Saflufenacil: A New Herbicide for Preplant Burndown and Preemergence Dicot Weed Control

J. Harden, S. Bowe, R. Liebl, H. Walter, T. Holt and B. Sievernich.  BASF  Research Triangle Park, NC, USA and Limbergerhof, DE

Saflufenacil: A New Herbicide for Preplant Burndown and Preemergence Dicot Weed Control.

saflufenacil, BAS 800H, maize, herbicide, burndown, residual

Saflufenacil (BAS 800H) is new herbicide being developed by BASF for dicot weed control.  Saflufenacil is a protoporphyrinogen-IX-oxidase (PPO) inhibitor belonging to the pyrimidine dione class of chemistry.  Saflufenacil is highly effective on dicot weeds controlling them through both contact and residual activity.  Saflufenacil has preemergence selectivity in multiple crops and has also demonstrated control of problem weeds in non-crop markets. Saflufenacil is readily absorbed by root and shoot tissue of plants.  Once absorbed, saflufenacil is predominantly translocated via the xylem, with limited movement via the phloem.  Selectivity is conferred by physical placement and rapid metabolism of saflufenacil in tolerant crop species.  Saflufenacil has a very favorable regulatory profile.  Research indicates that saflufenacil applied at 18 to 25 g ai/ha can be used alone or mixed with glyphosate and applied preplant for rapid and complete burndown of weeds in cotton, soybeans, cereals, maize and selected legumes.  Saflufenacil complements glyphosate by controlling glyphosate or ALS tolerant/resistant weeds including horseweed (Conyza canadensis) or prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola).  In tree fruit and nut crops, saflufenacil applied as post-directed treatment controls important dicot weeds such as flaxleaf fleabane (Conyza bonariensis) and Malva spp.  Our research has shown that in maize, saflufenacil can be used preemergence at 63 to 125 g ai/ha for a complete dicot solution including control of troublesome large-seeded species such as velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), ragweed (Ambrosia spp.), common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and morningglory (Ipomoea spp).  Saflufenacil does not require combination with atrazine to successfully control broadleaf weeds preemergence in maize.  Saflufenacil's combination of broad dicot spectrum, complementary activity with glyphosate, and preplant crop safety makes it well suited to be an important component for preplant burndown and residual weed control in many cropping systems.