AgroPages-BASF launches fungicide Seltima® in Indonesia expanding its rice product portfolio-Agricultural news

BASF has officially announced the launch of Seltima® , a fungicide specifically developed for application in paddy rice in Indonesia. And it will be launched in other key rice producing countries in the near future. The special innovation aspect of the product is its encapsulation technology that ensures a controlled release of the active ingredient. This allows a higher and long lasting product performance and better protection of the environment surrounding the plant.

Seltima was specifically developed to offer rice farmers a highly effective solution to protect their plants from fungal diseases, while preserving the aquatic environment. Its special encapsulation technology ensures a precise release of the blockbuster active ingredient F500® (Pyraclostrobin)directly on the rice leaf surface, where it acts. Such encapsulation technology considerably improves the toxicological profile of the product compared to conventional formulations and is a result of the BASF know-how Verbund.

Seltima is also part of BASF’s AgCelence portfolio: aside from disease protection, it also promotes benefits such as higher rice yields and better grain quality. The product helps rice plants to stay healthier with greener leaves, reducing the negative impact of heat stress. “Seltima is a perfect example of our commitment to go the extra mile for farmers. This is about delivering a solution that protects the rice plant, achieves higher, qualitative yields, and allowing our customers to produce better food in a safer environment”, said Antonio Parenti, Global Marketing Manager Seltima at BASF Crop Protection.

After its debut in Indonesia, Seltima is scheduled to be available for the 2015 season in Vietnam, the Dominican Republic and Guatemala.