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Collaborations, Company News, Sustainability

The product is ideal for paper packaging producers and food brands looking for eco-friendly alternatives

Metpack, a Turkish company specializing in extrusion coatings, has launched Ezycompost—an innovative coated paper and paperboard product designed for food packaging. The coating incorporates BASF’s ecovio 70 PS14H6 biopolymer, which complies with EN 13432 and AS 5810 compostability standards and is approved for food contact by the U.S. FDA. It offers strong resistance to grease, liquids, fats, and mineral oils, while also withstanding high temperatures, including direct exposure to boiling water (up to 100°C).

According to Sühan Gürer, Metpack’s Vice President of Sales and New Project Development, “Ezycompost gives the food industry the benefits of both performance and environmental responsibility. It processes faster and is home-compostable—unlike PLA coatings, which require industrial composting.”

This compostable solution breaks down without leaving behind persistent microplastics and is aimed at food brands and paper packaging manufacturers focused on sustainability. Its uses include cold and hot beverage cups, trays, and containers that are freezer- and microwave-safe. The product works seamlessly with current production lines and features a coating that’s 40% thinner than PLA, enabling faster manufacturing speeds.

Ecovio delivers coating performance comparable to polyethylene, offering excellent sealing and printability. It doesn’t stick to chill rolls and can be processed via mono- or coextrusion without needing extra adhesives. After use, packaging made with Ezycompost can be composted at home, in accordance with local regulations.

Beyond food packaging, ecovio is also used in cling films, compostable bags, produce packaging, and agricultural films.

The product is ideal for paper packaging

R&D

A Master Research Agreement (MRA) was struck between BASF with the University of Toronto to improve cooperation between BASF and Canadian researchers and expedite innovation projects. This alliance is a component of a regional plan to expand BASF’s partnerships with North American universities into Canada. Since this is BASF’s first MRA with a Canadian university, it is a significant accomplishment

In addition to accessing the University’s state-of-the-art research and innovations, BASF will also benefit from increased flexibility regarding intellectual property (IP) ownership, significant cost savings through government matching funds, and tax incentives by partnering with the University of Toronto, which has earned international recognition for using artificial intelligence and machine learning to advance technologies. Additionally, BASF will be more visible in the Canadian research community and have access to a wider talent pool.

Benjamin Knudsen, Vice President of Research North America at BASF Corporation, stated, “BASF consistently looks for opportunities for collaboration that drive innovation and digitalization.” “This collaboration is a prime example of BASF’s Winning Ways approach, particularly our dedication to boosting innovation by establishing a strong R&D environment that enhances our capacity for research. We are excited about the progress we will make together and the growth of our research community, which will have a significant influence on the entire region.”

Five projects have been started by BASF and the University of Toronto since the agreement was signed, indicating the parties’ dedication to promoting sustainability and innovation in chemistry and agriculture.

A Master Research Agreement (MRA) was struck

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, Biofertilizers, Inputs

In response to the regulations around the world (including EU Green Deal) aiming to promote safer and more sustainable chemicals into the environment, BASF is introducing its first readily biodegradable dispersant to the agrochemical market: Sokalan® CP 301

Dispersants are essential additives in agricultural formulations ensuring the homogenous distribution of active ingredients and enhancing formulation stability. However, non-biodegradable additives can persist in the environment once sprayed on the field. The market anticipates stricter regulations for such additives soon. Biodegradable dispersants exhibiting high performance in the formulation remain limited due to biodegradability, often resulting in decreasing storage stability of the formulation.

″Leveraging the expertise of our chemists and application specialists, we have successfully identified an excellent dispersant that meets biodegradability criteria in sludge and soil while demonstrating exceptional performance in dispersing challenging active ingredients and maintaining storage stability,″ says Laszlo Szarvas, Vice President – Head of Research & Development, Home Care, Industrial & Institutional Cleaning and Industrial Formulators.

Sokalan® CP 301 addresses a market gap for sustainable agriculture by offering a readily biodegradable alternative to existing dispersants. ″With this, we are enabling the green transformation of our customers by further building on our excellent track record in innovation,″ states Jordi Tormo, Vice President, Industrial Formulators Business Management, EMEA.

This launch underscores BASF´s dedication to sustainable additives. Sokalan® CP 301 sets new standards in environmental responsibility and chemical innovation.

