In the ongoing arms race between nature and human genetic engineering, Syngenta and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. announced their partnership in late August to develop the “next generation in soybean herbicide tolerance.”
New Soybean Trait Stack
The companies revealed a new soybean trait stack that promises to give farmers soybeans with tolerance to more active ingredients than any existing soybean trait in the industry. This stack introduces resistance to HPPD inhibitors, complementing the Enlist E3 “soybean event,” which already incorporates resistance to glyphosate, glufosinate, and 2,4-D choline. The inclusion of this new trait offers enhanced flexibility in herbicide application.
Syngenta anticipates broad market availability in 2029, with preliminary volumes expected in 2028. The new trait stack will be marketed through Syngenta’s seed brands and Stine Seed Company, among others.
Understanding HPPD Inhibitors
This trait stack features tolerance to HPPD inhibitor chemistries, including mesotrione, isoxaflutole, and bicyclopyrone. An HPPD inhibitor functions by blocking the HPPD enzyme in plants, thus hindering the production of crucial molecules for carotenoid and chlorophyll synthesis. The absence of protective pigments leads to oxidative damage and the characteristic “bleaching” appearance of weeds, ultimately resulting in their demise.
While Syngenta is not the first to engineer soybeans for HPPD resistance—BASF’s LLGT27 beans also offer similar resistance—the addition of this trait stack is seen as significant. According to Tina Sullivan, an agronomist at Kansas State University, three of the four tolerances in Syngenta’s new product mirror those in competing offerings.
Implications for Weed Control
The HPPD resistance trait is commonly employed in corn and is particularly beneficial for managing aggressive weeds like palmer amaranth and kochia. Kochia, in particular, is a highly competitive tumbleweed that has spread in northeast Missouri, posing a risk of yield reduction by up to 70%.
This development is expected to provide farmers with a broader array of weed control options, allowing for the use of HPPD inhibitor herbicides—a proven strategy in corn. Hence, farmers will gain greater flexibility in managing early-season weeds, especially in cases of planting delays.
“This new technology signifies a future of enhanced weed control options in soybeans,” said Jared Benson, head of Soybean Portfolio Strategy at Syngenta. “By integrating broad-spectrum herbicide tolerance with our expertise in soybean genetics and crop protection, this trait stack will equip farmers with an effective tool to combat resistant weeds.”
Addressing Challenges in Agriculture
Soybean farmers nationwide face challenges including herbicide resistance and early-season weed management complexities. This new trait stack directly addresses these issues by providing:
- Broad-spectrum tolerance to more active ingredients than currently available in the market.
- Established early-season weed control options utilizing effective HPPD chemistries.
- Multiple modes of action to enhance the longevity of active ingredients and manage a broader range of weeds effectively.
“From the outset, M.S. Technologies has aimed to develop high-performing soybean genetics,” said Joe Merschman, president of M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. “This partnership builds on that foundation—combining the FG72 trait stacked with the Enlist E3 event will offer soybean growers a robust weed control solution.”
Syngenta plans to launch commercial varieties through its Golden Harvest and NK Seed brands, with M.S. Technologies releasing varieties via Stine Seed Company, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, and others upon regulatory approval.
Weed Resistance Considerations
While advancements like these represent options for growers, they also present trade-offs. Early application of herbicides can enhance beneficial soil activity, but overdependence on any single herbicide could encourage weed resistance. Sullivan notes that weeds like waterhemp and palmer amaranth are already developing resistance to some HPPD inhibitors in specific populations.
A potential issue with these advanced resistance stacks can be the “volunteer” problem, where leftover plants from harvest possess these resistances and may evolve into new weeds in subsequent seasons. Farmers are encouraged to complement herbicide use with non-chemical weed control methods and to manage weedy areas carefully to reduce seed dispersal.
“Herbicides shouldn’t be your sole strategy,” she emphasized.
