils, and canola, while Raptor was primarily used on alfalfa, dry beans, and other crops. The chemistry and formulation of Beyond Xtra will remain the same as those of Beyond and Raptor, and it will continue to be available for all crops previously covered by these herbicides.
Liberty Ultra is a POST herbicide labeled for glufosinate-resistant crops, including soybeans (up to R1) and corn (through V6). It contains L-glufosinate (Group 10), a more active isomer, which allows for lower use rates compared to Liberty 280 SL. The typical use rate is 24-29 fluid ounces per acre, with a specific recommendation of 19 fluid ounces per acre for canola. A 24-fluid ounces per acre application of Liberty Ultra is equivalent to 32 fluid ounces per acre of Liberty 280 SL. Liberty Ultra provides broad-spectrum weed control. This product also includes requirements under the Endangered Species Act, meaning additional use restrictions and mitigation measures may apply. A supplemental label further allows for increased use rates in corn, cotton, canola, and soybean (see “Herbicide Updates” below for additional details). Note that Liberty 280 SL will not have a corresponding label expansion.
Ridivex is a POST corn herbicide that combines diflufenzopyr (Group 19), dicamba (Group 4), and pyroxasulfone (Group 15), the active ingredients found in Status and Zidua. As of March 5, when the product was announced, it remains pending EPA registration.
Zidua Plus is a combination of Zidua and Pursuit. It can be applied as a PRE to V6 in soybeans. The typical use rate is 6 fluid ounces per acre. It provides residual and knockdown control of weeds compared to Zidua alone and more application flexibility than Zidua Pro. It is currently under EPA review.
Sonic Boom is a PRE herbicide for soybeans (preplant and preemergence up to 3 days after planting) containing sulfentrazone (Group 14) and metribuzin (Group 5), with a typical use rate of 11–26 fluid ounces per acre. Sonic Boom targets several broadleaf and grass species.
Tolvera is a POST herbicide containing bromoxynil (Group 6) and tolpyralate (Group 27). It is labeled for use on wheat (spring, winter, and durum) and barley, with a typical use rate of 11–14.7 fluid ounces per acre. Applications should be made from the 1-leaf crop stage up to the jointing stage. Tolvera targets both broadleaf and grass weed species.
NovaGraz is a POST herbicide for grass pastures and hayfields, containing 2,4-D (Group 4) and florpyrauxifen-benzyl (Group 4). The typical use rate is 24 fluid ounces per acre, and it targets several broadleaf species. It is safe on several forage grasses and preserves white clover. However, it will injure or kill other legumes including red and crimson clover, alfalfa, and birdsfoot trefoil.
FMC
Anthem Flex is a PRE and early POST herbicide labeled for peas, lentils, potatoes, sunflowers, wheat, corn, and soybeans, containing pyroxasulfone (Group 14) and carfentrazone-ethyl (Group 15). Typical use rates range from 2–7.28 fluid ounces per acre depending on the crop. It targets broadleaf and grass species.
Express is a PRE/POST/burndown herbicide containing tribenuron methyl (Group 2). It is labeled for use on cereals, corn, soybeans, and sunflowers, although it is only approved for PRE and post-harvest burndown applications in corn and soybeans. The typical use rate for sunflowers is 0.25–0.5 ounces per acre, with up to two POST applications allowed, not exceeding 1 ounce per acre per year. It targets a range of broadleaf weed species.
Tendovo is a PRE herbicide labeled for soybeans containing S-metolachlor (Group 15), metribuzin (Group 5), and cloransulam-methyl (Group 2). It can be applied 30–45 days before planting, or within 14 days of planting with a typical use rate of 1.5–2.1 quarts per acre. Tendovo targets broadleaf and grass species.