In response to the regulations around the

Agribusiness, Fungicides

Over the last 20 years, BASF fungicides have protected an estimated 30 billion bushels and 260 million acres of corn and soybeans. As commodity prices and environmental pressures increasingly factor into farmer decision making, only an estimated 45 per cent of corn and soybean acres were protected by fungicide applications in 2024. As a result, BASF is launching its largest yield challenge ever, the Real Results Yield Challenge, providing farmers and their local retailers greater access and support to stage yield trials with Veltyma®, Revytek® and Revylok™ fungicides across all key geographies

″With the Real Results Yield Challenge, we want to give farmers doing the Biggest Job on Earth the opportunity to see firsthand the yield potential that is being left in their field by not protecting their acres with BASF performance-driven fungicides,″ said Scott Kay, Vice President, BASF Agricultural Solutions U.S. ″We are confident in our performance-driven fungicide innovations and believe seeing is believing. In more than 1,000 large-scale nationwide head-to-head comparisons over three years, BASF performance-driven fungicides outperformed other corn and soybean fungicides more than 80 per cent of the time.″

Participants will be able to experience the results and benefits of BASF performance-driven fungicides in their own fields, while comparing the results against their current approach. Farmers interested in participating in the Real Results Yield Challenge are encouraged to contact their BASF authorized retailer or local BASF representative.

Over the last 20 years, BASF fungicides

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, China, Company News, India, Japan

Pending regulatory approvals, BASF expects first market introductions of Prexio-based product formulations as early as the second quarter of 2025 in India for the important Kharif season.

BASF has started the registration for Prexio® Active, a new insecticide active ingredient designed specifically to manage all four rice hopper species. The regulatory dossiers were recently submitted in key Asia Pacific markets. This step marks an important milestone in further expanding BASF’s global insecticide portfolio and the company’s position in providing sustainable innovations to rice farmers in Asia. Pending regulatory approvals, BASF expects first market introductions of Prexio-based product formulations as early as the second quarter of 2025 in India for the important Kharif season. The company anticipates further introductions to quickly follow in other Asia Pacific key countries, including China, Japan, Indonesia and Vietnam.

“Rice growers in Asia are looking for advanced solutions that provide both powerful and sustainable control of damaging rice hoppers, amidst growing insecticide resistance and an increasing global demand for rice,” said Harold Bastiaans, Vice President Global Insecticide Research and Seed Solutions at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “With Prexio we continue to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to provide growers with cutting-edge innovations to safeguard their crops while at the same time being highly compatible with beneficials and the environment when applied according to label instructions.”

The new insecticide active ingredient has no known cross-resistance to market standards and is classified as a Group 4E insecticide by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC). Prexio provides outstanding efficacy and long residual control against all damaging life stages of the four rice hopper species, including brown planthoppers, white-backed planthoppers, small brown planthoppers, and rice green leafhoppers.

“Prexio Active marks the first BASF insecticide active ingredient developed specifically for the rice crop system. It offers growers a tool that is easy to use and flexible in supporting their various rice farming practices, such as granular application for traditional nursery box farming or foliar application for transplanted and direct seeded rice,” said Stephanie Jensen, Vice President Crop System Rice and Portfolio Solutions Insecticides and Seed Treatment at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “With its broad application window, Prexio allows growers to choose the application timing that works best for their operations.”

“This highly effective active ingredient only requires one spray under normal pest pressure, saving rice growers time and labor,” said Devendra Vyas, Global Prexio Project Lead, BASF Agricultural Solutions. “The suspension concentrate formulation of Prexio Active is both drone- and tank mix-compatible with many commonly used crop protection products in the rice production system. This enables Prexio to be easily tank mixed with other crop protection products.”

Pending regulatory approvals, BASF expects first market

Agribusiness, India, Inputs, Oilseeds, Sustainability

More than 9,000 hectares of mostly semi-arid land repeatedly farmed according to the SuCCESS® sustainability code

 Pragati, the world’s first sustainable castor bean program, completed eight years of operation in the 2023/2024 season. More than 8,000 farmers are now certified under the program, and individual farmer yields have increased significantly. The program has grown to more than 9,000 hectares of mostly semi-arid land under the SuCCESS® sustainability code (see www.castorsuccess.org). BASF, Arkema, Jayant Agro-Organics and the project implementing organization Solidaridad jointly launched the project in May 2016. The program members updated the results and impacts of the program for 2024:

