Through a collaboration with the University of Liverpool, we have invested in finding new technologies that will reinvigorate the way phenoxies are used and protect the future of this core active ingredient in our products.
Our objective is to help improve the performance and maintain efficacy, while also reducing the dose, of the active ingredient.
Our primary focus is on the phenoxy group. We are working with the research team at the University on a new technology platform they have developed which enhances phenoxy herbicides by presenting the active ingredient in a different form.
Following three years of research, initial efficacy testing in 2019 was positive. During 2020 we continued to test different formulations of the microparticles in both glasshouse and field trials to further optimise results of the product.
We plan to develop this molecule, in the first instance, for our European market where the pressure from the regulatory bodies for more sustainable farming solutions is increasing. A number of product trials are scheduled across Europe in cereals and grasslands.
This work represents a completely new formulation that can be adapted to all phenoxies and other active ingredients. Current estimates for the manufacture of products using this technology are that it is cost effective. Combined with the potential to reduce dose, it will be cost effective for our customers too.
The intellectual property for this molecule is jointly owned by Nufarm and the University of Liverpool and patenting strategies are well advanced.