FMC Corporation Secures Registration of Fundatis® Herbicide Powered by Isoflex® Active in Great Britain
FMC Corporation , a leading global provider of innovative agricultural sciences solutions, announced a significant regulatory milestone with the official registration of Fundatis® herbicide powered by Isoflex® active in Great Britain. This approval allows the product’s use in key cereal crops, specifically winter wheat and winter barley, offering growers a new, effective solution to combat herbicide-resistant weeds.
The introduction of Fundatis® herbicide represents a major advancement in crop protection technologies in the UK and reinforces FMC’s commitment to helping farmers sustainably improve productivity. With resistance to conventional herbicides continuing to challenge growers across Europe, the addition of this new product to the market is expected to play a vital role in integrated weed management (IWM) strategies.
A Breakthrough in Resistance Management
Fundatis® herbicide features two active ingredients that have never before been available to growers in Great Britain: Isoflex® active, a novel proprietary molecule developed by FMC, and beflubutamid. This unique combination delivers broad-spectrum control of both grass and broadleaf weeds, including key resistant species such as Blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides) and Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), which have proven especially problematic for cereal growers in the region.
Isoflex® active belongs to the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee’s (HRAC) Group 13 classification, making it a new mode of action in cereal crops. The addition of this mode of action is particularly significant given the increasing resistance to more commonly used herbicide groups. Fundatis® provides effective pre- and early post-emergence control, and when used as part of an IWM program, it can help delay the onset of further resistance development.
“The registration of Fundatis® herbicide introduces a much-needed solution featuring two active ingredients that are entirely new to the British market,” said Sebastià Pons, vice president and president of FMC EMEA. “This regulatory milestone reflects FMC’s strategic focus on innovation and our ongoing mission to support growers with effective tools for resistance management. By helping farmers protect their yields from aggressive and resistant weed species, we empower them to adopt more sustainable farming practices and improve overall crop outcomes.”
Supporting Growers with Proven, Innovative Chemistry
Fundatis® herbicide’s dual active formulation ensures robust weed control across diverse agronomic settings. Isoflex® active is the standout innovation in this formulation, offering selective action in cereal crops and delivering reliable pre-plant, pre-emergence, and early post-emergence weed control. Meanwhile, beflubutamid enhances activity against a broad range of broadleaf weeds, providing extended residual control.
Weeds controlled by Fundatis® include several species that are difficult to manage using existing herbicides due to widespread resistance or inconsistent performance. Among the key target species are:
- Blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides) – a major weed in UK cereal production, known for developing resistance to multiple herbicide groups.
- Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) – another widespread grass weed exhibiting increasing resistance to common herbicides.
- Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) – a competitive annual broadleaf weed that thrives in cooler seasons.
- Speedwell species (Veronica spp.) – small-seeded broadleaf weeds that are common in winter cereals.
By providing a consistent and effective solution for these weed species, Fundatis® herbicide plays a critical role in reducing weed pressure and maintaining crop competitiveness from the early stages of growth.
Enhancing Integrated Weed Management (IWM)
Fundatis® herbicide is designed to serve as a foundational component within a holistic IWM strategy. IWM emphasizes the combination of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control measures to manage weed populations sustainably. The addition of a new herbicide mode of action, such as Isoflex® active, supports this strategy by offering an alternative to overused chemistries and reducing selection pressure on existing herbicide groups.
FMC recommends the use of Fundatis® as part of a rotation or tank mix program, especially in areas facing high levels of weed resistance. The product’s compatibility with other pre- and post-emergent herbicides makes it an adaptable solution for diverse cropping systems and farm sizes. Additionally, its favorable environmental and crop safety profile allows growers to integrate it with minimal disruption to established practices.
Commercial Availability and Market Launch
Growers in Great Britain will have access to Fundatis® herbicide in time for the upcoming fall growing season. FMC is working closely with distribution partners and agronomy advisors across the region to ensure timely availability and provide technical support for optimal product use. Training and educational resources will also be made available to help growers understand how best to incorporate the new product into their weed control programs.
“We are excited to bring Fundatis® herbicide to British farmers at a time when they are actively seeking new tools to address resistance challenges,” said Pons. “This launch demonstrates our commitment to not only delivering innovative crop protection solutions but also supporting the long-term sustainability of farming in the UK and beyond.”
Global Expansion and Future Potential
The registration of Fundatis® herbicide in Great Britain follows a series of successful regulatory approvals and commercial launches for Isoflex® active around the world. The active ingredient is currently registered and marketed in several major agricultural regions, including:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Brazil
- Chile
- China
- Pakistan
- Uruguay
- India
FMC has also submitted an application for regulatory approval of Isoflex® active in the European Union, signaling plans for further expansion of the technology across key markets. This global rollout reflects the company’s commitment to bringing novel, science-driven solutions to growers facing resistance pressures in various cropping environments.
In all registered markets, Isoflex® active has shown strong performance across a range of crops, including cereals, canola, oilseed rape, and pulses. Its selective activity and flexible application window make it a valuable tool for weed control across both temperate and subtropical agricultural systems. Ongoing research is focused on evaluating Isoflex® active in additional crops and new segments, further expanding its potential utility in global agriculture.
Commitment to Innovation and Stewardship
As part of its broader innovation pipeline, FMC continues to invest in the discovery and development of new active ingredients, biological solutions, and digital farming technologies. The company’s approach integrates scientific discovery with grower collaboration to ensure that products meet practical needs and deliver real-world performance.
FMC also emphasizes responsible product stewardship, promoting best practices for herbicide use to preserve the efficacy of new chemistries like Isoflex® active for future generations. The introduction of Fundatis® herbicide aligns with FMC’s sustainability goals, including reducing the environmental impact of crop protection and supporting biodiversity in farming systems.
