BASF presents Pendulum Aqua herbicide, Fastac 100 termiticide at Expoforest 2023

The multinational BASF presented two major highlights for the management of Eucalyptus and Pine forests at the fifth edition of Expoforest, the largest in this sector in the world, which AgroPages covered.

According to the latest report by the Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá), gross revenue from the forestry sector in 2021 was the highest in its history, reaching BRL244.6 billion and 9.93 million hectares of productive planted area in Brazil.

At Expoforest 2023, the pre-emergent herbicide Pendulum Aqua was presented, which controls the main weeds that invade forests.

According to the manufacturer, the product has a water-based microencapsulated formulation, which provides high residual in humid periods.

As it is selective for Pinus and Eucalyptus, it can be applied on the plants, in the line, between the lines, or in the total area in the initial stage of the forest before the weeds emerge from the soil.

Pest Control

According to Embrapa Floresta, leaf-cutting ants are the main pests in forestry, capable of defoliating Eucalyptus and Pinus forests, preventing development, and directly affecting their growth.

Large infestations can reduce up to 1/3 of the productivity of these crops, especially in dry seasons.

With this in mind, BASF claimed to have developed a ″complete portfolio that allows for integrated pest management, with efficient and diversified solutions to mitigate impacts and safeguard forest productivity.″

″The Fastac 100 insecticide/termiticide is yet another alternative for controlling large anthills, immediately paralyzing the entire operation and quickly controlling the pest infestation. Flexible at the time of application, the insecticide becomes even more effective,″ BASF said.

″The Brazilian forestry market generates inputs, jobs, moves the economy, and shows us that it is possible to balance productivity and preservation of the environment,″ stated Ricardo Zanquettim, manager of the Forestry Business at BASF.

According to him, good management strategies go through the use of appropriate products, applied safely, and that made it possible to effectively control factors that may, in some way, compromise the forestry's productivity and operational efficiency.

″Events like Expoforest are great opportunities to leverage a sector that is so relevant, and that benefits our country in so many ways,″ Zanquettim said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)