Monsanto and Sumitomo Chemical have signed a new global agreement focused on next-generation solutions for weed control. The deal builds on an existing collaboration the companies have had for many years through the Roundup Ready Plus crop management platform.

Both parties will work together and in parallel to create an integrated system of germplasm, biotechnology and crop protection. As part of this, they will collaborate in the development, registration and commercialization of Sumitomo Chemical’s key protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) chemistries, including its new generation PPO herbicide for over-the-top and conventional application use in Monsanto’s future weed management systems.

The new PPO herbicide is expected to be commercially available early in the next decade within brands offered by both companies, pending regulatory approvals.

“This next-generation PPO herbicide has remarkable broad spectrum effect against both grass and broadleaf weeds, which will make it an excellent, complementary addition to the Roundup Ready platform. The product’s low use rate, together with a unique mode of action effective against resistant PPO weeds, will be valuable to corn, soy and cotton growers,” said Robb Fraley, Monsanto’s executive vice president and chief technology officer.