Tag Archive for: BASF

BASF – at the forefront of research and development

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BASF – at the forefront of research and development: Professional turf care is an art form that requires skill, precision and high-performance products to be successful.

Sometimes even the most experienced and skilled greenkeepers have been let down by their products, which is why BASF invests heavily in cutting-edge technology and the best experts in the business to ensure that its solutions are ahead of the game, providing exactly what is needed and when.

BASF – at the forefront of research and development

BASF – at the forefront of research and development

Whether a golf course manager, agronomist, farmer or landscape architect, many professionals rely on effective products that keep turf free of diseases, pests and weeds through every season.

With the backing of thousands of employees worldwide, BASF is perfectly positioned to create a powerful portfolio of product solutions that can be tailored to meet the demands of every turf landscape. Effective and efficient research and development underpins every solution that BASF creates, and it is not a company that is content to rest on its laurels. It constantly invests in the growing opportunities that digitalisation and supercomputing power offers, meaning that it constantly maintains its place as an industry leader. In fact, it invested 2.1 billion euros into research and development expenses last year alone, with 1000 products being patented.

For example, brand-new product Maxtima was launched at BTME 2024 by BASF Turf, a new cutting-edge demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide. This crop safe solution was devised after BASF’s scientists discovered new enzyme assays in their research.

Rob Gladwin, head of technical management for UK said: “The assays test the efficacy with which the DMI chemistry, which includes azoles, inhibit the fungal target site, CYP51 –– blocking this enzyme prevents a fungal cell from producing ergosterol causing it to die.

“Together, the team discovered a unique property of an entirely new family of triazoles –– this molecule has a ‘hook’. It’s an isopropanol linker. This moiety is a small part of the larger molecule and it’s unique for a DMI. We synthesised it and noticed very strong fungicidal effects.”

The launch of Maxtima pays testament to the cutting-edge research and development that the BASF team undertakes every day. In fact, BASF’s researchers are working on hundreds of products at any one time, with research centres in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

Furthermore, BASF collaborates with a global network of top universities, research institutes and companies, giving direct access to external scientific expertise, talented minds from various disciplines, as well as new technologies. This helps to quickly develop targeted, marketable innovations, strengthening its portfolio with creative new projects and reaching its targets for worldwide expertise and growth.

To find out more about BASF’s industry-leading turf products, visit https://www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Product-innovation/Turf/

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BASF launches Nemaslug 2.0 for improved slug control

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BASF launches Nemaslug 2.0 for improved slug control: Leading pest control solutions manufacturer, BASF, has launched a new and improved version of its hugely popular and effective biological slug control treatment, Nemaslug. Nemaslug 2.0 provides all of the protection and high efficacy rates of the original product, but has additional benefits, too.

The improved product has been produced following the discovery of a new species of nematode – Phasmarhabditis californica. This species of nematode can be packed at much higher concentrations, so the same amount of effective nematodes can be stored in a smaller pack, which has helped BASF to reduce the plastic packaging of its slug control solution by half. More efficient storage as well as fewer containers being needed to transport the product, further reduces the carbon footprint, which aligns with the company’s sustainability goals and its aims to provide a greener option for slug control.

BASF launches Nemaslug 2.0 for improved slug control

BASF launches Nemaslug 2.0 for improved slug control

On top of this, improvements made to production has led to a further reduction of over 20 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year, while the UK-based facility negates the need for carbon-heavy international shipping.

Nematodes occur naturally in the soil and seek out and kill specific target pests. They attack the pest by entering its body and releasing bacteria that quickly and effectively kills it. The nematodes then reproduce inside the dying pest and release a new generation of hungry nematodes, which disperse and search for further prey, protecting the area for up to six weeks.

By tapping into the benefits of this naturally occurring friend of the gardener, soil can remain healthy, while ensuring slugs are conquered and plants protected.

The company is dedicated to investing in research and development to ensure that it is able to provide the highest quality nematodes to gardeners, and is keen to create a product that will appeal to those looking for a greener option for slug control. It is this dedication to research and development that has enabled the discovery of a new species of nematodes to use in its Nemaslug product.

This small but powerful box of fresh nematodes can be delivered directly to a gardeners’ doors throughout the growing season to ensure that slugs can be controlled effectively by harnessing the power of nature.

To find out more about how nematodes work, take a look at this short video – https://youtu.be/JHNG1KSluh0

For further information please visit https://www.nemasysinfo.co.uk/ and follow basf_nemasys_uk on Instagram.

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BASF education for Agrovista Amenity customers

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BASF education for Agrovista Amenity customers: Several Agrovista Amenity customers recently visited the BASF production facility in Littlehampton where they got the opportunity to find out more about the processes behind producing some of the industry’s leading pest control products.

BASF is the largest producer of organic pest control products in the world. Driven by the principles of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, BASF is constantly investing in the research and development of new products. Some of that research and development takes place in Littlehampton, West Sussex and it is also the largest nematode production facility in the world.

BASF education for Agrovista Amenity customers

BASF education for Agrovista Amenity customers

Agrovista Amenity has a strong relationship with BASF and continues to see a huge demand for their innovative products. Several of the company’s customers were recently invited for a tour around the impressive facility, which was organised by Amenity Specialists Joseph Dormer and Andrew Norman.

The day consisted of learning more about the procedures involved in manufacturing the Nemasys® nematode product; a technical deep dive into the Green Lawnger® range of turf pigments and discovering the latest developments and research involving Attraxor® plant growth regulator.

