Tag Archive for: BASF

BASF launches Nemaslug 2.0 for improved slug control

in , /by

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.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

BASF education for Agrovista Amenity customers

in , /by

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

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

BASF invests in growth

in , /by

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.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

BASF Pistol reclassification

in , /by

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.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

BASF choose BTME for new launch

in , /by

BASF choose BTME for new launch: BASF will launch Attraxor®, a new plant growth regulator (PGR) at BTME in Harrogate on January 21st, 2020. The product is new to the UK market and features the powerful active Prohexadione calcium.

Attraxor reduces the longitudinal shoot growth of grass which lessens the frequency of mowing and the volume of clippings created. Dr Manuel Daumann, Technical Manager Ornamentals, Turf & Beneficial Nematodes for BASF explains: “At the recommended dose rate, one application of Attraxor will give a reduction in fresh weight of grass cuttings of up to 70% and a lowering in grass height of up to 40% for up to four weeks after application. Attraxor also enhances turf root formation and acts, due to its unique effects on seed head production, as a Poa annua management tool.”

BASF choose BTME for new launch

Poa annua, also known as annual meadow grass or bluegrass, negatively impacts turf quality and sward density. In sporting situations, such as a golf putting green, it can also affect the roll of the ball. “Attraxor works by reducing the seed head production and regenerative potential of Poa annua. In doing so it supplants Poa annua, strengthens turf and increases sward density which helps reduce the risk of fungal infections such as Anthracnose,” explains Dr Daumann.

BASF is expanding its portfolio of products in the amenity market and Attraxor is the first product being introduced in 2020. Anthony O’Hare, UK Country Manager for professional & specialty solutions says: “We are excited to launch Attraxor in the UK. It is a unique product that will help manage turf in a number of sporting applications such as golf, football, tennis and horse racing. However, we also see applications for it to be used in parks and other public areas.”

BTME will feature more than 150 exhibiting companies and will be held at the Harrogate Convention Centre from 21st January to 23rd January. It will showcase the latest innovations and technology in the golf and sports surface maintenance industry offering an expected 9000 total visitors a chance to discover new products and gain valuable industry insight.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

BASF To Launch New Farm Rodenticide

in , /by

BASF To Launch New Farm Rodenticide: BASF have announced the release of Storm® Ultra Secure, a brand-new rodenticide which will be available in August 2019. The product contains 25 parts per million (ppm) of the active substance flocoumafen and will be available in a variety of sizes to professional users* and farmers as well as the general public.

The preparation of crop stores to prevent infestations of rodents and other pests is crucial. Rodents consume and spoil stored produce, spread disease to humans and livestock, attack growing crops and damage buildings. Preparing storage facilities on farms requires planning and an integrated pest management approach. Buildings should be cleaned, tidied and thoroughly checked prior to being regularly baited. This will help remove rodents before harvest and continued baiting will prevent infestations during autumn and winter. It is therefore essential for farmers to find the right product that has high efficacy and palatability.

BASF To Launch New Farm Rodenticide

Sharon Hughes, Global Technical Marketing Manager, for BASF explains. “Since second generation rodenticides were released in the 1970s and 80s to combat rodent resistance to the early anticoagulants of the 1950s, a complacency about rodent control has developed. It is believed that all second-generation actives have a high rate of efficacy and that rodents have little to no resistance to them. However, this is not the case because rats have already shown resistance to difenacoum and bromadiolone.”

Resistance is only one factor in the efficacy of a rodenticide. Palatability is an equally important consideration. The strength of the active is irrelevant if the rodent is not attracted to eat the product. It is therefore important to have an active that rodents are not resistant to and a product that is highly palatable to ensure a sufficient quantity of the active is consumed.

In laboratory trials conducted by BASF, rats were offered the choice between a controlled nontoxic food source and Storm Ultra Secure. The results showed that some rats chose to consume high quantities of the product even when nontoxic food was available. Sharon explains “Palatability is measured by the amount of the rodenticide consumed divided by the amount of the controlled diet consumed. The standard for most block baits range between 0.5 and 1.5”.

In laboratory tests with Storm Ultra Secure, BASF recorded quantities as high as 11.3 being consumed by rats and even the lowest levels were at least 2. This shows that the rats were consuming at least twice the normal dosage, with many choosing to consume much higher quantities of the rodenticide than normal. This proven palatability demonstrates that the new 25ppm bait is more effective than many 50ppm baits currently on the market.

Sharon concludes, “It is clear that rodents will continue to adapt, but none have built a resistance or tolerance to the flocoumafen active in Storm. By making Storm Ultra Secure more palatable we have created a 25ppm product that farmers can use to effectively control rodents on their farm.”

