Agriculture
Agricultural Innovation Pipeline: BASF Innovations for the Future of Farming
Innovation has never been more important than now, when farmers and agriculture are facing ever more complex challenges. We see these challenges as opportunities. BASF is one of the leading agricultural companies, aiming to make a positive impact on the global food system and help shape a sustainable future for farming: Supporting farmers with innovations and connected solutions that combine effective products, new technologies and services, tailored to different key crop systems around the world. Including seeds, traits, crop protection, digital management tools, and more.
Canola/Oilseed Rape
The InVigor® canola seed family is growing once again with the addition of InVigor® Gold, a canola quality brassica juncea. InVigor Gold is breakthrough innovation offering highly resilient canola seed hybrids that are adapted to perform in low organic soil and in hotter and drier environments while offering earlier maturity and juncea’s inherent pod‑shatter resistance. In addition, InVigor Gold will offer LibertyLink® herbicide tolerance, a critical tool for weed control in canola production. InVigor Gold is anticipated to be available in the United States in 2027 and in Canada later this decade or early in the next decade, pending regulatory approvals.
Cotton
The most comprehensive and flexible weed management systems are now available to cotton growers in the U.S. and Brazil. We introduced Axant™ Flex herbicide1 tolerance technology in 2024, the industry’s first quadruple-stacked herbicide trait package for cotton. And in Brazil, Seletio® herbicide tolerance technology launched in 2024 to bring cotton growers early season flexibility with a new level of herbicide tolerance to more effectively combat herbicide-resistant weeds.
Rice
The proven Provisia® rice system and Clearfield® production system for direct seeded rice helps enable growers to continuously make better use of the limited arable land and are an alternative to wet paddy cultivation. Provisia entered the Chinese rice market in 2025 and is growing in collaboration with several major Chinese seed companies. These yield-preserving technologies will also debut in India, Malaysia, and the Philippines in the second half of the decade. In total, four countries in Asia will launch Clearfield and Provisia herbicide tolerant traits in rice in the coming years, showcasing the growing interest in these technologies and further enabling the growth of direct seeded rice in Asia.
Soybeans
BASF is revolutionizing nematode management with the anticipated launch of the first ever biotech nematode resistance soybean trait in the Americas, for effectively managing soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) and root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus brachyurus). Branded as Nemasphere™ nematode resistance trait in North America, it will fight back against the devastating damage caused by soybean cyst nematodes (SCN), the number one yield-robbing pest in soybeans in the United States. Soybean varieties with the Nemasphere trait are expected to be in the hands of North American farmers late this decade, subject to regulatory approval. Varieties including the nematode trait will be available to farmers in Brazil by the end of the decade or early next, pending applicable regulatory reviews and completion of field testing.
For the longer term, BASF is developing an herbicide‑tolerance event that combines tolerance to a proprietary, entirely new herbicide mode of action with technology licensed from Corteva (SpinCo), delivering a new and unique tool for growers to control resistant weeds.
Wheat
Hybrid wheat is a strategic focus by BASF, and commercial market introduction is planned around the end of this decade. Ideltis® hybrid wheat will deliver high performance in yield potential, quality and stability to meet the agronomic and economic needs of farmers and the value chain, and the nutritional needs of a growing population. Our activities demonstrate our commitment to transitioning wheat for long-term success through an advanced breeding platform adapted to local needs and supported by a continuous pipeline of crop protection innovation. In addition, our approach will meet the quickly changing needs of wheat growers in Europe and the value chain while balancing environmental protection and societal requirements.
Corn
In collaboration with Bayer, BASF is developing short stature corn (SSC) by utilizing a transgene to shorten internodes that enable applicability across a wide array of germplasm. Benefits include reduced crop loss enabled by improved plant stability and lodging tolerance, precise crop input applications due to extended in-season crop access, and increased environmental sustainability from optimized use of nutrients, land and water. Anticipated timing of introduction for the innovation will be late decade.
