EPA Approves New Paraquat Herbicide from Syngenta

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The Environmental Protection Agency has registered a new formulation of the paraquat herbicide Gramoxone Inteon from Syngenta Crop Protection. Syngenta says the new product sets a higher industry standard for user protection, provides weed control as effective as the previous Gramoxone Max version, and offers an alternative to glyphosate.

Why it matters

Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide that has been the subject of safety concerns. The new Gramoxone Inteon formulation aims to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion and increase the time for medical treatment through the use of natural, non-toxic alginates. This could help address some of the safety issues associated with paraquat use.

The details

Gramoxone Inteon uses alginates, natural products extracted from seaweed, to help prevent the product from being absorbed into the body. It also includes a vomit-inducing green dye and a new, less offensive alerting agent to further enhance the safety profile. In field tests, Gramoxone Inteon provided weed control equal to the previous Gramoxone Max version. Syngenta says the new product is an effective tool for glyphosate resistance management, as it offers a burndown with a different mode of action.

• The EPA registered the new Gramoxone Inteon formulation in March 2026.

What’s next

Syngenta is working to obtain the necessary state registrations for Gramoxone Inteon, including in California and New York.