Model farm in Selangor showcases proven solution for controlling weedy rice

• Results from IADA model farm show that four-part Clearfield Production System from BASF remains highly effective
• Provides total control of weedy rice even when neighboring paddy fields experience infestation – unlike standard practices
• Demonstration highlights importance of good agricultural practices for effective control of weedy rice

Selangor, Malaysia – July 17, 2018 – Results from a series of demonstration plots at a model farm show that the BASF Clearfield Production System remains a highly effective solution to control weedy rice, even when neighboring paddy fields experience infestation.

The demonstration plots, in a program organized by the Integrated Agricultural Development Area of Northwest Selangor (IADA BLS) and BASF, have shown that when used in compliance with the full system stewardship guidelines, Clearfield Production System is far more effective than current standard practices. Farmers who follow the complete guidelines can achieve harvests of up to seven metric tons of padi per hectare. The results were announced as part of a Field Day event hosted by BASF, Kilang Beras Seri Merbok Sdn. Bhd, and the local farmers’ cooperative under the guidance of the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and IADA BLS.

The results from the demonstrations clearly show that the Clearfield Production System remains the only proven way for farmers in Malaysia to control weedy rice outbreaks that have been plaguing some areas. BASF and its partners have invested significantly in this technology so that farmers have an effective tool for combatting weedy rice.

The Clearfield Production System is a four-part system that combines certified herbicide-tolerant rice seeds with a high-quality herbicide from BASF, a surfactant to help adhere the herbicide to the soil even in wet conditions, and a detailed stewardship guideline that outlines the proper steps for the successful cultivation of Clearfield rice.

Six demonstration plots were seeded in April, with four lots following the established guidelines of DOA, IADA, and BASF – which includes comprehensive land preparation, and a strict schedule of herbicide application. The remaining two lots were farmed under typical farmer practice as a control. During the Field Day event, the participants were invited to view the demonstration plots – with attendees commenting the difference between the two sets of fields was clearly visible even to the untrained eye. The plots following the prescribed guidelines exhibited no evidence of weedy rice infestation, even as the two control plots and the surrounding fields showed heavy infestation. Yields of the infested plots were 40-75% lower due to the impact from weedy rice.

The demonstration underscored that the steps included in the Clearfield cultivation guidelines, including proper land preparation prior to sowing and correct application timing of the herbicide, are key for delivering good results. To help farmers better understand the full protocol, BASF and its partners have released an updated stewardship guideline to be included with the full four-part system.

About BASF’s Crop Protection Division

With a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and healthy environments. BASF’s Crop Protection division works with farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others to help make this possible. With their cooperation, BASF is able to sustain an active R&D pipeline, an innovative portfolio of products and services, and teams of experts in the lab and in the field to support customers in making their businesses succeed. In 2017, BASF’s Crop Protection division generated sales of €5.7 billion. For more information, please visit us at www.agriculture.basf.com or on any of our social media channels.

 

About BASF in Malaysia

With a history of more than 25 years in Malaysia, BASF operates manufacturing plants in Bukit Raja, Selangor and Pasir Gudang, Johor. BASF also provides infrastucture and support  services to its joint-venture integrated chemical sites, BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd., in Gebeng, Pahang. BASF’s shared services center in Kuala Lumpur provides functional support services to BASF companies in 17 markets across the Asia Pacific region. BASF posted sales to customers in Malaysia of approximately €361 million in 2017 and had 1,943 employees as of the end of the year. Further information is available on the Internet at www.basf.com/my.

 

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The more than 115,000 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 five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of €64.5 billion in 2017. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.