FMC Corporation Achieves Historic Dual-Action Herbicide Classification for Rimisoxafen
Philadelphia, PA – FMC Corporation announced that the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) has officially classified rimisoxafen as a dual mode of action herbicide, under HRAC Groups 12 and 32. This designation marks the first dual mode of action classification in HRAC’s history, representing a milestone for the global crop protection industry and reinforcing FMC’s innovative approach to combating herbicide-resistant weeds.
Dual Mode of Action: A Breakthrough in Weed Management
The historic classification recognizes rimisoxafen’s unique ability to inhibit two critical biochemical pathways in weeds simultaneously: phytoene desaturase (PDS) and solanesyl diphosphate synthase (SDPS). By targeting both pathways, rimisoxafen presents a significant challenge for weeds to survive or adapt, providing farmers with a powerful tool in the fight against herbicide resistance.
Seva Rostovtsev, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at FMC, stated,
“HRAC’s historic classification of rimisoxafen validates the breakthrough nature of this technology. 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.”
Addressing the Growing Challenge of Herbicide Resistance
Herbicide resistance is an escalating issue in global agriculture. One of the most troublesome weeds, palmer amaranth, has already developed resistance to eight different herbicide modes of action. By combining two modes of action in a single molecule, rimisoxafen significantly raises the barrier for resistance development compared to conventional single mode herbicides.
The dual-action approach makes rimisoxafen particularly effective against broadleaf weeds in crops such as corn, soybean, cereals, pulses, and sunflower, providing reliable control where traditional herbicides may fail.
Science Behind Rimisoxafen
Developed by FMC scientists at the Stine Research Center, rimisoxafen exemplifies FMC’s commitment to pioneering crop protection solutions. The dual-mode action of the herbicide interferes with two key enzymes in weed metabolism:
- Phytoene desaturase (PDS): A critical enzyme in carotenoid biosynthesis, disruption leads to chlorophyll degradation and bleaching symptoms in weeds.
- Solanesyl diphosphate synthase (SDPS): A vital enzyme for plastoquinone and ubiquinone biosynthesis, inhibiting growth and metabolic functions.
By simultaneously targeting these pathways, rimisoxafen creates a synergistic effect, reducing the likelihood of resistant weed populations surviving and reproducing.
Proven Effectiveness in Resistant Weeds
Field studies demonstrate rimisoxafen’s effectiveness against challenging resistant weeds, including palmer amaranth and waterhemp. These weeds have historically required multiple herbicide applications to manage, and their resistance has increased production costs for growers.
Rimisoxafen offers a single, robust solution that reduces the dependency on multiple chemical treatments, simplifying weed management and promoting sustainable crop production.
FMC’s Innovation Pipeline
Rimisoxafen is the third novel herbicide developed by FMC for regulatory submission in recent years, following Isoflex® active and Dodhylex™ active. These advancements reflect FMC’s ongoing commitment to scientific innovation and addressing critical challenges faced by farmers worldwide.
FMC plans to begin submitting regulatory dossiers for rimisoxafen in key global markets starting in 2026, moving closer to making this technology widely available to growers.
Commitment to Growers and Agriculture
FMC’s approach focuses on delivering practical solutions for growers, combining scientific innovation with on-the-ground agricultural needs. The dual-action herbicide represents a new era of weed control, offering:
- Enhanced efficacy against resistant weed populations
- Reduced reliance on multiple herbicide applications
- Support for sustainable and profitable crop production
The HRAC classification not only validates the scientific rigor behind rimisoxafen but also highlights FMC’s role as a leader in crop protection innovation.
Source Link : https://www.fmc.com/
