Ludwigshafen, June 16, 2008 – BASF and Nidera today announced the introduction of CLHA-Plus – a new genetic trait for the CLEARFIELD Production System for Sunflowers.
CLHA-Plus is the result of a long-term joint development program between BASF and Nidera, a leading sunflower seed breeding company that supplies genetics worldwide. “Nidera’s expertise in sunflower breeding and biotech development techniques complements our core competencies in AHAS genes and imidazolinone tolerance technology,” said Alyson Emanuel, Director, Global Strategic Marketing Herbicides of BASF’s Crop Protection division.
Weed control is often one of the most limiting factors for global sunflower production. The CLEARFIELD Production System is an innovative agronomic solution that matches carefully selected hybrid seed with custom-designed BASF imidazolinone herbicides. It delivers control of a broad spectrum of yield-limiting broadleaf and grass weed problems in most markets around the world as a result of post emergent contact and soil activity.
CLHA-Plus makes it easier for seed companies to breed tolerance to BASF imidazolinone herbicides in high-yielding sunflower hybrids. With CLHA-Plus, seed companies will no longer need to include the E-gene (or E-factor) in their CLEARFIELD sunflower breeding program. This, combined with the fact that the new gene, CLHA-Plus, was developed in high-performing sunflower germplasm, will result in superior CLEARFIELD sunflower hybrids in the future. CLHA-Plus also provides expanded weed control options and enhanced tolerance to CLEAR-FIELD herbicides for sunflower growers.
Seed Partners View Ease of Breeding as an Important Benefit
The new genetic trait has been receiving an enthusiastic response from BASF’s seed partners, and is expected to be first commercialized in 2010. It is expected that additional commercialization will take place through numerous seed partners. Ease of breeding through CLHA-Plus will allow seed companies to deliver higher yielding CLEARFIELD sunflower hybrids to growers in less time, an important benefit in their respective markets in Argentina, Southern and Eastern Europe, and the United States. “This initiative demonstrates BASF’s commitment to the CLEARFIELD Production System for Sunflowers around the world,” Emanuel adds.
“The CLEARFIELD Production System for Sunflowers with CLHA-Plus delivers what growers need to be more successful; efficient, extended weed control, and increased yield potential and crop quality. We are introducing this new technology in our elite sunflower lines and will deliver to the market outstanding products in the near future,” said Pablo Bergada, Director of R&D and Production, Nidera S.A.
About CLEARFIELD
The CLEARFIELD Production System has been used extensively since 1995. The system matches carefully selected advanced seed varieties/hybrids with customdesigned imidazolinone herbicides. All CLEARFIELD varieties and hybrids are recognized as non-genetically modified by international authorities. At the present time, BASF possesses the world’s largest portfolio of non-genetically modified imidazolinone tolerant traits and has established relationships with over 100 seed companies throughout the world. This strategy of worldwide alliances supports the program with an unmatched offering of seed alternatives to meet the specific local needs and preferences of individual growers.
BASF - The Chemical Company. We don’t make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.®
With sales of €3,137 million in 2007, BASF’s Crop Protection division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve crop yields and crop quality. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry. The vision of BASF’s Crop Protection division is to be the world’s leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com.
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company. Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost €58 billion in 2007. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com
About Nidera
Nidera is an international trading and agribusiness group. As a seed company, it commands a leading market share in Argentina, supported by an extensive proprietary germplasm base and strong applied genomics. Its integrated R&D programs in Argentina and Brazil for corn, soybeans, sunflower, sorghum, wheat and canola, generate hybrids and varieties also for Uruguay and Paraguay as well as for USA, South Africa and the EU. Further information is available on the Internet at www.nidera.com.ar