  • More than 10,000 farmers have been trained, and more than 8,000 of them certified.
  • About 100,000 metric tons of certified castor seeds have been under cultivation, a significant increase over the previous year (74,500 metric tons). This growth ensures a continuous supply of sustainable castor beans to the global supply chain.
  • In the crop cycle 2023/2024, SuCCESS-certified farmers realized 57 percent higher yields than that published by the local government for the region.
  • Over 9,000 hectares were farmed according to the SuCCESS code in 2023/2024, for a total of more than 36,000 hectares since the start of the program. Pragati farmers are increasing the amount of land devoted to castor farming as it is seen as a profitable crop.
  • The practices adopted in the Pragati program have resulted in a lower water consumption compared with conventional practices. Data measured in the demonstration plots for these practices showed about 33 percent less water consumption.
  • Over 8,200 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and 5,500 crop protection storage boxes were distributed free of charge.

In 2024, more than 100 medical camps organized in all project villages monitored the health of over 6,000 project and 2,300 non-project farmers, workers and their family members. Nearly 50 percent of those monitored were women.

During the year, more than 420 capacity-building training sessions were conducted with the farmers.

Over 700 lead farmers were identified and trained to provide leadership to certified farmer groups.

In accordance with the strategy for the current phase, the project placed a particular emphasis on gender. This year, more than 1,100 women from 17 project villages enrolled in the program and received in-depth training on good agricultural practices. This training aims to raise productivity while fostering safe, sustainable and regenerative agriculture. All participants also took part in the program’s digital and financial literacy module.

Next year, the Pragati program will celebrate its tenth anniversary. Launched following the completion of a baseline survey of over 1,000 castor oil farmers in Gujarat, India, the initiative identified the profitability and ease of cultivation of castor oil as key factors. Since then, the project has aimed to increase yields and farmer incomes by adopting sustainable agricultural practices, promoting good waste management practices, ensuring efficient water use, maintaining soil fertility, and implementing better health and safety measures while respecting human rights. In 2025, the achievements made over the past xears will continue to drive progress in sustainable castor oil production.

More than 9,000 hectares of mostly semi-arid

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Fungicides, World

BASF’s multi-year field trials conducted across six sites in Idaho and Washington from 2022 to 2023 show Endura PRO fungicide delivered greater performance on early blight and white mold.

BASF Agricultural Solutions is introducing Endura® PRO fungicide, the newest broad-spectrum fungicide innovation for potato growers. Endura PRO fungicide provides long-lasting protection against some of the toughest diseases in potatoes, including early blight and white mold, helping farmers improve yield performance.

“BASF is committed to helping farmers carry out the Biggest Job on Earth by setting a new standard in potato disease control with Endura PRO fungicide,” said Andrew Adams, BASF Agricultural Solutions Product Manager. “Endura PRO fungicide combines the proven performance of boscalid, the active ingredient found in Endura fungicide, with Revysol® fungicide. In addition to delivering enhanced yield performance, this combination gives growers an additional tool for resistance management.”

Growers continue to face challenges controlling early blight and white mold. Left unchecked, early blight and white mold can cause significant yield loss upward of 20 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively.

“What stands out about Endura PRO is its consistent performance across years of research,” said Curtis Rainbolt, BASF Technical Service Representative. “The proof is in the numbers: in more than 70 per cent of our trials, Endura PRO fungicide delivered enhanced yield performance versus the competition.”

BASF’s multi-year field trials conducted across six sites in Idaho and Washington from 2022 to 2023 show Endura PRO fungicide delivered greater performance on early blight and white mold versus competitors, resulting in a measurable yield advantage.

BASF’s multi-year field trials conducted across six

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Herbicides, North America

In research trials, Liberty ULTRA herbicide has demonstrated 20 per cent superior weed control and won nine out of ten head-to-head comparisons against generics.

Liberty® ULTRA herbicide, powered by Glu-L™ Technology has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration and is now approved for use, subject to state approvals. Liberty ULTRA herbicide, containing the active ingredient glufosinate-P-ammonium, also been referred to as L-glufosinate ammonium, is the next generation of Liberty herbicide from BASF. This powerful new post knockdown solution is effective on both broadleaves and grasses and is available for use on glufosinate-enabled soybean, cotton, corn and canola acres. In research trials, Liberty ULTRA herbicide has demonstrated 20 per cent superior weed control and won nine out of ten head-to-head comparisons against generics.

