Four potential mergers among agricultural chemical firms have hit the news in recent weeks. While it’s too soon to tell what will happen, they will definitely bring changes to the North American farm scene.

1. In mid-December, the formation of Aventis became final. This is a merger between AgrEvo and Rhone-Poulenc.
2. American Cyanamid Company and Warner Lambert Laboratories are continuing negotiations toward a merger of these firms. However, Pfizer would prefer to merge with Warner.
3. In early December, the boards of directors for AstraZeneca PLC and Novartis AG announced plans to spin off and merge their ag chemical, crop protection and seed businesses. To be named Syngenta AG when the merger occurs in late 2000, this would create the world’s first global, dedicated agribusiness.
4. Just before Christmas, Monsanto and Pharmacia & Upjohn approved a $27 billion merger. Once these two firms merge, they will consider spinning off their agricultural properties into a separate company. In late December, Monsanto announced it will no longer pursue the purchase of Delta and Pine Land Company of Scott, Miss., due to a failure to receive governmental regulatory approval.

• Called Liberty ATZ, a premix of Liberty and atrazine which controls more than 100 weeds with some residual control, will be more widely available in 2000 from Aventis.

Texas panicum and Russian thistle have been added to the Balance label. There are also new mixing instructions for the preslurry and presoak use of Balance WDG with water prior to adding to the spray tank. Rate recommendations have…