Unique herbicide breaks new ground

A­dama N­ew Z­ealand is starting 2026 with a re-energised focus on investing in research and development, and bringing new actives to the market, across agriculture and horticulture.

The company has recently announced the launch of T­ower H­erbicide. This unique pre-emergent herbicide for autumn and spring-sown wheat and barley is now available for the autumn season.

A­dama N­Z portfolio manager Hamish Mulcock says pre-emergent herbicides are vital to the success of a crop.
“Pre-emergent herbicides ensure weeds are controlled as they germinate, giving crops the best start and contributing to an overall herbicide programme.”

T­ower contains three complementary actives (chlorotoluron, pendimethalin and diflufenican) in a unique suspension concentrate (SC) formulation. For the first time, growers have access to chlorotoluron and pendimethalin in wheat and barley, expanding chemical rotation options and improving resistance management.

Chlorotoluron is a new Group 5 herbicide registered for the first time in NZ as part of T­ower’s formulation. Absorbed through roots and leaves, it provides valuable control of chamomiles, chickweed (including SU-resistant biotypes) and annual poa.

Pendimethalin, a Group 3 herbicide widely used in other crops, is now registered for the first time in wheat and barley through T­ower. It delivers effective control of nightshade, chickweed, fathen, field pansy, speedwell, wireweed, and annual poa.

Hamish Mulcock says T­ower offers medium term residual activity providing weed control through crop establishment.

“In addition to its wide weed spectrum and efficacy, it provides arable farmers with another option to rotate herbicide modes of action, slowing the development of herbicide resistance and protecting existing herbicides”.

He adds that while T­ower is new to NZ, it’s a well-proven and trusted formulation in UK and Europe and has undergone extensive testing here since 2016.

NZ trials show T­ower controls 16 broadleaf and grass weeds, including chickweed, field pansy, speedwell, fathen, wireweed, shepherds’ purse, black nightshade, parsley piert and annual poa. Beyond this it also provides useful suppression of cleavers, groundsel, Italian ryegrass and perennial ryegrass contributing to overall weed control programmes.

It works by being absorbed through the roots and shoots of germinating weeds. Weeds will die shortly after germination or following emergence from the soil.|

Mulcock says the unique combination of actives has the advantage of providing reliability in a range of environmental conditions, while the fact that T­ower is approved for both autumn and spring sowing is an advantage for growers. Weeds compete with crops for nutrients, moisture and sunlight through the critical germination and establishment phase.

While Mulcock says most growers are savvy, and have robust spray programmes, changes in conditions or sudden weed pressures can negatively impact even the best-laid plans.
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“It’s important to consider chemical rotations and be prepared to be flexible.”

With T­ower Herbicide, Adama NZ is delivering more than just a new product, it’s providing growers with confidence, flexibility, and proven performance. As weed pressures evolve and resistance management becomes increasingly critical, T­ower offers a robust solution backed by global success and local trial data, the company says.