BASF and AVS launch new system to control barley weeds

BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, and AVS, the commercial arm of the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries, will introduce a new system to help Australian farmers control barley weeds. The partners have signed a licence agreement to add Clearfield® Barley to the BASF Clearfield Production System. This complete herbicide package includes a herbicide tolerant barley variety, the herbicide itself and a product stewardship program, helping growers tackle challenging weed control problems and ensure crop safety.
 
According to the agreement, AVS and Seednet (an Agrium owned company) are commercialising the Clearfield Barley variety, “Scope CL”, utilising the BASF Clearfield Production System, trademarks and stewardship through AgriCentre® agents. (AgriCentre is the accredited training registration brand for the proper use of the BASF Clearfield system.)
 
To date, canola, wheat and maize were the only Australian crops in the Clearfield range. With the addition of Clearfield Barley, Australian farmers benefit from a more complete product range and the unique weed control capabilities of the Clearfield Production System.
 
“On top of other benefits, such as strong agronomics and yield potential, Scope CL received malt accreditation from Barley Australia this year. This means growers can achieve higher potential returns for grain in this malt category,” said Tony Moskal, Business Director Crop Protection, BASF Australia and New Zealand.
 
Scope CL was developed by scientists in the Biosciences Research Division of the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries, through a project funded by AVS. It should also benefit Australia’s malt barley industry overall because the Clearfield Production System provides an opportunity for growers to produce a malt variety with guaranteed varietal purity.
 
The Clearfield Production System combines high-yielding seeds with the Clearfield herbicide Intervix®, which provides one-application control of key broadleaf and grass weeds, including volunteer cereals in barley. Tailored to local conditions, the Intervix herbicide delivers broad spectrum foliar and residual weed control.
 
The Clearfield Production System involves substantial collaboration between BASF, Clearfield AgriCentre agronomists and seed partners to deliver performance and sustainability growers can trust. Clearfield is represented in many countries globally by multiple crop types, including corn, sunflower, wheat, lentils and rice – and now, in Australia, barley.
 
About Agriculture Victoria Services (AVS)

AVS is a commercial arm of the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI).  The company is responsible for protecting and commercialising DEPI-generated technologies for the benefit of Victorian and Australian food and fibre industries.  In fulfilling its role, AVS maintains a broad portfolio of IP including patents, trademarks and plant breeder’s rights (PBR).