BASF's integrated solutions gain prominence at Hortitec

The increasing pressure from sucking pests, such as whiteflies and thrips, has raised an alert in tomato crops. These insects attack the plants and are responsible for transmitting sooty mold, which reduces the photosynthetic capacity of the leaves, and viruses such as crinivirus, geminivirus, and tomato spotted wilt virus. In these cases, losses can reach up to 100% of production. To respond to this challenge, BASF Agricultural Solutions is presenting an integrated strategy at the 31st Hortitec that combines genetics, crop protection, and agronomic management to support producers.

With one of the most comprehensive portfolios on the market for managing sucking pests, the company reinforces its performance by offering an integrated approach to building more resilient and profitable production systems. According to Katty Corrente, marketing leader for the fruit and vegetable, sugarcane, and coffee production systems at BASF, the spread of whiteflies has generated significant impacts for producers, with direct effects on productivity and harvest quality.

“Our commitment is to support farmers with a modern and efficient management approach that integrates solutions from planting to protecting the production cycle. In this context, sucking pests remain a challenge and demand strategic management planning, which is crucial for successful production,” says Corrente.

Among the highlights to be presented during the event is the new recommendation for the Efficon insecticide, which will now also protect tomato crops. The product stands out for its unique mode of action, the freeze effect, which quickly paralyzes the feeding of sucking insects. The solution also has systemic action, allowing the protection of new shoots as it is absorbed by the plant. This technology helps reduce the spread of viruses and preserve the productive potential and quality of crops. Another important benefit is its short pre-harvest interval, of only one day between application and harvest.

In addition to Efficon, the company has consolidated solutions for tomato cultivation, such as the Vinquo insecticide and the Mibelya fungicide. Together, these innovations reinforce crop protection throughout the entire production cycle, acting in an integrated way in the management of important pests and diseases, such as septoria and powdery mildew. This strategy is complemented by the advanced genetics of Nunhems, BASF's vegetable seed brand, which contributes to greater productivity, health and stability of crops from the beginning of the cycle.

Among the highlights is the Strongton hybrid, which combines high productivity and resistance to important viruses transmitted by whiteflies and thrips, as well as resistance to the tomato roughness virus (ToBRFV). Associated with the Enholder rootstock, it contributes to greater plant vigor and better performance throughout the production cycle, in addition to promoting yield stability and better crop performance under conditions of higher pressure from soil diseases, nematodes, or water stress.

“The sector demands an increasingly integrated vision to promote greater productive stability and support farmers in the face of multiple challenges in the field. We work with a proposal that connects advanced genetics to management and protection practices, contributing to more balanced and sustainable cropping systems,” emphasizes Golmar Beppler Neto, commercial manager of Nunhems.

This integrated approach can be closely followed by visitors to Hortitec. During the three days of programming, the company's booth will feature field experts, a Show Kitchen led by chef Dani Oliveira with live culinary demonstrations that reinforce the connection between the field and the consumer, as well as exclusive technical lectures.