Groundbreaking Formulation Technology for Sulfonylureas

Crystal Crop Protection Ltd approached Battelle with a significant challenge: they needed to develop a next-generation herbicide that could effectively control narrow leaf, broad leaf weeds, and sedges in transplanted paddy crops. The goal was to enhance farm profitability for paddy farmers while ensuring the stability and efficacy of the herbicide. 

Battelle collaborated with Crystal Crop Protection Ltd and Mitsui AgriScience International SA/NV (MASI) to develop Sikosa, a highly innovative herbicide powered by Banyan Technology™, a patented formulation. This new formulation technology enabled the creation of liquid, chemically stable, and highly efficacious sulfonylurea herbicides for the first time. Sikosa combines the active ingredients pretilachlor and bensulfuron-methyl, delivering broad-spectrum weed control with enhanced formulation stability. The collaboration focused on leveraging the expertise of all partners involved to create an herbicide that was both effective and stable. 

Sikosa was successfully developed and launched as an exclusive offering by Crystal Crop Protection Ltd. The herbicide underwent extensive testing in various State Agricultural Universities, with over 1,000 demonstrations conducted over the past five years. The results showed that Sikosa was highly effective in controlling narrow leaf weeds, broad leaf weeds, and sedges in transplanted paddy crops. The introduction of Sikosa significantly enhanced the yields of paddy crops in India, benefiting farmers across the continent. Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Ltd emphasized the importance of global collaboration in R&D-based product introductions for Indian farmers. Sikosa represents a breakthrough in herbicide technology and a successful example of global collaboration.