Testament: A New Chapter in Corn and Soybean Weed Control

As growers prepare for the 2026 season, Helena Products Group is introducing a cutting-edge herbicide that promises to reshape weed management strategies across the country. Testament^®, a new corn and soybean herbicide, was officially launched in September, expanding Helena’s herbicide portfolio with an effective pre-plant and pre-emergence herbicide for early weed protection and strong crop establishment. In a recent episode of the FieldLink^® Podcast, Dr. Michael Cox, Brand Manager at Helena Products Group, and Phil Sebulsky, Helena Product Manager based in Pennsylvania, unpack the strategy, formulation and field performance behind Testament.

What is Testament?

Testament is a herbicide that provides lasting control of broadleaf weeds, namely Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, Marestail and Morningglory, and annual grasses on corn and soybean acres, combining three active ingredients: saflufenacil, pyroxasulfone and dimethenamid-p.

• Saflufenacil: Fast-acting, contact herbicide used for both burndown and residual control of mostly small-seeded broadleaf weeds.
• Pyroxasulfone: Highly effective pre-emergence herbicide with demonstrated industry-leading protection in a wide range of cropping systems.
• Dimethenamid-p: Extremely crop-safe and complementary residual herbicide that accentuates any pre-emergence application with dependable performance, even in drier conditions

Proven Flexibility 

Testament gives growers much more timing flexibility, complementing Helena’s existing corn and soybean herbicides. It can be applied 30 days prior to planting or burndown in the spring all the way up to at planting in corn and beans. During the gap in the post-emergence corn window, products like Helena’s Empyros^® brands can be applied. Testament can also be applied again during fall at the end of the season window as a postharvest or fall burndown/residual application. Empyros brands fulfill that pre- to early-post window while Testament capitalizes on the pre-plant to pre-emergence window and then the fall burndown/residual window as well.

The ability to use the same product for both corn and soybeans is a benefit that will save growers critical time when it comes to crop rotation. For Product Manager Phil Sebulsky, Testament brings an exciting opportunity for more flexibility over the uncontrollable with less plantback restrictions.

Proven Results Backed by Research 

Helena’s Research and Development team has conducted numerous trials in diverse geographies, from the Dakotas to the panhandle of Texas to the Mid-South. The research conducted has pointed to Testament being applicable to generally everywhere in the country. The data over the past few years shows the product’s flexibility and effectiveness across a broad range of weeds. Dr. Cox and the R&D team are highly confident in the product and its performance level because it has been highly screened over the past few years. The product’s rate range across corn and soybeans will give growers a leg up, being able to cater the product to their needs.

Planning for 2026

As herbicide resistance continues to challenge growers, Testament’s multi-modes-of-action approach helps manage resistance. Helena is revolutionizing herbicide efficiency while educating our sales forces on factors that could affect performance: soil textures, soil types and organic matter content. As we move into 2026, Testament will be available in all states expect California, New York, Hawaii and Alaska. Testament isn’t just another herbicide—it’s an innovative product designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s growers.