As the growing season approaches, staying informed about the latest herbicide innovations is essential for effective crop management and maximizing yield. The agricultural landscape continues to evolve, with new products introduced regularly to improve weed control, protect crops, and address herbicide resistance. This article builds on last year’s Minnesota Crop News overview of new herbicides and includes a new section highlighting key updates, such as regulatory changes and label modifications that may impact herbicide use this season. It is important to note that many “new” herbicides are reformulations of existing active ingredients or new premixes. Below are several herbicides to watch in the coming season, including products from AMVAC, BASF, Bayer, Corteva, FMC, and Syngenta.
We also recommend referring to the “Take Action Herbicide Mode of Action Chart” which is designed to help farmers and ag professionals quickly and efficiently sort through commercially available herbicide products and determine their modes of action. The chart organizes herbicides and herbicide premixes by their modes of action, grouped by Group Number (0 to 29) and color-coded for easier reference. By comparing your herbicide program with the chart, growers can rotate among herbicides with different sites of action, helping to delay the development of herbicide resistance.
Note: The typical use rate provided for each product is based on medium-textured soil. Understanding your soil type is essential to applying the correct rate. Always refer to the product label to verify the appropriate rate for your specific soil type, crop, and target weeds.
New Herbicides
AMVAC
Zalo is a postemergence (POST) herbicide containing quizalofop-P-ethyl (Group 1) and glufosinate ammonium (Group 10). It is labeled for glufosinate-resistant soybeans up to the R1 stage and canola up to 14 days before flowering or no later than 65 days before harvest. The typical use rates are 32–43 fluid ounces per acre for soybeans and 22–29 fluid ounces per acre for canola. At 32 fluid ounces per acre of Zalo, the estimated equivalent rates are 31.3 fluid ounces per acre of Liberty 280 SL and 8.4 fluid ounces per acre of Assure II. At 43 fluid ounces per acre of Zalo, the equivalents are 42.1 fluid ounces per acre of Liberty 280 SL and 11.3 fluid ounces per acre of Assure II. The addition of quizalofop-P-ethyl broadens the spectrum of weed control, effectively managing a wide range of annual broadleaf weeds while also enhancing activity against grasses. However, tank-mixing postemergence herbicides can antagonize quizalofop-P-ethyl activity and reduce control of grasses and volunteer corn. Antagonism has been documented with several broadleaf herbicide groups, including Group 2 (e.g., Classic, FirstRate, Scepter), Group 4 (e.g., Enlist One, dicamba), Group 6 (e.g., Basagran), and Group 14 (e.g., Flexstar, Cobra).BASF
Surtain is a preemergence (PRE) and early POST herbicide for field corn. It contains saflufenacil (Group 14) and pyroxasulfone (Group 15) and is typically applied at a rate of 14 fluid ounces per acre. Surtain features a ZC formulation, a novel solid encapsulation technology that combines a suspension concentrate of pyroxasulfone with a capsule suspension of saflufenacil. This advanced formulation allows for application through the V3 growth stage of corn and effectively controls annual grasses and broadleaf weeds.Beyond Xtra is a POST herbicide containing imazamox (Group 2), which combines Beyond and Raptor herbicides. It is labeled for Clearfield crops as well as conventional crops including dry beans, peas, alfalfa, soybeans, and wheat, with a typical use rate of 4–6 fluid ounces per acre. It targets several broadleaf and grass species. Beyond Xtra replaces Beyond and Raptor as existing stock is depleted. Beyond was marketed for use on Clearfield wheat, rice, sunflowers, lentils, and canola, while Raptor was primarily used on alfalfa, dry beans, and other crops. The chemistry and formulation of Beyond Xtra will remain the same as those of Beyond and Raptor, and it will continue to be available for all crops previously covered by these herbicides.
Liberty Ultra is a POST herbicide labeled for glufosinate-resistant crops, including soybeans (up to R1) and corn (through V6). It contains L-glufosinate (Group 10), a more active isomer, which allows for lower use rates compared to Liberty 280 SL. The typical use rate is 24-29 fluid ounces per acre, with a specific recommendation of 19 fluid ounces per acre for canola. A 24-fluid ounces per acre application of Liberty Ultra is equivalent to 32 fluid ounces per acre of Liberty 280 SL. Liberty Ultra provides broad-spectrum weed control. This product also includes requirements under the Endangered Species Act, meaning additional use restrictions and mitigation measures may apply. A supplemental label further allows for increased use rates in corn, cotton, canola, and soybean (see “Herbicide Updates” below for additional details). Note that Liberty 280 SL will not have a corresponding label expansion.
