Agform launches a new nanotechnology formulation of azoxystrobin in the UK

Date:01-04-2019

Oxe® from Agform, the first commercial nanotechnology version of azoxystrobin in the world, is to be launched through selected distributors in the UK. Developed over four years at Agform’s nanotechnology research centre, in Wickham, Hampshire, the product is set to bring significant benefits to growers in terms of disease control and yield.

During the 2015-2016 spring/summer seasons, Agform carried out a series of cereal foliar disease trials, comparing Oxe® with Amistar® (a standard 250g/l azoxystrobin SC). Over 24 field trials across the central and southern registration zones and Maritime and Mediterranean EPPO climatic zones were carried out against the key target disease of wheat (Septoria tritici).

Due to an extensive drought, levels of Septoria tritici in the north of Europe were low and thus limited efficacy data was obtained. In contrast, in the Mediterranean trials, high levels of the target diseases were recorded, which enabled good data to be obtained. In most of the trials, Oxe® performed well and at 125 gai/ha (½ N) provided more effective Septoria tritici control than Amistar® at 250 gai/ha (N). Even at only 94 gai/ha, Oxe® has often matched the recommended rate of Amistar® for disease control (Table 1 below).

An additional benefit of the technology to growers, was a boost in crop yield, demonstrated in small plot trials in the UK in 2018, where the crops treated with Oxe®, were taken to yield. An example using the product on winter sown oil seed rape, is provided in Tables 2 and 3 below:

Another example of the unique yield and grain quality boosting properties of Oxe®, on winter barley, is provided in Tables 4 and 5 below: