BASF starts registration for new fungicide innovation Adapzo^® Active to control Asian Soybean Rust

• Fungicide with novel mode of action from the BASF innovation pipeline
• Designed to deliver outstanding control and resistance management of key soybean diseases in combination with other BASF fungicides
• Adapzo Active specifically developed for the soybean crop rotation in South America and adapted to growers’ needs

BASF has begun the registration process for its new fungicide innovation Adapzo^® Active (Flufenoxadiazam) and submitted the regulatory dossiers to the relevant authorities in Brazil and Paraguay, with a subsequent submission planned in Bolivia. This new active ingredient from BASF’s robust innovation pipeline is the industry’s first histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Building on BASF’s history in innovative disease control for soybeans, Adapzo Active marks a major milestone in the company’s efforts to offer farmers a much-needed novel mode of action, delivering an unprecedented level of Asian Soybean Rust (ASR) control. Pending regulatory approvals, BASF expects first market introductions of Adapzo Active-based formulations starting in 2029.

Soybeans are among the most important crops worldwide as they become an increasingly relevant resource for food, feed and energy. Fourty-four percent of the world’s soybeans are produced by farmers in Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. However, farmers are facing challenges from ASR, a troublesome and economically significant disease affecting soybeans. ASR can severely impact soybean cultivation and cause substantial yield loss of up to ninety percent percent if not controlled.  

“Adapzo Active provides breakthrough control of ASR to protect growers’ yield potential, while consistently outperforming existing products on the market,” says Ulf Groeger, Vice President Fungicides Research, BASF Agricultural Solutions. “Its novel mode of action ensures full control of mutated fungal strains, which are currently a major and growing challenge for farmers.” The new fungicide works harmoniously with non-target species and beneficials when applied following label instructions.

Adapzo Active unlocks its full potential in combination with complementary fungicides in the BASF portfolio, such as Pavecto^® Active. “The Adapzo Active product family is designed to become an essential part of farmer’s disease management practices, providing outstanding broad-spectrum control of South America’s most troublesome soybean diseases, including target spot,” says Johannes Weimer, Vice President Global Strategic Marketing Portfolio Solutions Fungicides, BASF Agricultural Solutions.

Tailored solution built for soybean growers

Compared to other crop protection products that are not specifically tailored to a single disease, Adapzo Active is the result of a research process focused solely on developing a novel mode of action to control ASR in soybean crops. “We drew on our deep understanding of local farming practices and carefully listened to our customers, developing an active ingredient tailored to the needs of soybean growers in Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia,” states Ademar De Geroni Junior, Vice President Strategic Marketing Latin America, BASF Agricultural Solutions. “With Adapzo Active, BASF reaffirms its strong commitment to develop a sustainable agriculture, especially for soybean growers in South America.”
 

About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division

Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That’s why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. With €919 million in 2024, we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, combining innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture. In 2024, our division generated sales of €9.8 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or our social media channels.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

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