PBI-Gordon, Kumiai and Ihara partner on new active ingredient

PBI-Gordon Corp. has entered into an exclusive partnership with Kumiai Chemical Industry Co. and Ihara Chemical Industry Co. of Tokyo, Japan, to develop herbicides containing the new, proprietary active ingredient pyrimisulfan.

To be marketed under the Vexis brand name, the herbicide active ingredient will be formulated for use in established cool- and warm-season turfgrass species on residential and commercial sites, sports facilities and golf course fairways and roughs.

“We’re honored to partner with a global leader like Kumiai in the development of this exceptional product,” said Mark Welterlen, vice president of Research and Development for PBI-Gordon. “Our test results on Vexis have been exciting, especially on sedges and kyllinga. Working with Kumiai, we’re confident products containing Vexis will have a great impact on the consumer and professional turf industry.”

Currently under independent and university testing, products containing Vexis show excellent control of sedges and kyllinga at a low active ingredient concentration rate, PBI-Gordon said. Tests are also being conducted on formulations featuring Vexis combined with other active ingredients for potential expanded broadleaf control and weed and feed products.