Ridivex is a POST corn herbicide that combines diflufenzopyr (Group 19), dicamba (Group 4), and pyroxasulfone (Group 15), the active ingredients found in Status and Zidua. As of March 5, when the product was announced, it remains pending EPA registration.
Zidua Plus is a combination of Zidua and Pursuit. It can be applied as a PRE to V6 in soybeans. The typical use rate is 6 fluid ounces per acre. It provides residual and knockdown control of weeds compared to Zidua alone and more application flexibility than Zidua Pro. It is currently under EPA review.
Bayer
Convintro is a PRE herbicide currently under EPA review. It contains diflufenican (Group 12) and is intended for use in corn and soybeans to control pigweed species, including waterhemp and Palmer amaranth. Convintro will need to be tank-mixed with other PRE herbicides for effective and broad-spectrum weed control. Once approved, it will be the first Group 12 herbicide available for weed management in corn and soybeans in North America.Corteva
Resicore REV is a reformulation of Resicore and it is a preplant/PRE/POST herbicide for field corn. It contains acetochlor (Group 15), mesotrione (Group 27), and clopyralid (Group 4), with a typical use rate of 2.25–3 quarts per acre. The updated formulation includes encapsulated acetochlor for improved crop safety and easier handling. This allows for a wider application window, allowing use in field corn up to 24 inches tall – an improvement over the original Resicore label, which was limited to 11 inches.Sonic Boom is a PRE herbicide for soybeans (preplant and preemergence up to 3 days after planting) containing sulfentrazone (Group 14) and metribuzin (Group 5), with a typical use rate of 11–26 fluid ounces per acre. Sonic Boom targets several broadleaf and grass species.
Tolvera is a POST herbicide containing bromoxynil (Group 6) and tolpyralate (Group 27). It is labeled for use on wheat (spring, winter, and durum) and barley, with a typical use rate of 11–14.7 fluid ounces per acre. Applications should be made from the 1-leaf crop stage up to the jointing stage. Tolvera targets both broadleaf and grass weed species.
NovaGraz is a POST herbicide for grass pastures and hayfields, containing 2,4-D (Group 4) and florpyrauxifen-benzyl (Group 4). The typical use rate is 24 fluid ounces per acre, and it targets several broadleaf species. It is safe on several forage grasses and preserves white clover. However, it will injure or kill other legumes including red and crimson clover, alfalfa, and birdsfoot trefoil.
FMC
Anthem Flex is a PRE and early POST herbicide labeled for peas, lentils, potatoes, sunflowers, wheat, corn, and soybeans, containing pyroxasulfone (Group 14) and carfentrazone-ethyl (Group 15). Typical use rates range from 2–7.28 fluid ounces per acre depending on the crop. It targets broadleaf and grass species.
Express is a PRE/POST/burndown herbicide containing tribenuron methyl (Group 2). It is labeled for use on cereals, corn, soybeans, and sunflowers, although it is only approved for PRE and post-harvest burndown applications in corn and soybeans. The typical use rate for sunflowers is 0.25–0.5 ounces per acre, with up to two POST applications allowed, not exceeding 1 ounce per acre per year. It targets a range of broadleaf weed species.
Syngenta
Storen is a PRE/POST herbicide for field and seed corn (up to V8 stage), containing S-metolachlor (Group 15), mesotrione (Group 27), pyroxasulfone (Group 15), and bicyclopyrone (Group 27). Storen is labeled for use in sweet corn, but the application must be made prior to crop emergence (i.e., preplant or preemergence). The typical use rate is 2.1–2.4 quarts per acre and it targets several broadleaf and grass species.Tendovo is a PRE herbicide labeled for soybeans containing S-metolachlor (Group 15), metribuzin (Group 5), and cloransulam-methyl (Group 2). It can be applied 30–45 days before planting, or within 14 days of planting with a typical use rate of 1.5–2.1 quarts per acre. Tendovo targets broadleaf and grass species.
