BASF launches BioHub for biological pesticides

BASF Agricultural Solutions has put into operation the BioHub, a new fermentation plant for biological pesticides and biotechnology-based products. The unit is located in the Ludwigshafen complex in Germany. According to the company, the investment totals tens of millions of euros.

The unit manufactures products such as biological fungicides and biological seed treatments. BASF states that these technologies support integrated crop protection programs.

BioHub uses microorganisms to convert renewable raw materials, such as glucose, into desired products. The process is called fermentation.

Commercial production of biological active ingredients began this year. Among them is the bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. It forms the basis of the biological fungicide Serifel. The plant also produces the main building block of Inscalis, an insecticide based on the fungal strain Penicillium coprobium.

According to BASF, internalizing fermentation increases production flexibility. The measure also enhances the resilience of the supply chain.

Melanie Bausen-Wiens, a member of the board of directors of Agricultural Solutions and head of technology, stated that the BioHub operation represents an advance in industrial biotechnology. According to her, in-house production connects research to manufacturing on an industrial scale.

Maximilian Becker, a member of the board of directors of Agricultural Solutions and responsible for business, said that the global market for biological crop protection continues to grow. He believes the new plant creates a scalable and flexible platform to strengthen the BioSolutions portfolio and ensure a consistent supply to customers.