1949 / First Crop Protection Agent

A new area of application is developed in 1949: Following three years of tests by the Agricultural Research Station, the “U46” herbicide goes onto the market and marks the beginning of BASF’s crop protection business.

By 1964, a range of products around U 46 had been created based on research at Limburgerhof (today Agricultural Center Limburgerhof). These products provided solutions for all common weed problems in grain fields and grassland. Insectiicides and fungicides BASF soon also launches active ingredients for controlling pest infestation and fungal infestation. Alongside synthetic fertilizers, crop protection develops into a second mainstay of BASF’s agricultural business.