Herbicide Updates
Many changes have been made to commonly used herbicides, and this section highlights some important updates for the 2026 growing season.Endangered Species Act
New requirements under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) are being incorporated into pesticide labels. These changes are intended to reduce potential impacts on threatened and endangered species and their habitats. Growers may now see additional mitigation requirements on herbicide labels, such as buffer zones, runoff reduction practices, or application restrictions based on field characteristics. It is important to review each product label carefully, as these requirements are legally enforceable and may vary by product and location. For more information, see the following Minnesota Crop News article.
Dicamba (Federal and State Updates)
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved three dicamba herbicide products for over-the-top use in cotton and soybeans for the next two growing seasons, including Stryax (Bayer), Engenia (BASF), and Tavium (Syngenta). These dicamba products are Restricted Use Pesticides for certified applicators only, and require additional product training prior to use. Updated federal labels now include ESA requirements, which incorporate runoff and erosion mitigation measures. The maximum annual use rate has been reduced to 1 pound of dicamba per acre, with no more than two applications per season. Additional restrictions include more stringent drift and application requirements, such as temperature limits, wind speed parameters, and application height restrictions. In Minnesota, these products are subject to additional state-specific restrictions, including cutoff dates and a temperature cutoff that applies statewide. Dicamba applications are prohibited south of Interstate 90 after June 12 and north of Interstate 94 after June 30. Applications are not allowed when the air temperature at the field exceeds 85°F or if the air temperature is forecasted to exceed 85°F, and the forecasted temperature must be recorded at the start of the application. For more information, federal requirements are outlined by the EPA, and Minnesota-specific requirements are outlined by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.Liberty Ultra Label Expansion
Liberty Ultra, the newest product in BASF’s Liberty franchise, was launched last season. A new supplemental label has now been approved that increases both the maximum single application rate and the cumulative annual use rate for Liberty Ultra in glufosinate-tolerant canola, corn, cotton, and soybean. For glufosinate-resistant (LibertyLink) corn and soybean, the maximum single application rate has been increased to 34 fluid ounces per acre, with a maximum seasonal total of 69 fluid ounces per acre. This expanded flexibility may help improve weed control in situations with larger or more difficult-to-control weeds. As always, applicators should carefully review the updated label for specific rate limits, application timing, and any additional requirements, including those related to Endangered Species Act compliance.
Discontinuation of Gramoxone
Gramoxone (paraquat) is being phased out and is expected to no longer be available by the end of the year. Gramoxone is a Restricted Use Pesticide for use by certified applicators only and this product also requires product specific training prior to use. Existing stocks may still be used according to the label, but no new product is expected to enter the market. Paraquat has been an important burndown and desiccation tool, so growers should plan for alternative strategies moving forward. Options may include other burndown herbicides, tank mixes, or adjustments to weed management programs to compensate for the loss of this product
Note: The use of trade names is for clarity and educational purposes only and does not imply endorsement of a particular brand or product over another. Likewise, exclusion does not imply non-approval.
Conclusion
With continued changes in herbicide technology and use patterns, staying current on product developments and use guidelines remains critical for effective weed management. This season’s updates reflect not only the introduction of new products, but also refinements to existing tools through updated labels and regulations. Together, these changes provide additional flexibility and opportunities to optimize weed control programs while addressing resistance concerns. Thoughtful integration of these options can help maintain consistent performance and long-term system sustainability. As always, consult product labels for specific directions and work with an agronomic advisor to identify the most appropriate strategies for your operation.Note: The use of trade names is for clarity and educational purposes only and does not imply endorsement of a particular brand or product over another. Likewise, exclusion does not imply non-approval.
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