BASF starts global registration for new and environmentally friendly insecticide active ingredient

• Regulatory dossiers for Axalion^™ insecticide submitted in Australia and Korea
• Active ingredient with novel mode of action and high compatibility with beneficial insects, including pollinators
• First sales for Axalion-based products expected by 2023 in Asia Pacific and by 2026 in the European Union

Limburgerhof, Germany – BASF has started the global registration for a new insecticide active ingredient. The company submitted the regulatory dossiers for the Axalion^™ insecticide in Australia and Korea. This step marks a key milestone in further expanding BASF’s global insecticide portfolio and the company’s position in providing sustainable innovations for agriculture. Further regulatory dossier submissions are planned for the European Union, Brazil and India in 2021 as well as other key markets in the coming years.

“The discovery and development of the new Axalion active ingredient reaffirms our commitment to develop sustainable solutions that support farmers in balancing agricultural productivity, environmental protection and societal needs,” said Harold Bastiaans, Vice President Insecticide Research at BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division. “Axalion is an insecticide that is effective on pests that are harmful to crops. At the same time, it is highly compatible with beneficial insects, including pollinators. This new active ingredient is another example of how we are successfully integrating sustainability criteria in our entire research and development process.”

Axalion is the sole representative of a unique class of chemistry discovered by BASF. With its novel mode of action and its ability to spread within the plant, it will offer farmers highly efficacious control of many problematic piercing and sucking insect pests, including whiteflies and aphids, that can cause devastating yield losses and subsequently revenue. Axalion quickly stops insect pests from feeding. This reduces nutrient loss for the plant and prevents the pests from transmitting diseases, resulting in healthier plants and optimal yields with higher quality. At the same time, extensive testing by BASF has demonstrated that proposed uses of Axalion are environmentally friendly with regard to soil and water organisms, beneficial insects including pollinators as well as birds.  

“Close exchange with our customers enabled the development of this new insecticide to address real farming challenges: the need for powerful solutions, environmentally friendly approaches and resistance management support,” said Neil Bentley, Vice President Global Strategic Marketing Insecticides at BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division. “Thanks to its reliable and predictable performance, Axalion will become an essential part of farmers’ toolbox for integrated pest management worldwide. It will help them to successfully safeguard their crops while strengthening the longevity of existing tools for complete insect pest management programs.”

Axalion will be registered for use in a broad range of crops in the fruits and vegetable markets, including grapes and potatoes. Additional row crop uses extend to soybeans and other legumes, cotton and cereals. The high-performing insecticide will also be available to flower and ornamental producers.

Pending regulatory approvals, BASF expects first market introductions of
Axalion-based product formulations as early as 2023 in Australia and Korea, 2024 in India. The company anticipates market introductions in the European Union in 2026.

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 2019, our division generated sales of €7.8 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 117,000 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 €59 billion in 2019. 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.  

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