Syngenta launches new herbicide technology to tackle resistant grass weeds in Soybean

ARGENTINA – Syngenta has launched a new herbicide technology aimed at helping farmers manage resistant grass weeds in major crops.

The company announced the global launch of VIRESTINA™ technology on 7 April 2026, after Argentina became the first country to approve its use. The product targets resistant grass weeds in soybean and cotton, marking the first new solution of its kind in nearly 40 years.

Argentina, one of the world’s top soybean producers, often adopts new farm technologies early. Soybeans remain a key global crop due to their high protein content and role in animal feed.

Resistant weeds continue to affect farmers worldwide. These weeds survive standard herbicides and compete with crops for water, light, and nutrients. They also host pests and diseases that harm yields. Reports show herbicide resistance in 75 countries, affecting more than 100 crops. Grass weeds account for 40 percent of the 273 resistant weed species identified so far.

VIRESTINA™ technology uses a new active ingredient called metproxybicyclone. It controls grass weeds that no longer respond to common herbicides such as glyphosate and clethodim. Farmers can apply it safely over crops, and it breaks down quickly in soil.

This helps reduce environmental impact and allows more flexibility in crop rotation and cover cropping. It also cuts the need for repeated use of heavy machinery, which lowers soil damage and emissions.

Syngenta developed the product at its Jealott’s Hill research centre in the United Kingdom. The company brought it to market in 10 years, faster than the usual 12 to 14 years for similar technologies.

“At Syngenta, our innovations have an important role in enabling growers to address some of the biggest challenges they face,” said Ioana Tudor, Global Head of Crop Protection Marketing at Syngenta. “VIRESTINA™ technology demonstrates Syngenta’s ability to foresee a challenge a decade earlier, to accelerate our research and development timeline and successfully deliver an innovation that is timely in meeting growers’ needs. We are very proud of our industry-leading innovation pipeline.”

The company plans to introduce the technology in Brazil, Australia, the United States, and Canada.

VIRESTINA™ builds on Syngenta’s wider crop protection portfolio. The company expects to launch at least 20 new products in the next decade, including solutions for pest, disease, and soil health management.

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