Dow AgroSciences announced today it will launch Enlist Duo herbicide, a proprietary blend of glyphosate and new 2,4-D choline, for the 2015 crop season. Select growers will participate in this stewarded introduction. Enlist Duo is part of the recently approved Enlist Weed Control System, a herbicide-tolerant trait technology for corn and soybeans.
Company officials say the herbicide will provide new advantages for the management of hard-to-control and resistant weeds. It will be launched in conjunction with a stewarded introduction of Enlist corn, and seed production of Enlist soybeans in 2015.
Stewarded Introduction for Enlist Corn Seed
Dow AgroSciences will be conducting a stewarded introduction of Enlist corn seed in the U.S. in 2015 to participating farmers. Farmers in the program must adhere to a set of stewardship protocols and requirements. Additional steps, including isolation areas adjacent to Enlist cornfields, and third-party audits will be required. Growers must agree that grain from Enlist corn will be fed on farm when harvested, the announcement noted.
Farmers participating in the program will be engaged with Dow AgroSciences throughout the season as they steward the technology on their farms.
Seed Production for Enlist Soybeans under Dow AgroSciences’ Field Forward Program
Dow AgroSciences also announced it will move its Enlist soybeans one step closer to the farm gate by working with select farmers to experience the technology under its Field Forward program. The program provides a limited number of growers an opportunity to use the technologies before being commercially available.
Farmers participating in the Field Forward program will grow Enlist soybean seed for Dow AgroSciences. Dow AgroSciences will manage the seed production throughout the season, including handling and storage after harvest.
Regulatory authorities in the U.S. deregulated Enlist corn and soybeans in September 2014, and registered Enlist Duo herbicide in October. Enlist crops have been approved for import by many countries, and are in process for others.
“This is a robust, targeted plan,” says Paul Bertels, vice president of production and utilization, National Corn Growers Association. “It keeps American farmers competitive and provides access to new technology while respecting global grain markets.”