“As farmers increasingly rely on glufosinate in their weed management programs, the demand for enhanced efficacy and efficiency of this herbicide is more apparent than ever,” said Matt Malone, Product Manager for BASF Agricultural Solutions. “With a narrowing number of effective knockdown tools in the U.S., BASF’s latest innovation, Liberty ULTRA herbicide, will offer American farmers a post knockdown tool that delivers improved performance and convenience thanks to the new Liberty Lock formulation and BASF’s patented Glu-L Technology.”

This powerful combination gives farmers better weed control on grasses and tough broadleaf weeds like palmer amaranth, waterhemp, giant ragweed and kochia, resulting in more bushels at the end of the season.   

Glu-L Technology, the patented synthesis process that refines the glufosinate-ammonium active ingredient to its most herbicidally active component, allows every gallon of Liberty ULTRA to cover 33 per cent more acres than generics. Liberty ULTRA herbicide packs the power of 32 fluid ounces of Liberty herbicide into a convenient 24 fluid ounces standard use rate. In addition to its lower standard use rate, BASF’s Liberty Lock formulation locks more herbicide onto leaves and into weeds. This custom formulation is designed to adhere more droplets onto weed leaves for better coverage with every pass. Once on the leaves, the patent-pending formulation drives nearly three times more herbicide into weeds2 compared to generic glufosinate. 

Liberty ULTRA herbicide from BASF is the first resolved isomer, trait-enabled knockdown herbicide, paving the way for several Glu-L Technology-based premix herbicides to come from BASF within this decade.

In research trials, Liberty ULTRA herbicide has

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Biostimulants, Collaborations, Company News, R&D, World

Distribution agreement broadens BioSolutions portfolio with seaweed biostimulants Solution for global market responds to climate-smart agriculture needs.

BASF expands its BioSolutions offering by incorporating seaweed biostimulants from Acadian Plant Health™, a renowned marine plant harvesting, cultivation, and extraction company based in Dartmouth, Canada. “Now more than ever, farmers must pursue productivity and sustainability. We connect the best products, technologies, and services, to positively transform agriculture, impact food systems and, ultimately, society. By pooling our expertise and resources, we can make a meaningful change,” said Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President Global Marketing at BASF Agricultural Solutions.

Through the agreement with Acadian Plant Health, BASF will leverage the company’s new biostimulant technology to complement its biological portfolio, expand the availability of the products in new markets and increase solutions that will grow more, and sustainably better crops. Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that, when applied to plants or the surrounding soil, have the ability to enhance crop growth, improve stress tolerance, and maintain marketable yield. They are complementary tools to conventional agriculture, helping growers manage the demands of food retailers for high-quality produce.

Ascophyllum nodosum is a seaweed that grows in extreme conditions in the North Atlantic tidal zone. As a biostimulant, it is rich in bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, mannitol, and betaines. “These compounds work together to improve plant tolerance to stressful growing conditions, including, but not limited to, heat and drought. At Acadian, we have meticulously determined, isolated, and formulated the most active ingredients that deliver unparalleled protection and resilience to crops,” said Nelson Gibson, President of Acadian Plant Health. “Our goal is to create solutions that drive greater economic well-being of farmers while also ensuring environmental sustainability.”

BASF currently distributes these products in multiple countries in Europe and China and is exploring opportunities to bring these products to customers in other regions and countries. The collaboration will expand the distribution of a newly developed patented abiotic stress management portfolio to a global market. “This partnership is a further step in BASF’s commitment and dedication to develop solutions that respond to the need for climate-smart agriculture,” said Stefan Tresch, Head of New Technologies & BioSolutions at BASF Agricultural Solutions.

Distribution agreement broadens BioSolutions portfolio with seaweed

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Company News, R&D, Sustainability, World

It offers an effective value-in-use solution for agricultural plastics exposed to intense UV radiation, thermal stress, and inorganic chemicals commonly used in crop management and disinfection.

BASF launched Tinuvin® NOR® 211 AR to support film producers and converters globally in navigating the challenging landscape of plasticulture – the use of plastic materials in agricultural applications. This new high-performance heat and light stabilizer protects and prolongs the lifespan of agricultural plastics that require resistance to high levels of inorganic chemicals like sulfur and chlorine. Tinuvin NOR 211 AR offers an effective value-in-use solution for agricultural plastics exposed to intense UV radiation, thermal stress, and inorganic chemicals commonly used in crop management and disinfection.

