BASF’s new cereal fungicide, Revystar XE, has received authorisation in the UK for use on all cereal crops, firmly placing another tool in arable armoury. Charlotte Cunningham reports.
Revystar XE contains the isopropanol-azole, Revysol (common name mefentrifluconazole), the first of its class to be introduced to the market and Xemium, BASF’s SDHI (succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor).
Speaking earlier this week, Neil Kay – BASF’s business director of agricultural solutions for the UK and Ireland – said: “This is very positive news for the farming sector. This authorisation comes at a critical time into what’s widely regarded as an increasingly challenging regulatory and disease control environment.
“This active ingredient is an important, robust mode of action for the market and we are so pleased to be bringing new chemistry to market that will practically and financially help growers,” Mr Kay notes.
Sigh of relief
BASF’s Ben Freer added that, with increasing pressure on chemical efficacy, he is sensing the industry’s sigh of relief that this new chemistry is here. “With the loss of chlorothalonil (CTL) and the decline in efficacy of the conventional triazoles, prothioconazole and epoxiconazole, the timing for this authorisation is pivotal.”
According to Ben, from the outset BASF took a completely fresh approach to developing the Revysol molecule,with regulatory needs driving the product development process.
“Key to the success of this authorisation was our decision to establish a new screening system to optimise the efficacy of Revysol against fungal pathogens whilst, in parallel, creating a product with a favourable regulatory profile. This has taken a big shift in mindset as well as in the process.”
Weather-proof formula
Another neat feature of the product is that it has been formulated for fast uptake giving farmers greater confidence following deteriorating weather after application, adds Ben.
“Revystar XE can minimise weather-related risks in comparison to conventional azole-based products. It’s quickly rainfast, has UV stability and is effective at a range of temperatures.”
While typically, cold temperatures during application are known to limit the uptake of conventional azoles and compromise their performance, its claimed that Revystar XE’s proven fast uptake means that it performs well, even in cool conditions.
Foliar uptake
Revystar XE’s rapid foliar uptake also makes it quickly rainfast, ensuring excellent knockdown as well as long-lasting protection, adds Ben.
“The weather-related benefits extend into the warmer weather too. In the summer months, high UV radiation can accelerate the degradation of conventional azoles and shorten the period for which the fungicide has an effect.
“The rapid foliar uptake of Revystar XE gets the fungicide into the plant, where it’s no-longer at risk of UV breakdown, even when radiation levels are high.”