Toby Martin, an Assistant Greenkeeper at Pyecombe Golf Club in Brighton was particularly interested in the nematodes. “I recently started my NVQ Level 3 and I found this to be a great learning experience. With the recent changes in legislation into what chemicals you can and can’t use, we have started investigating different methods of controlling pests on our course. Nematodes for us seem to be the way forward. Therefore, it is important to fully know what we are doing and to make sure we are doing it properly.

“The presentation we have seen today will help us to apply them on our course in an even more effective way.”

Danny Negus, Grounds Manager at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity laid out by Agrovista Amenity to gain a better understanding of what we are trying to achieve, and how we achieve it. To receive a breakdown on how BASF are producing their products was a real eye opener, and the level of knowledge they communicated was excellent.”

“The biggest thing for me is that when we stage the International it leaves a very large footprint, and we don’t have long before we stage the next event. So, we are looking at ways to mitigate some of the damage that has been left, and I am very interested in the way the BASF products protect the leaf. Today has given me lots of ideas and I’m looking forward to getting back and exploring them in depth. “

Pete May and Toni Norris from Lawntech were also upbeat about the experience. “We came today to look into the option of using nematodes,” said Pete. “The factory is fascinating, and the talk was particularly beneficial because we would not have received that level of detail from just reading the back of a product or looking online.

Toni agreed: “We are constantly looking at new products to enhance the service we can offer our customers, so it has been a really useful experience for us. At Lawntech we pride ourselves on having a deep understanding of products, and that is why we want to educate ourselves as much as possible.”

Agrovista Amenity will continue to run educational events throughout the year for customers.

A video of the event can be viewed by visiting https://youtu.be/SOQP4Ug-1l8

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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BASF invests in growth

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BASF invests in growth: Leading pest control solutions manufacturer, BASF has invested in new vessels at its specialist nematode production facility, which is the only one of its kind in Britain. The operation produces nematodes used by amateur gardeners and commercial growers globally as a natural pest-control solution for slugs and other pests.

Based in Littlehampton, the 4,000 m2 facility has been producing up to 12 trillion nematodes every month, but the installation of the new vessels in which to grow them will see this increase by 14% per month, whilst also creating a more robust manufacturing process, ensuring reliable supply to customers.

BASF invests in growth

BASF invests in growth

The project was conceived at the end of 2020 and work began in earnest at the beginning of 2021, with completion due at the end of Q1 2022.

As is the case for the other 6 manufacturing vessels already on site, the new equipment was designed and manufactured to exacting requirements in Burton upon Trent, a town famous for its brewing – which is apt, as the vessel is reminiscent of a brewery fermenter, with similar technology employed in its production.

The 316L Stainless Steel vessels, with ground and polished welds for sterility, are designed and tested to withstand 150ºC, 5.2 barg pressure and full vacuum, with a cooling jacket built into the shell, to prevent the nematodes from ‘cooking’ by the heat generated from their mass reproduction. Even when empty the vessels weigh an astonishing 7,150 kg.

The vessel installation took place over a weekend, but the mammoth task of mechanical and electrical installation will take approximately 10 weeks, with work due to begin this month.

Thomas Goddard, operations manager at BASF Agricultural Specialities commented: “This is an exciting time for the company, as we invest in our resources, which reflects the growing appetite for biological pest control and our unique place in the market.”

For further information about nematodes, please visit https://www.nemasysinfo.co.uk/ and follow basf_nemasys_uk on Instagram.

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BASF Pistol reclassification

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BASF Pistol reclassification: BASF’s Pistol herbicide brand is now tested and approved for use with Rotary Atomiser and Controlled Droplet Application (CDA) devices.

This means the popular and efficient RIVERLYNX Eradicator weed control system becomes the equipment-of-choice for local authorities and facilities maintenance professionals, with RIVERLYNX being specifically mentioned on BASF’s new product label.

BASF Pistol reclassification

BASF Pistol reclassification

James Wilson, Director of RIVERLYNX, comments: “This is great news for our clients. It means that, provided they use our RIVERLYNX CDA handlance system with our unique and easy-to-fill Ecomark carrier liquid for long lasting weed control, then they are now reassured that it is legally safe to do so. Using BASF Pistol means that operators are able to control active weeds as well as those yet to germinate. This gives RIVERLYNX users the option of a residual action herbicide, as well as translocated or contact herbicides.”

RIVERLYNX Ecomark is a biodegradable and non-hazardous carrier liquid designed for use with the company’s CDA lance applicators. Ecomark has been scientifically formulated to incorporate a white pigment to work in conjunction with BASF Pistol, providing a visible marker during use whilst ensuring the correct droplet size to reduce drift and aid plant adhesion. Ecomark is supplied in a turtle pack which functions as a comfortable backpack for use with RIVERLYNX’s robust Eradicator CDA handlance.

The RIVERLYNX system is a safe, cost effective and operator friendly method of weed control and would typically be used for weed control along mowing margins, around street furniture and in gravel areas. The key advantages include:

• Significant productivity and efficiency savings
• Reduction in labour force requirements
• Manual handling and back injury issues reduced
• Material/chemical cost per hectare is less when compared to alternatives in the marketplace
• Easy to use – no measuring or weighing. Simply fill BASF Pistol to a mark on the turtle pack
• No need to add extra Glyphosate to kill green growing weeds

RIVERLYNX products are backed by responsive after sales support including training, spare parts and servicing. Options available include both CDA Cleaner as well as Filling Stations. All RIVERLYNX products are designed and manufactured by the company at its Yorkshire facility. RIVERLYNX products are available from £396 ex-VAT.

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