Diquat dibromide (CAS 85-00-7) has long been used as a fast-acting contact herbicide and crop desiccant. It burns off green plant tissue on contact and was favored for potatoes, cereals, and aquatic weed control.
However, growing evidence of toxicity to humans and aquatic life has led regulators to remove it from the market. The European Commission banned Diquat in 2018 under Regulation (EU) 2018/1532, followed by the UK, China, and several other countries.
Today, R&D teams are searching for safe, non-chemical alternatives that can deliver the same rapid weed control without regulatory or environmental risks.
Why Replace Diquat
- Human and environmental toxicity: Diquat causes oxidative stress, eye and lung damage, and long persistence in water bodies.
- Regulatory pressure: The EU, UK HSE, and China’s MARA have revoked registrations; further global restrictions are expected.
- Resistance and residue issues: Repeated chemical use has increased resistance among annual weeds and led to residue concerns in export crops.
- Sustainability goals: The EU Farm-to-Fork strategy and UN SDG 2 both promote reduced pesticide use and safer alternatives.
These trends are pushing agri-tech innovators toward biological, mechanical, and digital weed-control systems.
Regulatory Landscape
| Region / Authority | Status of Diquat | Key Regulation | Implication for R&D |
| European Union (EC / EFSA) | Banned | Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1532 | Develop non-chemical or bio-based replacements to meet the 50 % pesticide-reduction goal by 2030. |
| United Kingdom (HSE) | Use revoked 2020 | Parallel to EU decision | R&D must focus on desiccation alternatives (pelargonic acid, thermal, or laser). |
| China (MARA) | Banned | Circular No. 263 (2021) | Encourages AI-driven and physical weed-removal systems. |
| United States (EPA) | Restricted-use pesticide | FIFRA Review (2024 update) | Research priority on reduced-risk and mechanical control; laser systems unregulated under FIFRA. |
| Australia / New Zealand (APVMA / EPA NZ) | Restricted | Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act | Directed-energy and robotic weeding are recognized as sustainable solutions. |
Emerging Alternatives to Diquat
1. Gene-Regulation (Epigenome) Editing
New non-GMO gene-editing tools use CRISPR/dCas9 proteins to temporarily silence weed genes responsible for detoxification or growth. Unlike transgenic crops, these do not change DNA permanently, making them easier to regulate.
Early studies show potential to sensitize weeds to mild heat or mechanical stress, reducing the need for harsh chemicals.
2. Directed-Energy Weed Control
AI-guided systems use laser, infrared, microwave, or plasma energy to destroy weed meristems precisely without soil disturbance. Machine-vision cameras identify weeds in real time, while robotic platforms deliver focused energy.
This method leaves no chemical residues and integrates smoothly into autonomous, zero-spray farms.
Leading Developers and Technologies
1. Carbon Robotics (USA)
Carbon Robotics develops advanced autonomous weeding systems powered by deep-learning AI and high-precision CO₂ laser technology. Its LaserWeeder™ platform targets and destroys over 100,000 weeds per hour with >99% accuracy, eliminating the need for chemical herbicides.
The system integrates seamlessly into large-scale row-crop operations and complies with US EPA non-chemical IPM standards. Carbon Robotics provides full technical documentation, field support, and scalable deployment options.
2. Ecorobotix (Switzerland)
Ecorobotix specializes in AI-based precision weeding and ultra-targeted plant treatment systems. The ARA robotic platform combines mechanical and laser modules to minimize herbicide use by up to 95%, guided by high-resolution computer vision.
Designed for both organic and conventional farming, ARA is certified under the EU Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC). Ecorobotix supports R&D teams with data integration tools and modular field configurations for pilot testing.
3. AgXeed BV (Netherlands)
AgXeed produces the AgBot, an autonomous tractor platform designed for multi-functional fieldwork including mechanical, laser, and microwave-based weed control. Developed in collaboration with Wageningen University, AgBot emphasizes energy efficiency and predictive AI for sustainable agriculture.
The platform complies with REACH and CE directives, ensuring full EU conformity. AgXeed offers open API access for agri-tech R&D integration and long-term scalability.
4. WeedBot (Latvia)
WeedBot engineers selective infrared laser weeders that target weeds between crop rows using advanced multispectral imaging and thermal analytics. Its systems achieve up to 80% weed mortality with minimal crop damage, making them ideal for organic vegetable production.
All units are CE- and RoHS-compliant, meeting EU safety and sustainability standards. WeedBot collaborates with European research institutions for field validation and technology adaptation.
5. Pairwise / Benson Hill (USA)
Pairwise and Benson Hill are biotechnology innovators pioneering CRISPR/dCas9-based epigenome editing platforms for non-transgenic plant applications. Their transient gene-regulation systems are being evaluated to increase weed susceptibility to non-chemical treatments such as light and heat.
Both operate under the USDA-APHIS SECURE Rule, ensuring compliance with U.S. biotechnology safety frameworks. They actively partner with agri-robotics companies to translate gene technology into field-level weed control solutions.
Practical Considerations
- Integration: Combine short-term gene-silencing sprays with laser or thermal weeders for enhanced effect.
- Energy calibration: Lasers (808–1550 nm) or microwaves (2.45 GHz) must balance weed kill with crop safety.
- Safety & compliance: Follow IEC 60825-1 (laser safety) and ISO 18497 (robot safety) standards.
- Data management: AI platforms must meet EU Digital Product Passport and traceability requirements.
- Pilot trials: Field validation under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions is essential before commercialization.
Conclusion
The global Diquat ban is accelerating the shift toward non-chemical, technology-based weed control. Gene-editing sprays and AI-guided laser systems show strong potential to replace traditional herbicides while meeting sustainability and regulatory goals.
Although costs and regulatory clarity are still evolving, these innovations align with the future of smart, residue-free agriculture.
Looking to replace Diquat with safer, non-chemical weed control solutions? Fill out the form below to get tailored technology options, supplier insights, and regulatory guidance.
