New Weed Control Tools Coming Into Fuller View

Herbicide-tolerant crops offer alternatives to glyphosate-resistant weeds

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:20am

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A bold, abstract painting in muted earth tones depicting a complex, interconnected system of geometric shapes, waveforms, and botanical spirals, conceptually representing the intricate dynamics between herbicide-resistant weeds, herbicide-tolerant crops, and the chemical forces at play in modern agriculture.As new herbicide-resistant weeds challenge traditional farming methods, innovative crop technologies emerge to restore the natural balance of no-till agriculture.Today in Nashville

The article discusses the emergence of new herbicide-tolerant crop technologies that are providing alternatives to the widely used glyphosate herbicide, as glyphosate-resistant weeds continue to spread. It highlights the growing adoption of LibertyLink technology in corn and the upcoming availability of Optimum GAT traits in Pioneer corn and soybean varieties, which offer tolerance to both glyphosate and ALS chemistries.

Why it matters

The rise of glyphosate-resistant weeds has become a major concern for no-till farmers, threatening the long-term efficacy of the widely used Roundup Ready technology. New herbicide-tolerant crop options provide much-needed alternatives to help manage these resistant weeds and diversify weed control strategies.

The details

While Roundup Ready has dominated the in-plant trait marketplace for over a decade, glyphosate-resistant weeds like johnsongrass are being discovered annually, raising concerns about the long-term viability of glyphosate. LibertyLink technology has proven to be an effective alternative in corn, and Bayer CropScience hopes to make it available to U.S. soybean growers by 2009. Additionally, DuPont's Optimum GAT trait, offering tolerance to both glyphosate and ALS chemistries, will be available in Pioneer corn hybrids and soybean varieties by 2010.

  • Roundup Ready has dominated the in-plant trait marketplace for over a decade.
  • Glyphosate-resistant weeds like johnsongrass are being discovered annually.
  • LibertyLink technology is expected to be available to U.S. soybean growers by 2009.
  • DuPont's Optimum GAT trait will be available in Pioneer corn and soybean varieties by 2010.

The players

DuPont

A major agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology company that is developing the Optimum GAT trait for tolerance to glyphosate and ALS chemistries.

Pioneer

An agricultural company and a subsidiary of DuPont that will be offering corn hybrids and soybean varieties with the Optimum GAT trait.

Bayer CropScience

A multinational agrochemical and pharmaceutical company that is hoping to make its LibertyLink technology available to U.S. soybean growers by 2009.

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What’s next

Bayer CropScience officials are hoping that LibertyLink technology will be available to U.S. soybean growers in time for the 2009 production season.

The takeaway

The emergence of new herbicide-tolerant crop technologies, such as LibertyLink and Optimum GAT, provides much-needed alternatives for no-till farmers to manage the growing problem of glyphosate-resistant weeds. These innovations will help diversify weed control strategies and ensure the long-term sustainability of no-till farming practices.