BASF supports spinach farmers in Japan with launch of Sankei Kotetsu® bait insecticide

• Excellent efficacy against Tyrophagus similis, a difficult-to-control pest in greenhouse spinach production
• Bait formulation of chlorfenapyr offers long-term protection
• Sales to commence on March 22

Tokyo, Japan –  March 17, 2021 – Spinach farmers in Japan will have a new option for insect pest control as of March 22, with the launch of Sankei Kotetsu bait insecticide from BASF. Jointly developed with Sankei Chemical Co., Ltd, the new product delivers long term protection from Tyrophagus similis, a difficult-to-control pest in greenhouse spinach production. The product will be marketed by both companies.

Tyrophagus similis emerges mainly under greenhouse conditions. It grows in the soil and invades and damages the sprout of spinach. These damaged leaves do not grow properly and become deformed, with overall crop growth suppressed, ultimately impacting yield.

Sankei Kotetsu bait attracts Tyrophagus similis as it moves from the soil to spinach, and is toxic to the pest upon ingestion. The high activity of the active ingredient chlorfenapyr and the attractive bait formulation offers a strong residual effect and suppress damage over a prolonged period. In addition, it saves labor as it does not require mixing with soil.

"A key benefit of Sankei Kotetsu is that it can be used in spinach production facilities even during harvesting as the fine grains of the product do not disperse and drift. This gives farmers worry-free control of Tyrophagus similis throughout the entire growing season," said Shinsuke Noda, Vice Director, Marketing, Agricultural Solutions, BASF Japan.

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 2020, our division generated sales of €7.7 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

About BASF in Japan       
BASF has been a committed partner to Japan since 1888.  Operating both production sites as well as research and development facilities in Japan, BASF contributes to the success of Japanese customers nationwide as well as globally by providing products and solutions to nearly all industries. These include the automotive, construction, pharmaceutical, medical, electronics, electric, packaging, personal and home care, agriculture and food industries. As of the end of 2020, BASF employed 955 employees in Japan, and recorded sales of about €1.7 billion to customers in the country. Further information is available on the internet at www.basf.com/jp.

About BASF        
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 110,000 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 is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2020. 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.