Moa Technology announced the discovery of new biochemicals for crop protection. These could form a new product category for farmers. The company aims to improve safety, sustainability, and effectiveness.
Over the past three years, Moa has identified 80 new herbicidal modes of action based on biochemistry. Several are already controlling tough weeds in field trials across the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and South America. The company also found a new class of “amplifier” molecules. These biochemicals are non-herbicidal alone but could help farmers reduce current herbicide amounts.
The discovery opens a pathway for biological solutions in weed control. Bioherbicides are small in the biologicals sector due to the challenge of finding effective natural products. Amplifiers could enable hybrid solutions that lower environmental impact.
Moa’s first partner for this new category is the Gowan Company, based in Arizona. Gowan will invest in developing an amplifier for a specific active ingredient. The companies see a large market opportunity. There is a global need for sustainable farming methods that protect the environment and ensure food security.
Currently, Moa is testing a pilot amplifier in Australia. It aims to reduce herbicide use against annual ryegrass, a damaging weed. Australian farmers lose billions annually due to weed-related yield losses. Other trials are underway in the UK to target resistant Italian ryegrass.
Moa CEO Dr Virginia Corless expressed excitement about the biochemistry breakthroughs. She highlighted the potential to solve immediate farming problems with new science. She said these discoveries create opportunities for industry partners and future revenue.
Gowan’s Laurent Cornette shared optimism about developing efficient, low-ingredient weed control solutions. Both companies aim to benefit farmers, the environment, and global agriculture.
Founded in 2017 as an Oxford University spinout, Moa develops proprietary biochemistry-based technology. It has screened over 830,000 compounds and discovered more than 80 promising modes of action. In 2024, Moa partnered with Nufarm to develop one of these novel biochemicals.
