Agriculture is entering a new phase of innovation, driven by robotics, biological inputs and more targeted crop protection solutions. This edition covers Reservoir Farms’ expansion into Washington to accelerate agricultural robotics and physical AI, alongside IMIO’s $12 million funding round to unlock nutrients from crop residues and improve the consistency of biological products.
In crop protection, China has approved its first three-way pyroxasulfone herbicide mixture for winter wheat, while US-based Viriterra has launched Perseus SC and begun commercial-scale pyroxasulfone production.
n India, Haryana is strengthening its fisheries sector through subsidized electricity for fish and shrimp farmers, new fish markets, soil and water testing laboratories, and upgraded fish seed farms.
Together, these developments reflect the growing focus on agricultural productivity, technological innovation, input efficiency and stronger market infrastructure.
Here is what you need to know today.
China Approves First Three-Way Pyroxasulfone Herbicide Mixture for Winter Wheat
China has approved its first three-way herbicide mixture containing pyroxasulfone, diflufenican and isoproturon for controlling annual weeds in winter wheat.
Developed by Dezhou Luba Fine Chemical, a subsidiary of Shandong Luba Chemical, the 50% suspension concentrate combines three active ingredients with different modes of action to target a broader spectrum of grass and broadleaf weeds.
Pyroxasulfone primarily controls grass weeds, isoproturon targets annual grasses and selected broadleaf weeds, while diflufenican provides effective control of several broadleaf species. The combination aims to address weed-control gaps associated with single and two-way herbicide formulations.
Its pre-emergence application strategy could help reduce repeated post-emergence treatments and support herbicide resistance management. The registration marks a new development in China’s wheat weed-management market, offering farmers an additional option for more comprehensive weed control.
Viriterra Launches Perseus SC Herbicide in the U.S., Begins Commercial-Scale Pyroxasulfone Production
U.S.-based crop protection company Viriterra Inc. has entered the American agricultural market with Perseus SC, its first herbicide product, while beginning commercial-scale production of the active ingredient pyroxasulfone.
Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, the company operates through three manufacturing plants supported by more than 300 employees. Perseus SC is a Group 15 herbicide formulated to provide residual control or suppression of labeled annual grasses, sedges and broadleaf weeds, including Palmer amaranth, waterhemp and foxtail species.
It is designed for preplant and pre-emergence applications in crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat, subject to product labeling. By manufacturing its own active ingredient, Viriterra aims to offer distributors a dependable supply and direct access to technical support.
The company is also developing additional herbicides and fungicides, with further launches planned through 2031, subject to regulatory approval.
Reservoir Farms Expands to Washington to Accelerate Agricultural Robotics and Physical AI
Reservoir Farms is expanding into Washington’s Yakima Valley, with a new site scheduled to open in spring 2027 to support the development and testing of agricultural robots.
The facility will focus on apples, pears, cherries and blueberries, bringing startups, growers and researchers together to develop practical automation solutions.
With more than 30 startup members and partnerships involving John Deere and agricultural organizations, Reservoir is strengthening its role in the physical AI ecosystem. Its portfolio includes AI-powered robots, precision spraying, drone-based bird control and robotic weeding.
Founder Danny Bernstein said the company expects to generate over $5 million in annual recurring revenue in 2026 and is already profitable.
Through its investment arm, Reservoir is also targeting innovative robotics components and rugged AI technologies with applications beyond agriculture.
IMIO Raises $12 Million to Develop Biologicals That Unlock Nutrients from Crop Residues
US-based agricultural biotechnology startup IMIO has raised $12 million in seed funding to scale its microbial solutions that break down crop residues and release nutrients for subsequent crops.
The funding, led by Sofinnova Partners, will support team expansion, increased production capacity and a new biomanufacturing and R&D facility in Chicago.
Its Re-Gen biological products use freeze-dried, naturally occurring, non-GM microbes designed to improve nutrient availability, reduce fertilizer use and potentially lower tillage costs.
IMIO reported an average corn yield increase of 11.9 bushels per acre across trials covering more than 10,000 acres in 2024 and 2025.
The company has raised $16.5 million in total funding and serves around 100 customers, with applications spanning row crops and specialty crops.
Its approach aims to turn crop residues into a valuable nutrient resource while addressing farmers’ demand for more consistent biological performance.
India Special
Haryana Announces Subsidized Electricity for Fish and Shrimp Farmers, ₹100 Crore for New Fish Markets
Haryana is strengthening its fisheries and shrimp farming sector through subsidized electricity, modern marketing infrastructure and improved testing facilities.
Fisheries Minister Shyam Singh Rana announced that farmers connected to agricultural feeders will receive electricity at ₹0.10 per unit, while rates for non-agricultural feeder users have been reduced from ₹6.60 to ₹4.75 per unit.
The government has approved three new soil and water testing laboratories in Yamunanagar, Rohtak and Faridabad at a cost of ₹6.04 crore, with operations expected by March 2027.
Two modern fish markets are planned in Hisar and Faridabad with a combined investment of ₹100 crore.
Additionally, a ₹50 crore fish processing unit is being developed in Karnal, while government fish seed farms in Jyotisar and Sampla are being upgraded with ₹20.48 crore.
These initiatives aim to reduce production costs, improve fish quality and strengthen farmers’ market access and income.