Syngenta and Kyoyu Agri Partner to Bring Cyclopyranil Herbicide to Asian Rice Markets

12 October 2026, Tokyo: Syngenta and Japanese agrochemical manufacturer Kyoyu Agri Co. Ltd have announced a strategic collaboration to introduce herbicide solutions based on Cyclopyranil in selected rice markets across Asia.

Cyclopyranil is a novel active ingredient developed by Kyoyu Agri. Under the agreement, Syngenta will market products containing the active ingredient in several Asian countries through its distribution network.

Cyclopyranil inhibits protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO), placing it in Herbicide Group 14. It is Syngenta’s first rice herbicide based on this mode of action. The herbicide is designed to control a range of broadleaf and grass weeds at low application rates, including weeds resistant to herbicides with other modes of action, such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors.

The active ingredient can be applied before or after weed emergence, offering flexibility in weed management programmes.

Ioana Tudor, Global Head of Marketing at Syngenta Crop Protection, said the spread of herbicide resistance has reduced the number of effective weed control options available to rice farmers. She said the collaboration would expand the range of solutions available to manage resistant weeds and help protect rice yields.

Masakazu Yamada, President of Kyoyu Agri, said the agreement would support the international expansion of the company’s proprietary technology. He added that Syngenta’s distribution network would help make the herbicide available to rice farmers across selected Asian markets.

Herbicide resistance remains a challenge for rice production systems worldwide. Researchers have documented more than 190 cases of herbicide-resistant weeds in rice production systems globally.

Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) is among the major weeds affecting rice cultivation. It competes with rice plants for nutrients and other resources, while its resemblance to rice during early growth can make identification and removal difficult.

The collaboration combines Kyoyu Agri’s development of Cyclopyranil with Syngenta’s commercial reach to expand weed management options in Asian rice markets. The companies have not specified the countries or launch timelines covered by the agreement.

Also Read: Syngenta Launches New Fungicide Kadexa SC in Canada

Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com