Nufarm teams up with KingAgroot on herbicide rollout

Nufarm Australia has announced a partnership with Chinese agricultural biotechnology company KingAgroot to introduce a new broad-spectrum, non-selective herbicide to the Australian market. The collaboration is focused on securing registration for Flufenoximacil (FFO), a novel molecule developed by KingAgroot, which has demonstrated strong efficacy in early field trials.

Brett Sutherland, Nufarm’s Regional General Manager for Asia Pacific, stated that Flufenoximacil had shown promise as a standalone knockdown herbicide with a new mode of action. While acknowledging the significant work still needed, he emphasized the potential of the product in addressing the challenges of weed resistance. The regulatory process is underway, with Nufarm targeting approval before the end of the decade. The company, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:NUF) and headquartered in Melbourne, has a history spanning over a century and has pioneered developments in plant-based omega-3 production and advanced bioenergy feedstock technology.

KingAgroot’s Head of Bioassay and Resistance Research, Peng Xuegang, highlighted Flufenoximacil as one of the company’s most significant innovations since its founding in 2009. He noted that the herbicide had revitalized the non-selective herbicide market after obtaining registration in China in 2024. The company, headquartered in Qingdao, China, focuses on enhancing global agricultural productivity through new pesticide and biotech seed development, contributing to food security worldwide. With its successful launch in China, Flufenoximacil is expected to achieve similar results in other global markets, including Australia.

The development of new herbicide technologies has become critical as growers face mounting pressure from herbicide resistance. Flufenoximacil offers an alternative mechanism of action, addressing a pressing need for diverse weed control options in Australia’s cropping systems. If successfully registered, the herbicide is expected to play a significant role in improving weed management strategies across various agricultural sectors.