BASF showcases bioinputs at 2nd Biological Production Meeting

One of the highlights of the 2nd Biological Production Meeting in Argentina was the launch of the nematicide, Elenquo, which is formulation based on a natural extract from the Quillay tree (Quilaia saponaria).

During the event, which has exclusively covered by AgroPages, the manufacturer, BASF, showcased its broad portfolio of biological products, which includes inoculants, biofungicides, bioinsecticides, bionematicides, polymers and dyes.

In addition to the nematicide, Elenquo, BASF also presented the recently launched biological fungicide, Serifel (bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens), which will soon have its registration extended to several fruit crops.

″It is with great pride that we are meeting with producers in this key space to learn, first-hand, the new trends in biological innovation, during a time when we have a lot to show in terms of biosolutions,″ said Sebastián Lareu (Manager of Seed Treatment at BASF to Argentina).

He then points out that, in addition to already offering inoculants, biofungicides and pheromones for insect control, BASF is ″registering growth promoters and new technologies in formulations.″

According to Lareu, five launches are being prepared for the Argentine market for biological pesticides, with the novelties reaching a total of 25, including agrochemicals, by 2024.

″We have new seed treatment technologies based on polymers with better properties and efficiency, which will all contribute to an increasingly sustainable agriculture,″ he added.

Soy, peanuts, cotton, rice, sunflower, corn, winter crops, fruit trees and vegetables are among the crops that will be covered by the new products.

SERIFEL

The biological fungicide, Serifel, is widely recommended for use on fruits and vegetables, but was initially available in the country for strawberries and raspberries. The manufacturer plans to extend it use on other fruit crops, such as blueberries, peaches, citrus fruits and vines.

″Biologicals are strategic for BASF in Argentina, it is part of our commitment to evolving towards more sustainable solutions. Locally, it is still an incipient market, but it is a trend that will consolidate, as they can complement conventional treatments within intelligent Integrated Pest Management programs,″ Lareu said.

″With products like Serifel^®, which contains Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens, the future of microbe-based formulations looks bright. Today, they are already widely applied to fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants, but we expect a much greater potential when applied to field crops, not just as a seed treatment but also as a foliar and soil application,″ he added.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)