July 30, 2019

BASF launches the next advance in biological pest control for protected cropping

  • Velifer® biological insecticide is now registered for use in Australia
  • BASF’s newest biological featuring beneficial fungus brings entirely new method of pest control to the market
  • Complementary pest control in protected crops is an important step forward for integrated pest management

Melbourne, Australia – July 30, 2019 – BASF has received registration from the Australian Pest and Veterinary Medicine Association for its new biological insecticide, Velifer®. This solution can help prevent insects becoming resistant to pesticide treatment in protected cropping – greenhouses and other protective structures when used in an integrated pest management approach.  

Velifer is the first biological insecticide of its kind to become available in Australia. It works by releasing the spores of a beneficial fungus onto the plant surface. When thrips, whiteflies, aphids and two-spotted mites come into contact with the fungal spores, the spores germinate and the fungus invades the internal structure and completely dehydrates the insect pest within 24-48 hours. Velifer is effective on insect pests’ eggs, larvae/nymph and adults and is safe to use around most beneficial insect species, giving growers the option to use multiple tactics to control damaging pests.

“This adds a very exciting, new dimension to pest control for local vegetable growers,” explained Will Huynh, the Biological Portfolio Manager for BASF Australia and New Zealand. “It takes the whole concept of integrated pest management another step forward. Velifer will be used as a complementary treatment that reduces growers’ reliance on chemical sprays and enhances their beneficial insect releases.”

With no withholding period and risk of residues on crops, Velifer can be applied at different crop timings, under varying levels of pest pressure and in combination with other control measures to realize its full potential.

“The trials we have done show that Velifer can play a very valuable role in local horticulture,” said Huynh. “It offers a more flexible, sustainable approach to managing pest problems at all stages of the growing process, including right up until harvest.”

Velifer will be produced at BASF’s state-of-the-art production site in Somersby, following the completion of an A$1 million investment to upgrade the facilities.


About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division

With a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and healthy environments. Working with farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others, it is our role to help make this possible. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline and broad portfolio, including seeds and traits, chemical and biological crop protection, soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we connect innovative thinking and down-to-earth action to create real world ideas that work – for farmers, society and the planet. In 2018, our division generated sales of €6.2 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

About BASF in Australia and New Zealand

BASF serves key industries in the agriculture, coatings, construction, manufacturing and mining sectors, and posted sales of about €432 million in Australia and New Zealand in 2018. As of the end of 2018, the company had 552 employees and operated 12 production sites across agricultural solutions, performance products and functional materials and solutions. BASF has been active in Australia for more than 90 years, and for about 60 years in New Zealand. Further information is available on the Internet at www.basf.com/au.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 122,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €63 billion in 2018. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

Lauren Porter
Lauren Porter
Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Manager
tomato
Velifer can be applied at different crop timings, under varying levels of pest pressure and in combination with other control measures to realize its full potential.
Last Update July 30, 2019