BASF has introduced a new insecticide called Efficon in India, aimed at assisting farmers in combatting sucking pests. Efficon falls under the newly established IRAC group 36, categorizing it as a pyridazine-based insecticide, a novel chemical class that is reported to have no cross-resistance with existing insecticides. This characteristic positions it as an effective tool for managing insecticide resistance.
“Piercing and sucking pests significantly reduce crop productivity in India, leading to losses of 35 to 40 percent in yields. With Efficon, farmers now have a means to effectively manage this issue,” explained Giridhar Ranuva, BASF India’s Business Director for Agricultural Solutions. He recommended that farmers apply the product twice for optimal results, noting that it begins to act on pests within two hours of application.
As reported by businessline, following its initial release in Australia in 2023, India has become one of the first countries to access Efficon. “The product is effective against various life stages of pests such as aphids, jassids, and whiteflies. It quickly halts the feeding of these pests, thereby preventing further damage to plants,” stated Simone Barg, Senior Vice President of BASF Agricultural Solutions for the Asia Pacific region.