The advancements in plasticulture, heavily influenced by polyethylene (PE) grades, have led to a growing trend in downgauging and a greater emphasis on the use of plastic materials. Downgauging involves reducing the thickness of plastic films while maintaining their performance, made possible by incorporating new polymer grades to enhance the mechanical properties of PE materials. At the same time, converters are investing in new equipment to increase the number of layers in their films thereby improving performance and durability. This transition to thinner and more durable films is crucial for the sustainability of agricultural plastics as it helps to reduce plastic waste, enhances production efficiency and facilitates practices like recycling and upcycling.

Tinuvin NOR 211 AR is a unique stabilization system that can be used in plasticulture, even in intensive horticulture, regardless of the application region’s severity of UV radiation, heat, and chemicals that are present. This new product solution is the best option when downgauging is required, especially in the presence of high levels of sulfur and chlorine. With the increasing use of inorganic chemicals in agriculture due to the adoption of “Integrated Pest Management” and “Organic Farming” practices, the need for effective stabilization of agricultural films is crucial.

“Tinuvin NOR 211 AR additive solution addresses a broad variety of challenges for agricultural plastics, including sustainability requirements, increased chemical exposure, longer use durations and downgauging trends,” said Dr. Bettina Sobotka, Head of Global Marketing and Development for Plastic Additives at BASF. “BASF’s NOR HALS solutions improve stabilization by moving beyond solutions based on secondary and methylated HALS. Through collaboration with agricultural plastic producers as well as farmers, we facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, creating solutions that will ultimately lead to improved crop yield.”

BASF’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is reflected in the expansion of its NOR® platform. Tinuvin NOR 211 AR, part of the VALERAS® portfolio, utilizes renewable electricity in production and optimizes product form to reduce energy consumption and emissions. It also improves material dosing precision, minimizes dust exposure, and promotes water and aquatic organism protection, leading to a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly workflow. 

It offers an effective value-in-use solution for

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Oilseeds, R&D, Sustainability, World

Sustainable Castor Caring for Environmental and Social Standards (SuCCESS) code the first global standard that certifies castor oil and its derivatives – such as bio-based polyurethane.

 BASF together with the world’s first castor bean program ‘Pragati’ (Pragati), introduces certified traceability for bio-based solutions in footwear. Pragati was established with the unified sustainability code SuCCESS (Sustainable Castor Caring for Environmental and Social Standards) that sets a standard for certified sustainable castor oil.

“The footwear segment has been at the forefront of implementing sustainable solutions at BASF. With the availability of certified traceable bio-based polyurethane solutions, we are well-positioned to serve the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions for the footwear business in Asia,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.

The demand for sustainable footwear solutions has been growing steadily in tandem with consumer awareness. Footwear brands and manufacturers have a clear goal to enhance the sustainability aspects of their products without compromising on cost, performance or quality. Bio-based solutions offer enhanced sustainability by reducing fossil resource consumption. Additionally, castor oil is derived from the seeds of the non-edible castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). As it can grow in arid or semi-arid regions, it requires less water as well. The dried beans also have a long shelf life.

“Meanwhile, we are looking to extend the use of this bio-based solution to other segment applications as well,” added Postlethwaite.

Pragati was launched in May 2016 in Gujarat, India as the region produces about 70% of the world’s supply of castor beans. Over 7,000 hectares of generally semi-arid land are now farmed according to the SuCCESS sustainability code since its introduction in the region. More than 7,000 farmers have been trained, audited, and certified. Over 74,500 tons of certified castor seeds have been cultivated, and year 7 yield is 36% higher than the yield published by the local government for this region.

Sustainable Castor Caring for Environmental and Social

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, North America

Aramax Intrinsic brand fungicide has been approved by the EPA to provide plant health benefits, such as helping to improve turf stress tolerance.

BASF is introducing Aramax™ Intrinsic® brand fungicide, a dual-active fungicide that delivers broad-spectrum control of 26 cool- and warm-season turf diseases, like snow mold, large patch, brown patch and dollar spot on golf course fairways.

Aramax Intrinsic brand fungicide combines the strength of two powerful active ingredients, pyraclostrobin and triticonazole, for long-lasting residual disease control up to 28 days.

“Aramax Intrinsic brand fungicide adds to our strong portfolio of fungicides at a value price on fairways when compared to our Honor Intrinsic and Navicon Intrinsic brand fungicides,” said Jeff Vannoy, Senior Product Manager, Turf Solutions for BASF. “We are also equally excited to be entering the snow mold and large patch markets for the very first time and can’t wait for customers to see the outstanding results.”

In addition to providing excellent disease control, Aramax Intrinsic brand fungicide has been approved by the EPA to provide plant health benefits, such as helping to improve turf stress tolerance and help enhance growth efficiency, resulting in healthier playing surfaces all season long.