1 Currently, Alite ISO herbicide has a registration pending for use on cotton containing the Axant Flex technology, but due to unforeseen delays outside of BASF’s control, the timing of such registration is uncertain. As of the date of this publication, Alite ISO herbicide is not registered for use on cotton containing the Axant Flex technology and is not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of these products. Any sale of these products after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. BASF does not guarantee the results of this cottonseed and grower is solely responsible for farming management and agronomic practices and decisions, including, without limitation, selecting seed best suitable for the intended growth and use under grower’s local conditions. Additional state restrictions may apply. Crops not containing a gene expressing an HPPD protein will not be tolerant of Alite ISO herbicide.
BASF is planning the introduction of new vegetable seed varieties and innovations to address the needs of partners along the food value chain, from growers through consumers around the world. For example, BASF is working on varieties that will provide growers with benefits such as higher yields, better disease resistances, and improved fruit quality, all with careful attention on sustainability. In addition, key flavor components have been identified that will enable a better profiling of hybrids in line with consumer preferences to help provide healthy eating that is enjoyable and sustainable.
A few examples of innovations in our vegetable seeds business include spinach varieties with the best downy mildew resistance package in the industry, a unique portfolio of hybrid artichoke varieties, tomatoes adapted to rising global temperatures, and our cutting edge indoor growing techniques that provide optimal combinations of fruit and vegetable varieties with growing programs optimized for our partners.
Seed treatments from BASF can help farmers address environmental and economic challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future. We are continuously developing innovations to help farmers protect the yield potential of each seed and enhance the performance of seed, seedling and plant. Through our broad portfolio of seed treatments, we help farmers extend the crop protection window, improve plant vigor, enhance efficacy and maximize plant resources. Seed treatments offer lower use rates than foliar products and are effective on many below and above ground pests.
Our innovation pipeline includes seed treatment projects like the Poncho® family: Poncho® Votivo® seed treatment provides unrivaled insecticidal protection against above and below ground pests and enhances growth promotion, leading to higher yield potential for a range of crops. Its unique combination of two active ingredients immediately protects the whole plant while delivering healthier roots and more uniform stands, so high-value plants can thrive regardless of growing conditions. Poncho® Votivo® 2.0 seed treatment system includes an additional biological bacteria that enhances the microbial activity around the corn roots, resulting in greater nutrient availability and uptake leading to higher yield potential.
Teraxxa™ insecticide seed treatment provides protection against wireworms. Teraxxa™ F4 combines an insecticide and a fungicide to provide, in addition to wireworms, protection against Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, Pythium and Phytophthora. Both products protect a wide range of crops, including winter and spring wheat, barley, oats, rye, chia, quinoa and buckwheat.
The Revysol® based fungicide Relenya® protects winter wheat against seed and soil borne disease like bunts, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. Now available in North America, launch in several European countries is anticipated for 2022.
ILEVO ® seed treatment is the trusted, proven winner in protecting against two of the biggest threats to soybean crops: sudden death syndrome (SDS) and a broad spectrum of nematodes, including Soybean Cyst Nematodes (SCN).
Standak ® Top seed treatment offers proven performance against main soil pests and diseases combined with improved plant health.
Vault ® IP Plus seed treatment, a fully dimensional soybean inoculant, augments nitrogen fixation with a unique EPA-registered dual-strain biofungicide and the lowest application rate in its class. These three dimensions deliver increased overall nodulation, extra protection from soil-borne diseases and more room on the seed for other treatments.
The Sepiret ® coatings portfolio has evolved to include a new generation of microplastic-free products aligned with industry-leading sustainability standards. Combining stewardship best practices with trusted performance, Sepiret seed coatings provide a range of benefits from seed treatment to sowing.
BASF’s expanding herbicide portfolio is targeted at two ongoing challenges: the evolution of weed resistance and an increasingly complex regulatory environment. The following pipeline highlights will enable BASF to maintain its long and distinguished track record of providing and broadening its herbicide portfolio that provides growers with innovative weed control solutions to help not only with yield and quality, but also resistance management.
In 2019, BASF received its first regulatory approval for and introduced Luximo®, a new and innovative herbicide active ingredient, to Australian farmers, followed by approvals in 2022 in UK and 2024 in Indonesia. BASF has also received regulatory approval for an additional new herbicide active ingredient in Australia, Canada and Argentina: Tirexor® herbicide. A further regulatory dossier for Tirexor has been submitted in the U.S.
