BASF announces new herbicide tolerant rice system in development

The Provisia^™ Rice System will provide a new tool for post-emergence control of a broad range of grass weeds, including ALS-resistant grasses, weedy rice and red rice. It has been developed through traditional breeding techniques. Registration is anticipated as early as 2016 in the U.S., with other countries to follow.

The new system is comprised of Provisia seed containing the Provisia trait, which allows farmers to safely apply Provisia^™ herbicide: an ACCase or group 1 herbicide site of action. Although Provisia herbicide will initially control grass weeds, BASF is working on combinations with other herbicides that will also provide control of broadleaf and sedge weeds.

“This new system will provide a different site of action, helping rice growers control ALS-resistant weeds,” said Jason Kuhlemeier, Technical Market Manager, BASF. “It was designed to be used as a companion to the Clearfield^® Production System for rice, allowing growers to rotate herbicide sites of action for controlling grass weeds including weedy rice and red rice. This provides a sustainable system to manage the risk of developing weeds that are resistant to available herbicides.”

BASF began initial research on this new system in 2008 and filed patent applications in 2009.

“Programs with our seed breeding partners to develop elite Provisia seed began in 2012 and are progressing nicely,” explained Kuhlemeier. “We are optimistic that this new system will be available to growers as early as two to three years from now.”

The most advanced Provisia seed breeding program is the Louisiana State University (LSU) program. LSU has proven to be a leading rice breeding program recognized globally for their breeding success. “The Provisia Rice System represents a significant advancement for rice growers,” said Dr. Steve Linscombe, director of the Louisiana State University AgCenter Rice Research Station and rice breeder. “It will add flexibility and diversity in herbicide usage, which is critical for promoting clean fields while minimizing weed resistance issues. I am pleased with the rapid progress we have been able to make in the Provisia breeding program, and I expect that Provisia rice seed planted by farmers in the future will provide strong agronomic performance and good quality characteristics.”

In May of this year, BASF and RiceTec completed an agreement under which Provisia Rice System breeding will take place. RiceTec is geographically the broadest hybrid rice breeding program globally and has led the introduction of hybrid rice in the United States. BASF is pleased to be collaborating with these strong rice breeding programs. Discussions with other selected seed partners will continue as well.  

BASF will strongly recommend that rice growers rotate the Provisia Rice System with the Clearfield Production System for rice to create a sustainable weed control program for grass weeds, weedy rice and red rice control, which will optimize weed control results for long-term rice production success.

Provisia is a trademark of BASF.

Clearfield is a registered trademark of BASF.

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 $19.4 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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