On May 21, 2020, HELM Agro US and Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha (ISK), working with ISK’s U.S. subsidiary, ISK Biosciences Corporation (ISKBC), announced a commercial-development collaboration covering three herbicide concepts. The announcement described intended crops and uses, but it was not a product launch or confirmation of current registration, availability, or approved label uses.
What the collaboration covered
The companies said they would work together on commercial development of three products for U.S. agriculture. The concepts differed in herbicide group, target crops, and application timing: one was a Group 14 preplant burndown herbicide, one was a nonselective burndown product aimed first at specialty crops, and one was a postemergence corn co-formulation. The announcement did not provide independent efficacy comparisons among them.
The three herbicide concepts
| Concept | Mode of action and selectivity | Intended crops and use | Announced formulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 14 PPO inhibitor, later named Reviton | Group 14 PPO inhibitor; the announcement described preplant burndown use. | Broadleaf and grass weed burndown ahead of corn, cotton, and soybeans; cotton desiccation was also mentioned. | Suspension concentrate. |
| Specialty-crop burndown | Nonselective; herbicide group not stated in the announcement. | Grapes were the first intended high-value crop. The companies also discussed possible later registrations for citrus, pulse crops, and tree nuts. | Water-dispersible granules (WDG). |
| Tolpyralate and nicosulfuron co-formulation | Tolpyralate is a Group 27 HPPD inhibitor; nicosulfuron is a Group 2 ALS inhibitor. Intended as a selective postemergence product. | Broadleaf and grass weed control in field corn and seed corn. | Not stated in the announcement. |
Group 14 burndown: Reviton and Tergeo
HELM’s May announcement described a new Group 14 PPO inhibitor for preplant burndown. In a July 15, 2020 follow-up, HELM named the herbicide Reviton and identified Tergeo as its active ingredient. That follow-up said registration was still in process and cautioned that final label-approved uses could differ from the uses then described. The earlier expectation of EPA registration in 2020 was a forecast, not proof that registration occurred.
HELM also reported that Reviton had been evaluated in more than 700 North American development trials and regulatory studies and had shown performance ratings against more than 50 weeds. Those are company-reported figures, not independently validated performance results in the announcement.
#1 Best Overall
- Chapin Garden Sprayer: Complete lawn care and basic cleaning tasks faster with the 1‑gallon translucent funnel‑top tank that allows quick, easy, spill‑free refills and fluid checks
- Reliable performance: Achieve consistent spray coverage of weeds, pesticides, fertilizers and general spraying. Improved modular design prevents leaks and lets you easily clean, replace seals, and maintain a tight, secure connection
- Comfortable handling: move easily around the yard during garden, cleaning and lawn maintenance jobs thanks to the lightweight poly tank and ergonomic pump handle designed for reduced fatigue
- Versatile spraying: switch between targeted stream or broad spray for weed control, cleaning and lawn care using the adjustable cone nozzle and 34‑inch hose for flexible reach and precision
- Proudly Made in the USA: Expertly designed and manufactured in the USA with global materials, backed by Chapin’s 1-year limited warranty and supported by a dedicated US-based customer service and technical help centre
Nonselective product for specialty crops
The second concept was presented as a nonselective burndown herbicide, with grapes identified as its first intended high-value crop. Citrus, pulse crops, and tree nuts were discussed as possible later registrations, not established approved uses. The companies described a WDG formulation. Any registration dates mentioned in the 2020 announcement should be read as historical expectations.
Corn co-formulation
The third concept paired tolpyralate, a Group 27 HPPD inhibitor, with nicosulfuron, a Group 2 ALS inhibitor. The planned use was selective postemergence control of broadleaf and grass weeds in field corn and seed corn. HELM and ISK highlighted a low use rate, crop safety, and a wide application window; these were company-stated product attributes, not independent comparative trial findings. The announcement did not specify a formulation.
Rank #2
- PetraTools Garden Sprayer - Perfect for DIYers Seeking Professional Results: Our durable yet lightweight water sprayer, with a 52” hose and 16” wand, ensures comfortable extended use and excellent coverage, making it ideal for versatile liquids such as fertilizers, mulch glue, and pesticides.
- Translucent Tank with Large Ergonomic Handle for Comfortable Use: This weed sprayer features a funnel-shaped opening for easy pouring, a large handle to reduce hand strain during extended use, and a translucent tank with markings to simplify every gardening task.
- Built-in Pressure Release Valve for Safe Operation - Prevent accidental spray bursts with a safety valve that releases excess air pressure. Built with heavy-duty components, our sprayers in lawn and garden offers consistent and leak-free operation when correctly assembled and maintained.
