Bayer introduces new herbicide to transform corn and soybean weed control

GLOBAL – Bayer Crop Science is preparing to release Icafolin, a herbicide that brings a completely new mode of action to corn and soybean production.

At the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, Brian Naber, who leads Bayer’s North America and Australia-New Zealand region, said the product could be available to farmers within the next four to five years.

“There hasn’t been a new herbicide in the corn and soybean space commercialized since the HPPD inhibitors in around 25 years,” Naber explained.

“Since it’s a completely new mode of action, you see a completely different set of visual symptomology about how it kills and controls the weed.”

The compound, designed for postemergence use, stops weeds from competing with crops by freezing them in the field. While the weeds remain standing, they no longer take up water, nutrients, or sunlight.

According to Bayer scientists, this effect leaves behind a mulch-like layer that helps reduce erosion and retain moisture. “By providing effective weed control, it reduces the need for tillage and supports regenerative practices that can improve soil health,” Bayer officials said.

Alongside Icafolin, Bayer is preparing another product for the U.S. market. The company plans to introduce a Group 12 herbicide called Diflufenican, branded as Convintro. It will target tough weeds such as waterhemp and Palmer amaranth in soybeans.

Diflufenican has been in use across Europe for years in crops like lentils and winter cereals but has not been available to U.S. farmers.

Bayer expects Convintro to launch in 2026, pending regulatory approval. “It also will be a weed control corn tool,” Bayer officials noted, highlighting its potential to give growers more flexibility.

Dicamba may return

Another development drawing attention is the potential return of dicamba formulations. These products, once widely used with dicamba-tolerant soybeans, faced legal challenges that led to their removal from the market in 2025 after an Arizona U.S. District Court vacated all dicamba labels.

This summer, however, the Environmental Protection Agency opened a public comment period to consider allowing their use again. Naber said he feels encouraged by the response so far. “We’re confident the tool will come back,” he said.

“It will be a highly effective tool, and we’ll be able to keep it where it’s supposed to be.”

If approved, dicamba could return to fields in 2026, with stricter use guidelines. Among the expected adjustments are higher requirements for volatility reduction agents and temperature-based rules for application.

Bayer recently raised its full-year group sales forecast to between 46 and 48 billion euros, up from a previous range of 45 to 47 billion euros.

It also lifted its earnings projection, now expecting adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) to reach 9.7 to 10.2 billion euros. The company left its free cash flow and net financial debt outlook unchanged.

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