Aramax Intrinsic brand fungicide has been approved

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agrotech, Company News, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy, World

BMB ammonia derivatives portfolio with significantly lower product carbon footprint versus conventional ammonia derivatives.

With its first biomass-balanced (BMB) ammonia and urea products, BASF now offers BMB options within its ammonia value chain. The wide range of products includes ammonia anhydrous BMBcertTM, ammonia solution 24.5 per cent BMBcertTM, urea prills BMBcertTM, urea solution 40 per cent BMBcertTM, and urea solution 45 per cent BMBcertTM.

BASF applies a biomass balance approach to replace fossil resources at the beginning of the production process with certified biowaste raw materials which are attributed to the products. The mass balanced products are certified according to ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) PLUS standards. In addition, BASF is using electricity from renewable sources for the manufacturing of the ammonia and urea products, further reducing their production-related emissions.

These measures lower the product carbon footprint (PCF) of these products by at least 80 per cent versus the average PCF of conventional fossil ammonia derivatives* without compromising on quality and performance. The certified BMBcertTM products enable customers to reduce their scope 3 emissions as well as the product carbon footprint of their products.

“BASF was the first company to develop both an industrial ammonia as well as an industrial urea process. Today, we are the first company that offers such biomass balanced options as part of the regular ammonia and urea portfolio. With this portfolio we meet the rising request in industry and help our customers reach their sustainability targets”, said Dr Jens Aßmann, Vice President Business Management Ammonia Value Chain and Operations Amino Resins at BASF.

The BMB ammonia derivative portfolio is a further step on the sustainability roadmap of BASF’s Monomers division which was announced last year. This envisages developing at least one circular or lower PCF option for every major product line by 2025. The division’s sustainable offerings are an essential part of BASF’s path to climate neutrality and net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

BMB ammonia derivatives portfolio with significantly lower

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, India, Inputs

 In line with Asia Pacific strategy, BASF is developing solutions specifically for local market needs.

 Piercing and sucking pests pose a significant threat to agricultural crops in India, causing extensive damage amounting to 35 to 40% loss in the productivity and yield of the produce. Farmers in India can now manage this challenge with Efficon®, a new BASF insecticide launched today. Efficon is powered by BASF’s new active ingredient, Axalion® in a specialised formulation.

With its unique mode of action, Efficon Insecticide is among the first compounds in the market introduced under the new IRAC group 36 which represents a totally new class of insecticides (Group 36 — pyridazine) which has no known cross-resistance with existing products in the market, making it a superior insecticide resistance management tool.

Efficon Insecticide was first launched in Australia in 2023. India is one of the earliest countries in the world to obtain this new novel chemistry that will help support farmers manage tough sucking pests.

In line with Asia Pacific strategy, BASF is developing solutions specifically for local market needs. “At BASF, everything we do we do for the love of farming. We are dedicated to listening and working alongside farmers to understand their needs, so that we apply our expertise to help them successfully face the enormous challenge of protecting crops from pests and boosting productivity, supporting the biggest job on earth,” said Simone Barg, Senior Vice President, BASF Agricultural Solutions, Asia Pacific.

A valuable aspect of Efficon Insecticide is its unique mode of action. It is highly effective on multiple life stages of target pests like Aphids, Jassids and White flies. Upon application, Efficon quickly stops insects from feeding and plant injury. It provides long lasting residual control due to its systemic properties.

Due to its systemic properties, Efficon provides long lasting residual control even to the new crop growth. “This innovation reaffirms BASF’s commitment to help farmers across boundaries in managing a variety of existing sucking pests. Efficon will help Indian farmers in effective and long duration protection against insect pests in wide variety of crops like cotton and vegetables. Efficon is also highly compatible with non-target organisms and beneficial insects, including pollinators, when applied according to label instructions,” said Giridhar Ranuva, Business Director Agricultural Solutions, BASF India.

“This milestone with Efficon supports our goal of developing an insecticide portfolio that helps farmers worldwide. BASF is committed to helping Indian industry and agriculture maximize their potential. Indian growers deserve access to advanced solutions to help them achieve better yields managing resistance with innovations in sucking pests,” said Dr Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Marketing, BASF Agricultural Solutions. “We are convinced that by providing farmers with effective and sustainable solutions, we can support them to meet the growing demand for food while reducing the impact on the environment, “he added.

 In line with Asia Pacific strategy, BASF