Bayer has filed for regulatory approval of Icafolin-Methyl, a groundbreaking herbicide that introduces the first new mode of action for post-emergence weed control in broadacre crops in over 30 years. This significant technological breakthrough is aimed at combating the rapidly escalating global challenge of weed resistance, which severely threatens crop yields and global food security. Bayer has already submitted registration applications for Icafolin-Methyl in major agricultural markets, including the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
Brazil is strategically earmarked to be the first market globally to receive the commercial launch of Icafolin-Methyl, with Bayer anticipating availability from 2028 onward. This positioning highlights Brazil’s central importance in global agriculture, particularly its large-scale production of crops like soybeans, cereals, and oilseeds, where weed resistance has become a critical threat. The product is designed to complement existing solutions like glyphosate, offering farmers a vital new tool for resistance management.
Beyond its efficacy, Icafolin-Methyl is designed to support regenerative agriculture practices, a major global focus. The treated weeds stop competing with crops but largely remain intact, creating a mulch layer on the field. This unique feature helps to prevent soil erosion, conserve moisture, and reduce the need for disruptive tillage. The product was developed using CropKey, Bayer’s AI-enhanced R&D platform, underscoring how data science is accelerating the development of sustainable crop protection solutions.