These new herbicides have been specifically developed to control resistant weeds – Luximo primarily for grass weeds and Tirexor for key broadleaf weeds – to ensure that farmers worldwide continue to have access to effective weed management solutions.
To further advance one of the industry’s broadest herbicide portfolios, BASF is continuing to invest in the development of a new generation of PPO-inhibitor chemistry, designed to control both broadleaf weeds and annual grasses and complementing BASF full PPO herbicides portfolio. In parallel, BASF is also advancing future herbicide innovations based on additional new modes of action and new chemistry classes, reinforcing its long-term commitment to resistance management strategies and support of growers with long-term sustainable weed control.
BASF is driving innovation in fungicide technology to help farmers address rising disease pressure, manage resistance, and secure yields under increasingly demanding growing conditions. Our research focuses on discovering new active ingredients and developing solutions, ensuring value for growers across all major agricultural regions.
A central pillar of this progress is Revysol® Active, which delivers outstanding biological performance against difficult-to-control pathogens in fruits and vegetables as well as row crops. The active ingredient has received registrations in all regions and Revysol Active-based products have been introduced globally in all major crops. Solutions such as Balaya® for cereals and Revyona® in fruits and vegetables in Europe, Veltyma® for corn in the United States, Belyan® for soybeans in Brazil, and Cevya® for rice in Asia illustrate the broad applicability and consistent performance of this active ingredient.
Complementing this global success story, BASF is bringing forward additional high-value innovations. Adapzo® Active is a new class of chemistry with a novel mode of action. Its product family will deliver exceptional control of major soybean diseases, including Asian Soybean Rust, and give growers in Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia an urgently needed new option in markets heavily affected by resistance. Pending regulatory approvals, BASF expects first market introductions of Adapzo Active-based formulations starting in 2029.
In addition, Pavecto® Active, co-developed with Sumitomo Chemical, will further broaden our portfolio by providing effective control of a broad range of leaf spot diseases in soy, wheat, fruits, and vegetables, supporting farmers in overcoming widespread resistance. The first Pavecto Active-based formulation by BASF was approved by Japanese authorities in October 2023 and was launched in Japan in the 2025 season. Major product launches in key markets such as Brazil and Europe are planned from 2027 onwards.
BASF remains committed to active investment in pioneering R&D for new insecticides that simplify farmers’ operations and address evolving pest threats and production needs. Taking a balanced approach against a complex societal, regulatory, environmental and business context, BASF continues to strengthen its diversified insecticide portfolio featuring novel modes of action.
In 2020, BASF started the global registration process for its latest insecticide innovation: Axalion® Active. With its novel mode of action, the new active ingredient will help farmers effectively control piercing and sucking insects and produce high-quality crops, while addressing the evolving needs of consumers, the environment, and society. Axalion is developed to minimize environmental impact and risk to human health and meet the highest regulatory standards when applied according to the respective label instructions. Axalion based products work harmoniously with beneficial insects being an excellent partner for integrated pest management. The new compound is also an essential tool in preventing insecticide resistance and it is also an excellent solution for the reduction of primary and secondary spread of pest-vectored viruses.
In 2022, Axalion received its first regulatory approval in Australia, followed by approvals in India, Korea, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Belize and Japan. In 2026, Axalion obtained Emergency Use Authorizations for commercialization in Belgium, France and Italy in specific crops during a limited period of time (120 days).
Axalion is expected to be registered for use in a broad range of crops in the fruits and vegetable markets, including grapes and potatoes. Additional row crop uses extend to soybeans and other legumes, cotton and cereals.
Alongside Axalion, Broflanilide represents a key innovation already enabling growers to manage challenging chewing pests across multiple cropping systems. Introduced in 2021 and marketed under brands such as Cimegra®, Davantor®, Nurizma® and Exponus®, Broflanilide has been successfully launched in major markets including Australia, Canada, China, India, Mexico, Turkey and the United States, with further expansion planned.
With its novel mode of action (IRAC Group 30), Broflanilide delivers strong and reliable control of problematic chewing pests without known cross-resistance, making it a valuable tool for resistance management programs. Its versatility across foliar, in-furrow and seed treatment applications, including solutions such as Teraxxa® for wireworm control in cereals, supports flexible integration into different farming practices and crop systems.
