Bayer has announced the commercial release of XtendFlex herbicide tolerance technology in XtendFlex cotton in Australia, along with the approval of XtendiMax 2 Herbicide with VapourGrip Technology for over-the-top use in XtendFlex cotton, offering Australian cotton growers unparalleled flexibility and options in weed management strategies.
The introduction of XtendFlex cotton, built on the performance of Roundup Ready Flex cotton, represents a significant advancement in Bayer’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and enhanced crop management solutions.
Bayer Crop Science ANZ managing director Warren Inwood said XtendFlex cotton represents a leap forward in our ongoing efforts to support Australian cotton growers in achieving higher efficiency and sustainability in their operations.
"This innovative cotton trait, tolerant to applications of glyphosate, dicamba, and glufosinate, provides an effective solution against hard-to-kill and herbicide-resistant weeds, setting a new standard in crop management,” he said.
Alongside XtendFlex cotton, Bayer has also unveiled approval of XtendiMax 2 Herbicide.
XtendiMax 2 is designed to combat a broad range of broadleaf weeds when used in mixture or alone, such as fleabane and peach vine, offering a new level of efficacy in herbicide application.
“The introduction of XtendiMax 2 with VapourGrip Technology adds another effective lever to pull for weed control," Mr Inwood says.
"The reduced volatility of the XtendiMax 2 formulation, thanks to VapourGrip Technology, minimises the risk of off-target movement, providing growers with a higher level of confidence to use this new tool in their weed control program,” he says.
To further enhance volatility reduction, XtendiMax 2 is required to be tank-mixed with VapourGrip Xtra Agent. XtendiMax 2, when tank mixed with Roundup Ready PL Herbicide with PlantShield Technology, can provide an enhanced solution for broadleaf weed control, along with the confidence of low volatility.
Excellent crop safety demonstrated in large area trials
Since 2021, the application of XtendiMax 2 herbicide in XtendFlex cotton has been tightly managed in Australia under research permits granted by APVMA.
The purpose of these permits, amongst other things, was to determine the label instructions required for the management of off-target movement of dicamba when used over-the-top of XtendFlex cotton.
During the 2023/24 cotton season, selected growers participated in large area trials consisting of XtendFlex cotton treated with XtendiMax 2 with VapourGrip Technology conducted under the authority of an APVMA over-the-top spray permit.
These trials and surrounding areas were closely monitored, with no evidence of off-target movement or damage recorded - providing solid evidence the combination of the low volatility formulation of XtendiMax 2, spray applicator training and the strong adherence to label instructions by cotton growers provides a high level of off-target drift and volatility management.
Bayer Crop Science ANZ head of sales Tony May said we've seen promising results with XtendFlex cotton and XtendiMax 2 when rigorously tested in large area trials.
"The absence of any recorded off-target movement or damage to surrounding crops or environmental areas from significant areas treated in the large area trials is a testament to the innovative XtendiMax 2 formulation and the diligence of cotton growers to follow label and permit instructions,” Mr May said.
XtendFlex cotton, along with XtendiMax 2 and VapourGrip Xtra Agent, will be available for the 2024/25 cotton season.
This launch not only underscores Bayer’s leadership in agricultural innovation but also reaffirms our commitment to providing Australian cotton growers with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly challenging agricultural landscape.
“The availability of XtendFlex cotton and suitably registered over-the-top herbicides for the next cotton season is a milestone for Bayer and the Australian cotton industry,” Mr Inwood says.
“We're excited to see the positive impact this will have on growers' operations and the environment."
