BASF broadacre agronomy and innovation specialist Tariq Gerardi at BASF’s trial site at Longerenong in Victoria. Photo: BASF

AUSTRALIAN canola growers now have access to Luximax pre-emergent herbicide, the first and only Group 30 herbicide registered for use in canola, following approval by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

“Annual ryegrass remains one of the most challenging weeds in Australian broadacre farming systems. Australian growers need effective resistance management tools that can be integrated into existing farming systems,” BASF Australia & New Zealand head of agricultural solutions Parvana Wali said.

“Luximax in canola provides growers with a new option to rotate herbicide modes of action across their farming system and reduce reliance on existing pre-emergent herbicide groups.

Luximax’s unique mode of action has no known documented cross-resistance to existing pre-emergent herbicide groups.

It can provide up to 12 weeks of residual control under suitable conditions, helping protect canola crops through the critical crop-establishment period.

Luximax can also provide control of barley grass, silver grass and toad rush, and suppress wild oats and brome grass.

“We’ve conducted extensive Australian trials across multiple seasons with canola varieties, and we’re excited to bring Luximax to Australian canola growers ahead of the 2027 season.

“The results have demonstrated crop safety comparable to current industry standards, when used according to label directions.

“This will give growers greater confidence when planning weed management strategies.”

The APVMA in 2019 approved Luximax as a pre-emergent herbicide in wheat, making it Australia’s first new mode of action for ryegrass control in 30 years.

Source: BASF