BASF Crop Protection introduces new active ingredient Initium

BASF Crop Protection has unveiled a new active ingredient called Initium®. This proprietary substance is the first of a new chemical class that will soon broaden BASF’s product line for specialty crops. Field trials have shown Initium to be a highly selective and effective fungicide to prevent late blight and downy mildew, aside from having an excellent overall regulatory profile.

"We are very excited about Initium. It is the latest fungicide from our innovative pipeline developed for the fast-growing specialty crop business. It joins a whole range of BASF active ingredients in this segment, such as boscalid, F 500®, dimethomorph, and metrafenone”, says Peter Eckes, head of research and development at BASF’s Crop Protection division.

Initium was submitted for EU registration in September 2008. The worldwide registration initiative will continue through the end of 2009 in Latin America, Asia and North America. Initium is scheduled to make its marketing debut in Latin America in 2010 as the active ingredient in several branded BASF products. Products powered by Initium are expected to enter selected European markets in time for the 2011 field season.

Initium products will support farmers world-wide, covering a broad spectrum of countries, crops and segments. Through coordinated setting of maximum residue limits and important tolerance for all uses, Initium will particularly appeal to growers of export crops, facilitating and encouraging the trade of produce.