Corteva and BASF Collaborated to Launch Non-GM Herbicide-Tolerant Mustard Technology
Published: 08 Apr 2026
Author: Vidyesh Swar
In February 2026, Corteva partnered with BASF to launch the technology, Clearfield Production System, in India for the mustard crop. The new technology is herbicide-tolerant and supports the development of higher yields. The technology helps to maintain the output of the crop and enhances the cultivation of mustard. The technology controls parasitic weeds and prevents yield losses.
Introduction to Clearfield Technology
The technology consists of Kifix herbicide and offers control against Orobanche weeds. The technology helps to produce high-quality mustard seeds and ensures stable output. The technology is a superior tool and improves agricultural productivity. The technology helps to ensure food security in India. The Rajasthan state welcomes new technology for safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers.
Features of the Clearfield Production System
- The technology is Non-GMO.
- The technology helps to control various weeds like grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds.
- The technology has application flexibility.
- The technology is useful in post-emergence applications.
- The technology increases the harvestability.
- The technology manages the various issues of weed resistance.
- The technology offers flexible crop rotation.
- The technology provides superior weed management.
- The technology offers cleaner fields.
- It is a powerful science-driven innovation
According to Towards FnB, the oilseeds market size accounted for USD 285.45 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 302.15 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 504.01 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 5.85% from 2026 to 2035, due to the surging global consumption of edible oils and the expansion of eco-friendly fuels.
Introduction to Kifix Herbicide
It is a technology developed by the BASF company. The technology is widely used for selective weed control. The active ingredients present in technology are Imazapic and Imazapyr. It controls parasitic weeds and is available in water-soluble bags. Kifix herbicide is widely used for controlling Orobanche weeds across mustard crops in India.
Key Features of Kifix Herbicide
- It contains 52.5% of Imazapyr.
- It contains 17.5% of Imazapic.
- It controls diverse difficult weeds.
- It is available for post-emergence and pre-emergence application.
- It is a water-dispersible granule.
- It is safe for the environment.
- It is very easy to handle.
- It lowers the rate of weed regrowth.
- It offers high tolerance.
- It offers stable production of mustard seeds.
The oilseeds market is growing rapidly globally due to the expansion of renewable diesel and the popularity of vegetable oils. The high import of oilseeds in the Asia Pacific, key companies' investment in soybean processing, trending plant-based foods, growth in biofuels, development of high-oleic varieties, higher demand for oilseed-based meals, increase use of GM seeds, growth in livestock feed, increase use of oils in cooking, and focus on protein meal are responsible for the growth of oilseeds. BASF and Corteva company focuses on the development of weed control technologies for oilseeds like canola and soybean. The BASF company aims to launch nematode management technology, Nemasphere Nematode Resistance Trait for soybean and yellow-seeded canola hybrid. The Corteva company focuses on soybean trait tracking and nematode resistance with the help of BASF.