BASF has introduced Axant Flex herbicide trait technology, designed to help growers get the upper hand on herbicide-resistant weeds
This quadruple-trait herbicide stack provides tolerance to Alite 27 herbicide, BASF’s latest herbicide for cotton. It contains the active ingredient, isoxaflutole, which belongs to the Weed Science Society of America’s Group 27.
Alite 27, a restricted-use material, is not yet available for sale nor is it registered for use on isoxaflutole-resistant cotton.
The stack also includes proven resistance to Liberty (glufosinate) and Engenia (dicamba) herbicides as well as glyphosate. BASF plans to bring Axant Flex technology to market in select FiberMax and Stoneville cottonseed varieties for the 2023 growing season, pending herbicide regulatory approval and identified country import approvals for the trait.
“Herbicide-resistant weed pressure is one of the most pervasive challenges cotton growers face,” said Luke Mankin, BASF North America regional marketing manager. “For decades, BASF has committed to bringing cotton growers new solutions to combat increasingly resistant weeds. And now with Axant Flex technology, we can give growers back the control and flexibility they need to more effectively win the war against weeds.”
Increased flexibility
Axant Flex technology provides cotton growers more weed control options and improved flexibility in creating weed management strategies.
• Growers can use four modes of action for more effective control of resistant weeds.
• Upon EPA approval, Alite 27 herbicide will provide flexibility earlier in the season and can be applied preemergence or early postemergence. It also can be tankmixed with other residual and knockdown herbicides to work within growers’ weed management programs.
• The use of Alite 27 herbicide provides early control of difficult to manage weeds, giving cotton growers peace of mind and a widened application window to address post-emergent weed issues without the need to rush back into the field.
Company commitment
Axant Flex technology will be bred into the genetics growers have come to trust from BASF cottonseed brands, FiberMax and Stoneville. With the new Axant Flex trait technology, growers will not have to choose between the weed control they want and the fiber quality and yield potential they demand.
“I’m proud to be part of a team and a company that’s committed to delivering innovation that helps cotton farmers succeed in the fight against weeds,” said Dr. Stephane Pien, BASF global cotton project leader. “The commercialization of this trait technology has been more than a decade in the making, and we’re excited that U.S. cotton producers will soon be able to take advantage of the benefits the Axant trait delivers.”
BASF contributed information for this article.