Basf launches insecticide to combat leafhoppers in sugarcane

The rains that mark the end of the dry period are welcome for agriculture. But for sugarcane cultivation, this time of year requires greater attention to pest management. The leafhopper population increases with the start of the rains and can pose a great risk of yield loss to sugarcane fields, being one of the main pests of the crop and present in most sugarcane producing regions of the country.

According to Dr. Leila Luci Dinardo-Miranda, researcher at the Agronomic Institute (IAC) located in Ribeirão Preto - SP, "if the leafhoppers start to develop from November, after the start of the rains in the Center-South region, we will have many problems because the sugarcane fields will be small and more susceptible to damage caused by the insect". The specialist recommends carrying out the control at the correct time, respecting the management and rotations of the active ingredient.

As an option for active ingredient rotation and more efficient control, Basf launches Entigris to combat leafhoppers. The new insecticide has a formulation with greater solubility, absorption and systemic effect. Other benefits are the quick control response and long residual control effect with flexibility of use for the entire season of leafhopper occurrence. The solution can now be applied to sugarcane fields in the 2021/22 harvest.

"The leafhopper attacks the sugarcane field during the most favorable period for sugarcane development, which can cause major damage to the crop if control is not carried out efficiently, especially as the plantation is already weakened following a period of considerable water deficit" , explains the Sugarcane and Peanut Marketing Manager for Agricultural Solutions at Basf, Douglas Leme de Oliveira.

The company offers a new solution aligned with the needs of farmers and aiming at the legacy of the entire sugarcane sector. "Basf is recognized in the market for its consistency and credibility in product positioning. And this is only possible because we work closely with researchers and farmers, aligned with the sector's needs. The result is the effectiveness that can be seen in the sugarcane field", he states Oliveira.

The launch of Entigris was held at Fazenda Basf, a new Brazilian agricultural content hub. The event took place on 21/10/2021, with the presentation of the product, the challenges of controlling and managing the leafhopper and the market perspectives for the next harvest.