Isoflex™ Active Overview

Isoflex™active, a new isoxazolidinone herbicide, inhibits susceptible plants from producing carotenoids – pigments that are critical to protecting photosynthetic processes and ensure normal plant growth and development. This effect, which is often referred to as bleaching, stops the photosynthesis in target weeds leading to their death. Studies of tolerant crops show that these symptoms are transient with no effect on the vigor and yield. In addition to inhibiting the production of carotenoids, Isoflex™ active slows down the production of key amino acids in susceptible plants. It is also able to control weeds through the combination of disruption of light reactions as well as protein turnover and degradation.

Isoflex™ active provides a new and unique selective residual weed control solution in a wide range of crops including, cereals, corn, legumes, rapeseed, and sugarcane, and will offer a new mode of action herbicide solution for many of these crops. Isoflex™ active provides both systemic and contact activity, with residual control, and will be able to be applied pre-emergence, early post-emergence or incorporated by sowing, across a wide range of agronomic environments. By inhibiting carotenoid production, Isoflex™ active controls problem grass weeds, including ryegrass, and some key broadleaf weeds. In weed control programs, it will be a valuable tool to help improve blackgrass control.

Weed resistance is a global phenomenon, but the specific challenges vary at the local level, and so should the weed management tactics. When planning a weed control program, FMC recommends selecting products from different site of action (SOA) groups to control the same weed either in successive applications or in mixtures. Reference the HRAC, AUS, and WSSA classifications of herbicides to plan the appropriate herbicide mixtures or rotations within an integrated weed management system. Isoflex™ active is a new active ingredient that is proposed to be classified as an HRAC Group 13 and AUS Group Q herbicide. As only the second active substance belonging to the isoxazolidinone family, Isoflex™ active will offer a new rotational product and a tool for resistance management, especially in cereals. Isoflex™ active will also be a complementary mixing partner for broadleaf herbicides as it can extend the utility of existing products by expanding the spectrum of weeds controlled. While herbicides are one tool for weed control, FMC also supports integrated weed management programs that utilize a wide variety of weed control practices to ensure that herbicides remain as sustainable tools.

Weeds reduce yields by competing for space, light, water, and nutrients, weakening crop stand, and by reducing harvest efficiency. Effective weed management involves developing a sound herbicide strategy to control weeds at crucial points throughout the season. Pre-emergence herbicides are important for controlling weeds after the seeds germinate, but before they emerge from the soil. Pre-emergent herbicides are key to reducing weed pressure and removing competition early in the growing season. Isoflex™ active provides both systemic and contact activity, with residual control. The herbicide can be applied pre-emergence or early post-emergence, across a wide range of agronomic environments.

FMC Corporation is working towards registering Isoflex™ active for use in cereals in countries around the globe. Isoflex™ active is registered in Australia, Argentina, Brazil, China, Great Britain, India and Pakistan. Registrations are pending in Uruguay, the European Union and Chile.

Isoflex™ active Technical Bulletin >>

Isoflex™ active Stewardship Bulletin >>