Stem Shock

Stem Shock is the designation for a novel herbicide developed by the British Columbia-based company, Cotyledon Consulting. The scientific team includes co-founders Chris Tuttle, who holds a biology degree from the University of Victoria, and Layne Woodfin. Sam Mercer oversees business development for the company.

The core of Stem Shock's approach is a new mode of action in weed control that utilizes RNA (ribonucleic acid), the molecule responsible for carrying protein-regulating instructions from a plant's DNA. This method, based on RNA interference, is designed to be highly specific to a target weed species. By matching the product's RNA to the RNA present in the weed for multiple essential genes, Stem Shock reduces the production of specific proteins, which ultimately kills the plant. This multi-gene targeting strategy is also intended to slow the development of resistance. Weeds would find it difficult to develop resistance to the fundamental process of RNA interference without compromising their own immune systems. This technology represents a significant development, as it has been over two decades since a new herbicide mode of action was introduced to the market.

Keywords: RNA interference, herbicide, weed control, agritech, targeted herbicide, new mode of action, crop protection, sustainable agriculture, Cotyledon Consulting, plant science, genetic engineering, specific weed kill