In South Africa’s wheat industry, where every harvest is vital to food security and rural livelihoods, weed management has become a make-or-break factor. As farmers work tirelessly to meet growing demand for wheat-based foods like bread, pasta, and cereals, invasive weeds and grasses continue to threaten crop performance and profitability.
Enter Corteva Crop Protection, whose innovative herbicide technologies are helping ensure stronger yields and healthier crops — giving wheat farmers the tools they need to compete, thrive, and feed the nation.
The Weed War in Wheat Fields
Wheat is South Africa’s second most important grain crop, and yet, it faces relentless competition from invasive plants that sap the soil of moisture and nutrients. If left uncontrolled, these weeds can reduce yields by up to 50%, leading to significant financial losses and potential supply shortages.
Among the most persistent culprits are:
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Ryegrass (Lolium spp.): An aggressive competitor that thrives in winter rainfall regions.
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Wild oats (Avena fatua): A common problem in cereal production, notorious for reducing both yield and grain quality.
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Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum): A fast-growing broadleaf weed that complicates harvesting and crowds out developing wheat.
In a country where wheat is essential not only for food but also for animal feed, ensuring weed-free crops is a national priority.
Corteva’s Commitment: Crop Protection with Purpose
Corteva Crop Protection has taken a farmer-first approach to tackling these challenges, developing advanced herbicide solutions tailored specifically to South African wheat-growing conditions. These products don’t just offer weed control — they provide precision, sustainability, and peace of mind.
The company’s Cereals System Portfolio features a suite of products that are already making a measurable difference:
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Aubaine® 518 SC (Reg No. L11069): Offers residual control of Italian ryegrass and select weeds, applied pre-plant, pre-emergence, or early post-emergence in the winter rainfall regions.
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Pixxaro® 266 EC (Reg No. L1191): Designed for pre-plant burndown of broadleaf weeds in fallow lands and early post-emergence in wheat and barley.
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Quelex® 200 WG (Reg No. L10759): Provides targeted control of broadleaf weeds early in the season across both Western Cape and summer rainfall areas.
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Tarzec® 320 WG (Reg No. L10760): Combines broadleaf and selective grass control in wheat, optimized for both irrigated and rainfed production.
These herbicides are built on Arylex™ Active technology — known for its selectivity and minimal environmental impact — offering farmers a modern solution to an age-old problem.
Tailored Solutions, Tangible Results
Corteva’s approach isn’t just about selling herbicides. It’s about partnering with farmers, understanding their challenges, and delivering sustainable, science-based solutions that fit their operations. With technical support, ongoing research, and farmer education programmes, Corteva equips producers with:
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Selective weed control that protects the crop, not just the field
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Long-lasting residual protection to prevent weed resurgence
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Environmental sustainability through reduced chemical load and runoff
“We know that every farm is different,” says a Corteva spokesperson. “That’s why we work directly with wheat producers to design weed control strategies that maximise yield, reduce costs, and support long-term soil health.”
Securing South Africa’s Food Future
With rising input costs and increasing climate uncertainty, South African farmers need reliable partners and resilient solutions. Corteva Crop Protection is delivering both — helping ensure the wheat industry remains strong, profitable, and capable of feeding the nation.
In this new era of precision agriculture, weed-free wheat is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Thanks to Corteva’s cutting-edge technologies and farmer-first philosophy, growers across South Africa can move into the season with confidence, knowing they have the tools to protect their crops, their income, and their future.
Corteva Crop Protection: Partnering for a Weed-Free Tomorrow
At Corteva South Africa, the mission is simple: put farmers first by solving real-world problems through innovation and integrity. With every field treated and every yield protected, the company is helping build a more resilient, productive, and food-secure South Africa.