BASF Introduces New Active Ingredient for Aphids, Whiteflies, and Asian Citrus Psyllids
February 20, 2019 
University of Arizona’s John Palumbo is studying how effective various insecticides are at controlling aphids. Each flag represents a different product, one of which is BASF’s new insecticide, Versys.
BASF is rolling out the first two of several new insecticides BASF will introduce over the next few of years. Versys and Sefina contain afidopyropen, which has the trade name Inscalis. It’s a nerve disruptor targeting a location in the nervous system higher up the nerve chain than neonicotinoides or pyrethroids. It will have a 9D IRAC Group classification.
Versys control aphids and whiteflies in brassicas and leafy vegetables. It also suppresses woolly apple aphids in pome fruit. Sefina has a wider range of crops:
- Citrus (Asian Citrus Psyllid, aphid and scale suppression)
- Cotton (whitefly and aphid)
- Cucurbits (whitefly and aphid)
- Fruiting vegetables (whitefly and aphid)
- Soybean (soybean aphid)
BASF obtained EPA approval for the two insecticides in December. It’s in various approval stages in different states. Arizona leafy green growers are clear to use the product, although California is still pending. There are no EPA pollinator restrictions.
Versys and Sefina represent the first of several new insecticides BASF is developing. Two more are in the pre-launch stage, with five more in either development or early R&D.
Fields trials shows it fits in well with other insecticides. It will work well in rotation with current chemistries, reducing resistance issues.
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