BASF Begins Global Registration of PPO Herbicide Replexor Active (Fendioxypyracil)

Regulatory filings commence in Brazil and Australia, with the United States and Argentina to follow in 2027

30 July 2026, Ludwigshafen: BASF Agricultural Solutions has initiated the global registration process for Replexor Active (fendioxypyracil), a novel protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) herbicide active ingredient developed to strengthen weed management in major row crops. The company has submitted its first regulatory dossiers in Brazil and Australia, while filings in the United States and Argentina are planned for 2027. Subject to regulatory approvals, BASF expects the first commercial launches of Replexor Active around 2030.

At peak adoption, BASF estimates that Replexor Active could support weed management programmes across more than 50 million hectares worldwide, underscoring its potential to become an important addition to modern crop protection strategies.

Rising Weed Resistance Drives Need for New Solutions

Herbicide-resistant weeds continue to threaten productivity in major crops such as soybean, corn and cotton. At the same time, increasing regulatory restrictions are reducing the number of available herbicide active ingredients, making resistance management more challenging and creating demand for new weed control technologies.

For more than five decades, PPO herbicides have served as a cornerstone of resistance management programmes. BASF’s existing PPO portfolio includes Kixor Active and Tirexor Active, and Replexor Active is designed to further strengthen this portfolio with broader weed control capabilities.

Broader Spectrum Weed Control

Unlike many existing PPO herbicides that primarily target broadleaf weeds, Replexor Active also provides effective control of key annual grass weeds, including Eleusine indica, Echinochloa species and Setaria species. Because PPO resistance in grass weeds remains relatively uncommon, the new active ingredient is expected to offer growers an additional tool for managing resistant grass populations while supporting integrated weed management programmes.

Supporting Sustainable Farming Practices

According to BASF, Replexor Active delivers rapid weed control while enabling no-till farming practices that help minimise soil erosion. The herbicide is also effective at low application rates, reducing the amount of active ingredient required per hectare and making handling more efficient. These characteristics are intended to improve operational efficiency while supporting more sustainable crop production systems.

BASF Highlights Portfolio Expansion

Commenting on the development, Maximilian Becker, Member of the Management Board of BASF Agricultural Solutions, responsible for Business, said Replexor Active fills an important gap within the PPO herbicide segment by providing growers with a new option for controlling resistant grass weeds while complementing existing resistance management programmes.

Melanie Bausen-Wiens, Member of the Management Board of BASF Agricultural Solutions, responsible for Technology, said the start of the registration process reflects BASF’s continued investment in crop protection innovation. She added that the company is also developing PPO herbicide-tolerant traits that are expected to provide growers with greater flexibility in the application of Replexor Active once commercialised.

Commercial Launch Targeted Around 2030

The commencement of the registration process marks another milestone in BASF’s crop protection innovation pipeline and reinforces the company’s commitment to developing next-generation herbicide technologies that address evolving weed resistance challenges. Pending regulatory approvals, BASF plans to introduce Replexor Active to the market around 2030, providing growers with an additional solution to strengthen integrated weed management programmes across major agricultural regions.

Also Read: Bayer Launches New Insecticide Trance for Cotton in India

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