AgroPages-BASF launches Ativum EC fungicide to control Asian Rust in soybeans-Agricultural news

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BASF’s agrochemical business in South America in 2016

BASF announced this week the launch of foliar fungicide Ativum EC (pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole + fluxapyroxad) for the control of Asian Rust and other major diseases in soybeans. According to the manufacturer, it is a “highly efficient” product and will be available for the coming crop of the oilseed, which will start in September in Brazil.

"Containing three modes of action, Ativum EC efficiently blocks Complex II (carboxamide) and Complex III (strobilurin) of the respiration of the mitochondria and also inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol (triazole), which is essential for forming the membrane cells of the fungi. Multiple plant diseases can be controlled with this product, which has an effect on various crop stages, making it the ideal tool for resistance management,” BASF noted.

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.