BASF just received EPA registration for a new soybean fungicide called Priaxor for the prevention and control of a broad spectrum of crop diseases. The company also received registration for its new Merivon fungicide, used in pome and stone fruit crops.

BASF reports that Priaxor is expected to provide excellent disease protection and post-infection disease control from some of the toughest fungal diseases in soybeans, as well as several other crops.

“BASF is committed to developing new chemistries and innovative products to help growers be more successful,” said Paul Rea, vice president, U.S. Crop Protection, BASF. “The discovery of our latest active ingredient, Xemium fungicide, is a testament to our promise to provide the tools to help growers get the most out of every acre.”

Priaxor is a 2:1 premix fungicide containing F500—the same active ingredient as Headline fungicide—and Xemium fungicide, a new active ingredient in the carboxamide family, providing a new mode of action in row crops.

Merivon is a 1:1 premix fungicide of F500—an active ingredient in Pristine fungicide —and Xemium.

Soybean field results

Three years of BASF in-field research show superior disease control and plant health benefits, which lead to yield improvements in soybeans. From 2009 through 2011, soybeans treated with Priaxor showed nearly 17% less severity of Septoria brown spot compared to untreated soybean acres.

In more than 75 trials conducted by BASF in 2010 and 2011, Priaxor-treated soybeans had higher yields than untreated acres 87 percent of the time. In comparison, the current leader in the soybean market, Headline, out-yielded untreated checks 83% of the time.

Priaxor has also shown effective disease control in corn, controlling several yield-robbing diseases including northern and southern corn leaf blight, gray leaf spot and common rust.

The new active ingredient Xemium fungicide, paired with the active ingredient in Headline fungicide, will also be available through Monsanto’s next-generation Acceleron Seed Treatment Products for soybeans and cotton.

Xemium, a next-generation fungicide in the carboxamide family, was discovered by researchers at BASF headquarters in Limburgerhof, Germany. Xemium is a result of BASF experience in research and development, specifically in the carboxamide class of chemistry.

To learn more about Priaxor and Merivon fungicides, visit www.Planet-Xemium.basf.us.

For more information about BASF Crop Protection products, visit http://agproducts.basf.us.