FMC is set to introduce two innovative herbicides, Keenali Complete and Keenali GR, powered by a new active ingredient called Dodylex. These products are scheduled for release in 2027 and 2028, respectively, marking the first significant advancement in herbicide technology in nearly four decades. This breakthrough offers rice farmers an effective solution against resistant weeds like barnyardgrass, which has evolved resistance to multiple herbicides over the years.
Pioneering Weed Management with Dodylex Active
The introduction of Dodylex Active represents a monumental shift in agricultural chemistry. As a Group 28 herbicide, it targets the DHODH enzyme in the primidine biosynthesis pathway, halting weed germination and growth. This novel mechanism provides robust control over problematic grasses such as barnyardgrass, large crabgrass, signalgrass, and sprangletop species. The last major herbicide innovation occurred over 35 years ago, making this development particularly noteworthy.
Dodylex Active's unique action inhibits the DHODH enzyme, disrupting the primidine biosynthesis pathway essential for weed survival. By preventing germination and tissue growth, it offers preemergence residual control, crucial for managing resistant weeds. Barnyardgrass, a persistent issue in rice cultivation, has developed resistance to five different herbicide modes of action. Dodylex Active excels in controlling these resilient weeds, offering farmers a powerful tool to protect their crops.
Enhanced Efficacy with Keenali Complete and Keenali GR
Keenali Complete combines Dodylex Active with Command 3ME microencapsulated herbicide, providing comprehensive weed control and extended residual activity. This co-pack formulation enhances the effectiveness of both active ingredients, delaying resistance development and ensuring crop safety across various rice production methods. The product is tailored for direct-seeded and water-seeded rice, minimizing off-target movement risks.
Keenali GR, slated for release in 2028, will be a standalone preemergence herbicide specifically designed for the California rice market. It targets barnyardgrass, late watergrass, and sprangletop, addressing regional weed challenges. FMC recommends using Keenali GR in conjunction with other effective herbicides to maximize its benefits. While primarily focused on rice, the potential applications of Dodylex Active extend to other crops facing similar weed resistance issues, including corn, soybeans, and cotton.
In a recent opinion piece, the former executive of a major tech company has highlighted the urgency for the United States to bolster its open-source artificial intelligence initiatives. Eric Schmidt, previously at the helm of a leading internet corporation, emphasized the need for increased investment in AI infrastructure and collaborative efforts within the research community. Schmidt noted that while the U.S. had a significant lead over other nations in AI technology, recent advancements by a Chinese AI firm called DeepSeek signal a shift in the global competitive landscape. The rise of this new player indicates that resource efficiency can level the playing field in AI development.
Shifting Dynamics in Global AI Competition
The emergence of DeepSeek represents a pivotal moment in the international AI race. Schmidt observed that just a year ago, the U.S. held a notable advantage, but now the gap is closing rapidly. This development underscores the importance of adapting strategies to maintain technological leadership. The focus should shift towards fostering an environment where innovation thrives through collaboration and resource sharing.
DeepSeek's success demonstrates that significant progress in AI does not necessarily require vast resources. Instead, it highlights the potential of efficient use of existing tools and methodologies. Schmidt argues that this turning point requires the U.S. to reassess its approach to AI development. By encouraging more transparency and cooperation among top research institutions, the country can leverage collective knowledge to drive forward breakthroughs in AI technology. Additionally, investing in infrastructure projects like Stargate can provide the necessary support for these innovations.
Promoting Open-Source Models and Collaboration
Schmidt advocates for a multi-faceted strategy to enhance the U.S.'s position in the AI domain. Key elements include expanding open-source models, boosting investments in AI infrastructure, and promoting the sharing of training methodologies among leading laboratories. These actions aim to create a robust ecosystem that supports continuous innovation and collaboration.
Expanding open-source models allows for greater accessibility and participation from a wider range of contributors. This democratization of AI technology can lead to more diverse and innovative solutions. Investing in infrastructure projects such as Stargate ensures that researchers have the necessary tools and platforms to push the boundaries of what is possible. Furthermore, encouraging leading labs to share their training methods fosters a culture of openness and collective advancement. Such measures could also benefit Schmidt’s own ventures, including White Stork, which aims to provide AI drones for military applications, and his investments in companies focused on AI compliance and open-source alternatives.