BASF launches Ativum EC fungicide to control Asian Rust in soybeans

The AntiRust Consortium, which monitors the disease in the country, identified 460 cases of Asian Rust during the 2015/16 crop season. According to a survey by the Brazilian Association of Farm Business, Asian Rust can cause losses of up to 30% of Brazilian soybean production if it is not correctly managed.

"Because of its concern for the health of the soybean crops and their yields, BASF is offering the agricultural market a new foliar fungicide with a triple action mode that provides excellent control over Asian Rust and other major diseases, besides helping with the management of fungal resistance,” stated Elias Guidini, marketing manager at BASF for the soybean crops in Brazil.

The manufacturer highlighted the product for more sustainable production. “During testing, the use of the fungicide Ativum EC on the 2015/2016 crop, combined with other BASF products, resulted in a yield of more than three bags per hectare compared with areas that had attempted other management activities,” said Guidini.

The fungicide is currently recommended for the control of tropical rust on corn, Phaeosphaeria leaf spot and Wheat Leaf Rust, among other crops.