BASF Is Bringing the Power of Four to Cotton
December 20, 2021 BASF has announced Axant Flex herbicide trait technology – its newest cotton innovation for management of resistant weeds.
As noted in a BASF corporate statement, the Axant Flex technology is the first quadruple-trait herbicide stack for cotton. It provides tolerance to proven resistance management solutions Liberty, Engenia, and glyphosate – as well as to BASF’s new Alite 27 HPPD herbicide (EPA registration pending) to help cotton growers battle difficult to control weeds.
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 event.
“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.”
Next-level Innovation
Axant Flex technology provides cotton growers with the latest innovations in weed management, as well as a few firsts for the cotton industry:
- Axant Flex technology features the Axant herbicide trait – the first trait developed and commercialized in cotton to enable the use of Alite 27 herbicide – plus GlyTol, LibertyLink and XtendLink technology traits.
- XtendLink technology enables cotton growers to spray over-the-top applications of Engenia herbicide.
- With Axant Flex technology, BASF will be the first and only company to offer a quadruple-herbicide tolerant/resistant trait stack in cotton in the U.S. market to help growers gain control over yield-robbing weeds like Palmer amaranth.
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 more early season flexibility for many growers. It can be applied pre-emergence or early post-emergence, as well as tank-mixed with other residual and knockdown herbicides to work within a grower’s weed management program.
- 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.
Unparalleled Performance and Commitment
Axant Flex technology will be bred into the high yielding genetics from BASF cottonseed brands FiberMax and Stoneville, along with the company’s TwinLink Plus insect technology. 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.”
More information about Axant Flex technology is available from your local BASF representative or at Axant-Flex.com.
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