BASF highlights Seltima fungicide at 35th Official Rice Harvest Opening

BASF showcased Seltima fungicide, its "exclusive launch" for preventive protection against blast disease - one of the main threats to rice cultivation. The product was the multinational's highlight at its booth during the 35th Official Rice Harvest Opening, an event with special coverage by AgroPages.

Rice blasts can cause productivity losses of up to 100% in severe cases. With its formulation based on Pyraclostrobin and Naphtha Solvent (Petroleum), Seltima is a systemic fungicide that works to prevent the disease caused by the Pyricularia grisea fungus.

According to the manufacturer, Seltima should be applied by spraying over the plant's aerial parts. The product acts as an electron transport inhibitor in fungal cell mitochondria, inhibiting ATP formation, which is essential for fungal metabolic processes.

"Seltima demonstrates excellent protective action due to its role in inhibiting spore germination, development and penetration of germination tubes, and provides increased plant metabolic activity, enhanced nitrate reductase enzyme activity, resulting in better plant health," states BASF.

Beyond blast control, Seltima fungicide promotes "physiological benefits that contribute to grain profitability and quality," explains BASF. Additionally, the multinational points out that this technology features an encapsulation system that "ensures controlled release of the active ingredient for aquatic environment preservation."

HERBICIDE

For weed control, BASF featured Aura 200 as its main highlight at the 35th Official Rice Harvest Opening. According to the manufacturer, the herbicide protects irrigated and upland rice grasses against the crop's main weeds, such as barnyardgrass, alexandergrass, sandbur, and goosegrass. All this without affecting subsequent crops like soybeans and corn, which are very common in rice field crop rotation.

"Integrated weed and disease management is essential to maximize harvest potential. Our solutions combine innovation and sustainability to ensure farmers achieve optimal grain quality and productivity results," states Graziela de Morais, Rice and Wheat Crops Marketing Manager at BASF Agricultural Solutions.

SEEDS

BASF's hybrid seeds, known for their high performance, will also be featured during the event. The Provisia and Clearfield Systems, which connect seed solutions and crop protection, will be demonstrated in the field through the Lidero rice seed brand.

The technologies provide healthy rice fields even in areas with resistance challenges, offering greater profitability to farmers by optimizing the management of invasive and hard-to-control weeds, such as barnyard grass and red rice. According to company surveys, gains with new hybrids can reach 25% productivity compared to traditional varieties.

"We cannot forget that the quality of the product that leaves the field and reaches the consumer begins even before the grain is planted, starting with the choice of certified seeds. Lidero seeds arrive to ensure this healthy and sustainable production from beginning to end of the cycle," comments Graziela de Morais.

BASF Agricultural Solutions Marketing Director, Graciela Mognol, states that there are many developments to come: "Rice is part of a priority cultivation system for BASF in the country, grown in rotation with soybeans. Production success depends on a comprehensive vision from the farmer and the field, from one harvest to another. We deeply understand these needs and that's why we're constantly presenting innovations for the sector," concludes Mognol.

RICE SHOVEL AWARD

BASF was honored in the Outstanding Company category by the Rice Shovel, a traditional award promoted by the Federation of Rice Farmers Associations of Rio Grande do Sul (Federarroz) that recognizes farmers, companies, and entities making a difference in Brazil's rice production chain. The ceremony took place during the 35th Official Rice Harvest Opening.

The award highlighted "BASF's continuous work in developing integrated management solutions for disease and weed control, as well as more resistant seed varieties that offer high yield potential to farmers."

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)