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 New Zealand market, across agriculture and horticulture.
The company has recently announced the launch of TOWERâ Herbicide.
This unique pre-emergent herbicide for autumn and spring-sown wheat and barley is now available for the autumn season.
ADAMA New Zealand 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 New Zealand as part of TOWER 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 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 New Zealand, it’s a well-proven and trusted formulation in UK and Europe and has undergone extensive testing in New Zealand since 2016.
New Zealand 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 TOWER also provides useful suppression of cleavers, groundsel, Italian ryegrass and perennial ryegrass contributing to overall weed control programmes.
TOWER works by being absorbed through the roots and shoots of germinating weeds. Weeds will die shortly after germination or following emergence from the soil.
Hamish says the unique combination of actives has the advantage of providing reliability in a range of environmental conditions, also 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 Hamish 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. “It’s important to consider chemical rotations and be prepared to be flexible.”
With TOWER Herbicide, ADAMA New Zealand 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.
Get golden results with TOWER —because every great crop starts with the right foundation. Talk to your local ADAMA Commercial Manager today or visit adama.com to learn more.
® TOWER is a registered trademark of Adama Agan Ltd