Agricultural innovation leader Syngenta is teaming up with prominent Japanese agrochemical maker Kyoyu Agri to fight resilient weeds in Asia's rice sectors. Through this new collaboration, Syngenta will distribute advanced herbicide formulations powered by Kyoyu Agri's proprietary, next-generation active ingredient, Cyclopyranil.

Cyclopyranil is Syngenta’s first Group 14 (PPO-inhibiting) herbicide designed specifically for rice crops. This highly effective formula works at low application rates to control a broad spectrum of grass and broadleaf weeds on contact. It successfully targets weeds that have built resistance to other common treatments, including ALS and ACCase inhibitors. Additionally, it offers application flexibility by working as both a pre-emergent and post-emergent solution.

“As herbicide resistance spreads, the effective toolbox of options available to rice farmers is steadily dwindling,” said Ioana Tudor, Syngenta Crop Protection’s Global Head of Marketing. “At Syngenta, we are committed to reversing this trend by delivering the next generation of innovative solutions, and our collaboration with Kyoyu Agri will bring farmers new breakthrough tools to overcome resistance, protect their yields, and ensure a productive future for rice farming.”

“Bringing our proprietary technologies to the global stage is a key milestone for us,” says Masakazu Yamada, President of Kyoyu Agri. “I believe that this innovative herbicide created by Kyoyu Agri, will be made widely available across Asia through Syngenta’s robust distribution network. With this advanced solution, we will focus our efforts on helping rice farmers overcome expanding weed resistance, secure their harvests, and reduce the burden in their daily operations.”

Herbicide-resistant weeds are proliferating in global rice fields, with researchers documenting over 190 cases in these production systems worldwide. Barnyard grass (Echinocloa crus-galli) remains one of the most problematic threats; it aggressively absorbs nutrients, outcompetes crops for vital resources, and mimics the appearance of rice to evade early detection and weeding.
To address this challenge, Syngenta has entered an agreement to market Cyclopyranil-based products across several Asian countries.