Positive Vote for Four BASF Crop Protection Compounds

In addition to epoxiconazole and fenpropimorph, the pipeline herbicide tritosulfuron and the growth regulator mepiquat chloride were given a yes vote by the EU Member States following a positive evaluation by its scientific arm, the EFSA.

14/08/08 The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health greenlighted four BASF pesticides following the positive assessment of the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA). Among the compounds are the fungicides epoxiconazole and fenpropimorph, two cornerstones in BASF’s Crop Protection portfolio. Adoption and publication of the decisions by the European Commission is expected before the end of this year.

“We are very pleased that the EU Member States have given these active ingredients a positive vote,” said Klaus Welsch, who heads BASF’s Crop Protection business in Europe. “Products with these active ingredients are critical for securing yields in Europe, especially cereal yields. The decision gives BASF the assurance it needs to continue investing in next-generation products with these compounds, helping farmers improve yields and providing consumers with an abundance of safe, affordable food.”

Epoxiconazole is sold in more than 50 countries worldwide. In Europe alone it is registered in 18 of the 27 EU Members States, where it plays a major role in securing cereal yields. In Latin America, growers rely on products such as Opera with epoxiconazole and F 500 to combat the devastating disease Asian rust.

The modes of action of epoxiconazole and fenpropimorph make them ideal mixing partners with other BASF fungicides such as the pipeline active ingredients F 500 and boscalid, which is why they are staples in many of the company’s next-generation formulations such as the cereal fungicide Bell and Capalo. Mixing active ingredients broadens the spectrum and makes it less likely for resistance to develop. This keeps important tools available to growers to protect their yields. With prices for agricultural commodities on the rise and world stocks at historic lows, it is crucial for growers to have such tools available.

In addition to epoxiconazole and fenpropimorph, the pipeline herbicide tritosulfuron and the growth regulator mepiquat chloride were given a yes vote by the EU Member States following a positive evaluation by its scientific arm, the EFSA.

With sales of €3,137 million in 2007, BASF’s Crop Protection division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides.