BASF expanding inoculant, nematode production

BASF said Oct. 1 it is significantly increasing its range of pest control and seed treatments with the opening of its expanded production facility in Littlehampton in the U.K.

The expansion allows the company to meet the increasing growing global demand for biological solutions in the agriculture and horticulture fields.

“We are making significant investments in innovating and delivering the best in biological and chemical solutions," Vice President of Research and Development, Functional Crop Care, Philipp Rosendorfer said. "This will support our customers to produce more efficiently with an even better outcome while meeting the evolving expectations of society. Now and for the long-term we are committed to being an innovative partner in this dynamic area,” he said.
  
The site in Littlehampton will enable BASF to increase the supply of beneficial nematodes and inoculants - rhizobia bacteria that, in a symbiotic relationship with their host legume plants, produce root nodules to conduct nitrogen fixation.

These inoculants help BASF to produce seed treatments that are highly effective and enhance seed health, plant vitality and yield potential. BASF products that inoculants include Vault HP in North America, Hi Coat in Europe and South America and NodulAid in Australia.
 
“This development will advance our market leader position in high-quality seed treatment. Along with the production investments in Littlehampton and additional sites globally, we will continue strengthening our R&D and portfolio further,” Rosendorfer said.