Page 146 - CW E-Magazine (14-5-2024)

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NOVEL MODE OF ACTION
BASF launches new insecticide based on novel

chemistry to control sucking pests

German chemicals major, BASF,
has announced the launch in India of
its Effi con insecticide, powered by its
new active ingredient, Axalion in a
specialised formulation that will help
support farmers manage tough sucking
pests.

Piercing and sucking pests pose a
signifi cant threat to agricultural crops
in India, causing extensive damage
amounting to 35 to 40% loss in the
productivity and yield of the produce.

“With its unique mode of action,
Effi con insecticide is among the fi rst com-
pounds in the market introduced under Effi con was fi rst launched in said Ms. Simone Barg, Senior Vice
the new IRAC group 36 which repre- Australia in 2023. India is one of the President, BASF Agricultural Solutions,
sents a new class of insecticides (Group earliest countries in the world to obtain Asia Pacifi c.
36 – pyridazine) which has no known this new novel chemistry, BASF said.
cross-resistance with existing products “Effi con will help Indian farmers
in the market, making it a superior insec- In line with Asia Pacifi c strategy, in effective and long duration protec-
ticide resistance management tool,” BASF is developing solutions speci- tion against insect pests in wide variety
BASF said in a press note. It is highly fi cally for local market needs. “We of crops like cotton and vegetables.
effective on multiple life stages of tar- are dedicated to listening and working Effi con is also highly compatible with
get pests like Aphids, Jassids and White alongside farmers to understand their non-target organisms and benefi cial
fl ies. Upon application, Effi con quickly needs, so that we apply our expertise insects, including pollinators, when ap-
stops insects from feeding and plant to help them successfully face the enor- plied according to label instructions,”
injury. It provides long lasting residual mous challenge of protecting crops said Mr. Giridhar Ranuva, Business
control due to its systemic properties, from pests and boosting productivity, Director Agricultural Solutions, BASF
BASF informed. supporting the biggest job on earth,” India.

India’s mineral production rises 8% in Feb

India’s mineral output rose 8 per- ous year is 8.2 percent, as per the pro-
cent in February as compared to the visional statistics of Indian Bureau of
year-ago period, the government Mines (IBM), the mines ministry said in
informed. The index of mineral produc- a statement. In February, the production
tion of the mining and quarrying sector of coal was 966-lakh tonnes, lignite 42-
for February 2024 at 139.6 is 8 percent lakh tonnes, natural gas (utilised) 2,886-
higher than February last year. million cubic metre, petroleum (crude)
23-lakh tonne, among others, it said. The
The cumulative growth for the minerals that showed positive growth
April-February period of 2023-24 over include gold, copper conc, bauxite,
the corresponding period of the previ- chromite, phosphorite, limestone and coal.

146 Chemical Weekly May 14, 2024

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