- 1 Gallon Sprayer with 2 Nozzles for Precise Spray Control: The HD101 pressure sprayer features an adjustable nozzle for a gentle mist or powerful jet and a fan tip nozzle for wide coverage, making it perfect for lawn care, pest control, weed killing, fertilizing, watering, and more!
- Clog-Free Performance with Built-In Filters: Our garden sprayer 1 Gallon features high-quality built-in filters that prevent debris from clogging the nozzle, ensuring consistent operation every time. If the nozzle becomes clogged, clean the filters to restore optimal performance.
Did the announcement mean the herbicides were approved or available?
No. It documented a development collaboration and planned product attributes in 2020. The Reviton follow-up specifically said registration remained in process at that time. These announcements do not establish present-day EPA registration, state registration, commercial availability, or the label uses ultimately approved for any of the three concepts.
Anyone considering current use should check the current EPA registration and product label, along with applicable state records. Crop uses, application timing, rates, and other instructions must come from the current approved label, not from the companies’ 2020 development announcement.
Rank #3
- Chapin Garden Sprayer: Complete lawn care and basic cleaning tasks faster with the 1‑gallon translucent funnel‑top tank that allows quick, easy, spill‑free refills and fluid checks
- Reliable performance: Achieve consistent spray coverage of weeds, pesticides, fertilizers and general spraying. Improved modular design prevents leaks and lets you easily clean, replace seals, and maintain a tight, secure connection
- Comfortable handling: move easily around the yard during garden, cleaning and lawn maintenance jobs thanks to the lightweight poly tank and ergonomic pump handle designed for reduced fatigue
- Versatile spraying: switch between targeted stream or broad spray for weed control, cleaning and lawn care using the adjustable cone nozzle and 34‑inch hose for flexible reach and precision
- Proudly Made in the USA: Expertly designed and manufactured in the USA with global materials, backed by Chapin’s 1-year limited warranty and supported by a dedicated US-based customer service and technical help centre
What the companies said
HELM Agro US President Dave Schumacher said, “Both companies are excited about the far-reaching potential of these new generation products,” while ISK Biosciences Corporation Senior Vice President Naoto Tani described the collaboration as “a great opportunity to continue offering solutions to American growers.” These statements expressed the companies’ view of the partnership; they do not establish product performance or regulatory outcomes.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWER SPRAYING, ZERO PUMPING: Never Pump Again! Petratools battery-powered sprayer 2 Gallon delivers continuous, hassle-free spraying-no more tiring hand pumping. Perfect for home gardeners and DIYers, who need effortless and efficient spraying every time.
- COMPLETE WITH RECHARGEABLE BATTERY & CHARGER: Tackle even the biggest yard projects without interruption. Includes 12V rechargeable battery and charger - everything you need to get started right out of the box. Our electric sprayers deliver consistent performance with a full 2-hour runtime on a single charge.
- DESIGNED FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT & COVERAGE: With a 4-foot hose, padded shoulder strap and ergonomic handle, reach every corner of your lawn and garden easily. Whether tackling weeds, pests, or watering plants, this electric sprayer 2 Gallon ensures maximum coverage, saving you time and energy.
- BATTERY POWERED WEED SPRAYER WITH 2 NOZZLES: Comes complete with rechargeable 12V battery and charger. Features a brass adjustable nozzle (mist & stream) and a fan-tip nozzle for total control over your spray patterns. The wide mouth opening allows easy filling.
- LEAK-FREE BATTERY-OPERATED SPRAYER: Crafted with heavy-duty materials and leak-proof metal hose fittings, this power sprayer is built for durability and reliability. Say goodbye to messy leaks and cheap plastic connections-this is the 2 Gallon sprayer that works as hard as you do!
Rank #4
- Designed for homeowners and professionals: reduce mess and speed up lawn care with a wide‑mouth, translucent 48‑ounce tank that makes refilling and fluid‑level checks simple. The seals and gaskets work with all common lawn and garden, weeds and pest chemicals
- Versatile spraying: handle weed control, plant care, and cleaning tasks using an adjustable cone nozzle that switches from fine mist to focused stream - perfect for feeding plants and flowers, mist beehives, and general cleaning
- Consistent performance: stay productive during garden projects with an in‑tank anti‑clog filter that helps maintain smooth, uninterrupted spray output
- Comfortable control: work longer with less hand fatigue thanks to the ergonomic handheld design and thumb‑controlled shut‑off making it ideal for extended lawn and garden use
- Proudly Made in the USA: Expertly designed and manufactured in the USA with global materials, backed by Chapin’s 1-year limited warranty and supported by a dedicated US-based customer service and technical help centre
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