Rodent activity should be monitored all year round and farmers should look for signs of rats and mice at least weekly especially before harvest.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

BASF Support World Pest Day

in , /by

BASF Support World Pest Day: World Pest Day is coming up on June 6, and BASF, producers of the Nemasys range of pest control products, will be promoting the importance of pest management to gardeners, highlighting its value in protecting human and garden health, food quality and the environment.

Nemasys grow five different nematodes at its UK facility, which is the largest in Europe. Nematodes are micro organisms that occur naturally in garden soil. Each of the five different species BASF grows each target just one specific prey species.

BASF Support World Pest Day

Nemasys pest control replicate nature by increasing the amount of these microscopic organisms that are already present in the soil to give nature a helping hand in fighting pests in your garden, without upsetting the delicate eco-system. Once the pests are eliminated, nematodes die back to their natural level. They are a sophisticated, yet simple, biological method of ridding gardens and allotments of pests, and can be applied by simply watering them on!

Nematodes are produced to control slugs, leatherjackets, ants, vine weevils and chafer grubs, as well as a product containing a number of different nematode species which will protect against a range of pests that attack various fruit and vegetables.

BASF, producers of Nemasys and Nemaslug products have made them easily accessible online and user friendly; perfect for the domestic gardener who demands an effortless product that is non-toxic and extremely effective. Their online website makes gardeners lives easier as an entire season’s worth of pest control can be purchased and delivered. They are passionate about supplying its nematodes alive and fresh, rather than dried, as this ensures the quality of the product remains high and consistently effective. Customers can order a season’s worth of products and they will be delivered fresh each month.

To use nematodes, simply select the appropriate product, mix with water and either pour from a watering can or spray onto the foliage and soil, depending on the variety. This process is repeated throughout the season, from the moment that the first signs of pests occur and can be easily slotted into your regular watering routine. There is no need to keep children or pets away from treated areas and the whole programme is entirely biological, so all the Nemasys products can be used by organic gardeners.

An entire season’s worth of pest control can be purchased via online stockists at www.nemasysinfo.co.uk/en/Products/Overview/index.html and will be delivered fresh, straight to your door throughout the season.

BASF is the only nematode producer to supply fresh nematodes, rather than dehydrated, and is passionate about doing so as this ensures the quality of the product remains high and consistently effective.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

BASF Launch Nematode Challenge

in , /by

BASF Launch Nematode Challenge: BASF, the leading producer of beneficial nematodes used as pest control in British gardens, is on the search for volunteers to take part in its 2019 Nematode Challenge.

The Sussex-based company grows trillions of beneficial nematodes for use in its Nemasys range of pest controls. After an initial launch in 2017, the company has decided to run its Nematode Challenge for 2019. It will also, for a second successive year exclusively be launched in conjunction with the National Allotment Society (NAS).

BASF Launch Nematode Challenge

The representative body has over 125,000 members in which it assists them to acquire, maintain, manage and enjoy allotments across the UK.

Diane Appleyard, marketing co-ordinator at the NAS said: “We are thrilled to be working with BASF again to help build awareness of the benefits of nematodes. By working together, we can educate our members on how to keep their allotments pest-free whilst also having fun outdoors in our garden or allotment – a win-win situation!”

If you have not yet tried nematodes, then you will be surprised at just how simple and easy they are in helping get rid of garden or allotment pests. All of the six products are simply mixed with water and either applied from a watering can with a coarse rose or sprayed onto the foliage and soil, depending on the variety.

This process is repeated throughout the season, from the moment that the first signs of pests occur and can be easily slotted into your regular watering routine. There is no need to keep children or pets away from treated areas and the whole programme is entirely biological, meaning all the products can be used by organic gardeners.

Despite this simplicity, and their many benefits, many gardeners and growers are put off by them, thinking them to be too complicated or expensive.

So, in order to tackle this mindset, BASF is looking for 25 volunteers across the UK to give beneficial nematodes a try and to report on their results. The allotment gardeners will represent a diverse range soil types and growing problems, along with, no doubt, preconceptions about nematodes.

Volunteering couldn’t be easier, and the whole process is designed to be as easy as possibly, adding as little work to the allotments-holders as possible. To get involved, all you have to do is email sarahbryan@paskett.co.uk by 8th April 2019.

Successful volunteers will be supplied with a free season’s worth of Nemaslug, along with a short, initial questionnaire to fill in, which will contain questions such as:

  • Where is your allotment garden?
  • What do you grow?
  • How would you rate your recent slug problems?
  • Which pest control products do you usually use?
  • Which have been successful?
  • Do you actively encourage wildlife into your allotment?

In late September, results and feedback questionnaires will be circulated, containing questions about how the volunteers found their experience of using Nemaslug, and whether they would use it again.

This is a great opportunity to try something new, and you may just find your new favourite pest control solution!

If you are interested, please get in touch and we will send further information.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.