In a rare development that could significantly shift weed management strategies, Bayer has submitted regulatory applications for icafolin-methyl, a new herbicide with a novel mode of action not seen in commercial agriculture in more than 30 years. The applications have been submitted in four major agricultural markets: the United States, Canada, Brazil, and the European Union, signaling the beginning of what could be a transformative era for crop protection.

Icafolin-methyl is designed to combat herbicide-resistant weeds, which are an escalating threat to global crop yields and farmer profitability. The herbicide belongs to a new chemical class, allowing for lower application doses, targeted weed control, and improved compatibility with regenerative agriculture practices such as no-till and reduced tillage.

Bayer says the compound meets the stringent safety and sustainability criteria of CropKey, its AI-powered R&D platform, designed to accelerate development of environmentally responsible crop protection solutions. This digital approach is key to Bayer's broader strategy of modernizing input technologies in the face of climate change and weed resistance.

"With CropKey, we're not just reacting to today's problems, we're preparing for tomorrow's," said Rachel Rama, Bayer's head of small molecules. "AI is accelerating our ability to move from lab to field, making new tools like icafolin accessible to farmers faster than ever."

How It Works

A herbicide's mode of action defines how it disrupts weed growth at a molecular level. Icafolin-methyl targets an entirely new site within weed biology, offering effective control where existing chemistries fall short. Once applied, weeds cease to compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight, yet remain physically intact in the field. This creates a natural mulch layer that helps retain soil moisture and prevent erosion - a secondary benefit highly valued in sustainable farming systems.

This new mechanism also enables better herbicide rotation and mixture strategies, aiding in resistance management. Bayer emphasizes that icafolin-methyl is meant to complement existing herbicides, including glyphosate, rather than replace them.

Regulatory Pathway and Market Timeline

Before icafolin-methyl can be commercialized, it must pass regulatory hurdles in each country or region. Agencies such as the EPA in the U.S. and Health Canada will review extensive safety and efficacy data. Bayer anticipates an initial launch in Brazil by 2028, with subsequent rollouts in the U.S., Canada, and the EU.

The product is being formulated for a broad range of crops: soybeans, cereals, oilseeds, pulses, tree nuts, grapes, citrus, and pome and stone fruits. If approved, it could be an integral component in integrated weed management (IWM) programs, offering new rotational tools amid rising global concerns about weed resistance.

A Strategic Leap for Weed Control

"Weeds threaten food security and farmer livelihoods," said Mike Graham, head of Bayer Crop Science R&D. "Icafolin's novel chemistry reinforces the farmer's toolbox, supports regenerative systems, and aligns with long-term soil health goals."

The herbicide is estimated to have a peak sales potential of 750 million euros, underlining both its economic and agronomic promise. It also reflects a growing industry shift toward innovative, AI-enhanced discovery pipelines and low-impact formulations that support environmental stewardship.

As the U.S. ag sector faces mounting pressure to balance productivity with sustainability, tools like icafolin-methyl may represent the next frontier in weed control innovation, offering a timely response to herbicide resistance, soil degradation, and climate variability.