Recent BASF herbicide studies show important findings for resistant weed management

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, March 24, 2014 – With more than 60 million U.S. acres affected by glyphosate-resistant weeds and nearly every state affected by some form of resistant weeds, the challenge facing growers is increasing every year. In a 2013 survey of Midwest growers, BASF found that 76 percent will be changing their weed management strategies in 2014 to address this ongoing issue.

To help determine the best strategies for combatting weed resistance, BASF scientists continue to research solutions to help growers achieve optimal weed control. In a recent Verdict^® herbicide study, BASF reaffirmed the importance of using a preemergence herbicide with multiple sites of action.

Multiple Sites of Action

BASF scientists tested the effectiveness of Verdict herbicide for control of weeds in preemerge and preplant applications. Verdict herbicide, powered by Kixor^® herbicide technology, combines the active ingredients in Outlook^®herbicide and Sharpen^®herbicide to provide two sites of action.

“There are two key reasons for choosing products that use multiple effective sites of action,” said Mark Oostlander, Technical Market Manager, Herbicides, for BASF. “The first is better weed control in general and the second is superior control of resistant weeds.”

Oostlander explained that if there is a weed resistant to one of the sites of action, having two or more provides backup to ensure the weed is controlled and prevents it from going to seed.

To show a living demonstration of these advantages, scientists conducted a greenhouse trial where they took soil and weed seeds – foxtail, common waterhemp and common ragweed – from fields throughout the U.S. and grew weeds in four separate pots. They then applied a different herbicide to each of the pots; one with Outlook herbicide, one with Sharpen herbicide and one with Verdict herbicide. The fourth pot was left untreated. The multiple sites of action in Verdict herbicide proved to have the most complete control on all three of the weeds planted.

“From a scientific perspective, we understand how critical having multiple sites of action is for controlling and preventing resistant weeds, but it’s hard to really show that to people,” said Chad Brommer, Herbicides Biologist for BASF. “So in this case, a picture is worth a thousand words. The study visually shows the strengths and weaknesses of using just one site of action compared to using multiple sites of action.”

Residual Control

To show the importance of using a preemerge herbicide like Verdict herbicide, which includes long-lasting residual control, BASF scientists conducted the same greenhouse trial two weeks apart. Four weeks after the first trial started, the soil still remained weed-free, reaffirming the benefits of using a preemergence herbicide for clean fields.

“Applying a preemerge herbicide with residual control also plays a critical role in controlling weeds,” said Oostlander. “This is because weeds can be controlled for weeks after applying the herbicide.”

The Complete Weed Control Plan

Verdict herbicide is one of many BASF products that are a part of the Advanced Weed Control program. Advanced Weed Control provides growers with an extensive weed control portfolio and best management practices for efficient application and the most complete control.

For more information about the BASF herbicide portfolio, visit the Advanced Weed Control website. The website provides growers with the latest expert information, recommendations and insights on effective weed control, including videos from local agronomists and weed scientists discussing strategies specific to geographies across the Midwest and South.

For more information on BASF Crop protection products, visit http://agproducts.basf.us, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Kixor, Outlook, Sharpen and Verdict are registered trademarks of BASF.

Sharpen herbicide contains the active ingredient saflufenacil. Outlook herbicide contains the active ingredient dimethenamid. Both of these active ingredients, saflufenacil and dimethenamid, are in Verdict herbicide.

About BASF’s Crop Protection division

With sales of more than €5.2 billion in 2013, BASF’s Crop Protection division provides innovative solutions in crop protection, seed treatment and biological control as well as solutions to manage water, nutrients and plant stress. Its portfolio also includes products for turf and ornamental plants, pest control and public health. BASF’s Crop Protection division is a leading innovator that supports growers to optimize agricultural production, improve their business efficiency and enhance the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com or through our social media channels.

BASF - The Chemical Company

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has nearly 17,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $19.3 billion in 2013. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of about €74 billion in 2013 and over 112,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

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