Syngenta and Kyoyu Agri Expand Agricultural Innovation in Asia
LAHORE: Syngenta and Japan-based agrochemical manufacturer Kyoyu Agri Co. Ltd. have announced a strategic collaboration to introduce innovative herbicide solutions based on Cyclopyranil in selected rice markets across Asia.
Developed by Kyoyu Agri, Cyclopyranil is a novel active ingredient designed to control a broad spectrum of weeds, including those that have developed resistance to commonly used herbicides. The collaboration aims to provide rice farmers with advanced tools to manage weed resistance, protect crop yields and improve agricultural productivity.
Cyclopyranil is Syngenta’s first rice herbicide based on the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting mode of action, classified as Herbicide Group 14. Effective at low application rates, it controls a wide range of broadleaf and grass weeds through contact action. It can also be used before or after weed emergence, offering farmers greater flexibility in weed management.
Ioana Tudor, Global Head of Marketing at Syngenta Crop Protection, said the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds was steadily reducing the options available to rice farmers.
She said Syngenta remained committed to developing innovative solutions to address this challenge. The partnership with Kyoyu Agri, she added, would provide farmers with new tools to combat weed resistance, protect yields and support the future of rice production.
Masakazu Yamada, President of Kyoyu Agri, described the collaboration as an important milestone in bringing the company’s proprietary technologies to international markets.
He expressed confidence that Syngenta’s extensive distribution network would help make the innovative herbicide available across Asia. He added that the solution was intended to help farmers manage increasing weed resistance, safeguard harvests and reduce the burden of daily farming operations.
Herbicide-resistant weeds have become a growing challenge in rice production worldwide. Researchers have documented more than 190 cases of herbicide-resistant weeds in global rice farming systems.
Among the most troublesome species is barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), which competes aggressively with rice crops for essential nutrients and other resources. Its resemblance to rice plants also makes early identification and removal difficult, further complicating weed control.
Under the agreement, Syngenta will market products based on Cyclopyranil in selected Asian countries, expanding the range of weed-management solutions available to rice farmers.