Further along the pipeline, BASF is advancing additional insecticide innovations designed to help farmers manage increasingly complex pest pressures across multiple crop systems globally. This pipeline reflects a continued focus on new modes of action to support long-term productivity and resistance management.
Inscalis® Active is a novel insecticide developed for the control of piercing-sucking insects including aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers and psyllids with precision and flexibility. As the only member in the new mode of action IRAC subgroup 9D, Inscalis represents an additional resistance management tool that works quickly and effectively to control insect pests. The compound was co-developed with the Japanese company Meiji Seika Pharma Co. Ltd. and it was intended for use across a range of crops affected by piercing-sucking pests.
BASF has received the first regulatory approvals for Inscalis in key markets including Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Australia, Japan and the United States, along with several additional countries worldwide. BASF continues to work closely with growers using these insecticide products to prevent aggressive piercing-sucking pests from damaging yields and transmitting viruses.
In rice, resistance development and limited control options present increasing challenges. BASF is advancing new solutions to support effective and responsible pest management.
Prexio® Active is a novel insecticide developed to control hoppers in rice. Prexio provides long duration control against the target insects and represents an additional tool for resistance management. The active ingredient has been developed to support use within integrated pest management programs to address the specific needs of rice‑growing systems. BASF has launched Prexio starting with India in 2025. Additional registrations and label expansions are currently under evaluation in other rice‑growing regions, particularly across Asia.
BASF is also expanding its innovation capabilities in biological solutions to support integrated pest management strategies. Products such as Velifer® bioinsecticide and pheromone-based solutions under the RAK® portfolio provide targeted and sustainable options to help growers manage pest pressure while supporting beneficial insects and resistance management.
In addition, the acquisition of AgBiTech further strengthens BASF’s position in biological insect control, bringing advanced expertise in microbial-based solutions for the control of key lepidopteran pests. Together, these innovations enhance BASF’s ability to deliver a more comprehensive and flexible insecticide portfolio, combining chemical and biological approaches, to meet the evolving needs of farmers worldwide.
The success of BASF Agricultural Solutions’ customers depends on many factors such as weather, plant health, soil conditions and prices for agricultural products. As a result, farmers today need to analyze more and more data of increasing complexity to make the right farming decisions. BASF’s xarvio® Digital Farming Solutions help farmers use this data to their advantage, as a basis for making better informed decisions throughout the growing season, while ensuring more efficient and sustainable resource inputs and allocation.
xarvio® FIELD MANAGER is a digital farming tool that supports farmers in many areas of agronomic decision making, from seeding to harvest, to optimize crop production. The goal: to produce crops even more efficiently and sustainably to get the most out of every field. Using xarvio® FIELD MANAGER, farmers can conveniently see the status of their fields at any time and can benefit from field-zone specific insights and timely, precise crop management recommendations. The global leading digital farming solution also enables the automatic creation of zone-specific variable application maps for seeding, crop protection and nutrition for a variety of crops. xarvio® FIELD MANAGER combines and continuously analyzes multiple data inputs, including historical agronomic information, in-season risks, weather data and satellite-based biomass images along with the farmer’s lifetime of experience and agronomic expertise. This ensures clear agronomic recommendations are provided for managing individual fields and field-zones. xarvio® FIELD MANAGER currently focuses on supporting farmers in major agricultural producing countries including Argentina Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ukraine and the U.S.A.
Launched in 2020, xarvio® HEALTHY FIELDS is a market first. It is an outcome-based digital farming solution that provides a field and season specific crop protection (CP) strategy that guarantees plant health at the start of the season for a fixed price. If the calculated crop protection strategy doesn’t work, then the farmer is financially compensated. xarvio® HEALTHY FIELDS is powered by advanced field-zone specific crop production algorithms, which monitor, analyze and execute the most efficient crop protection strategy for each field. The assured outcome of xarvio® HEALTHY FIELDS is for winter wheat and winter barley. xarvio® HEALTHY FIELDS is fully transparent, with every application recorded and documented to fulfil legal requirements.
xarvio® Digital Farming Solutions’ product portfolio is continually growing to help farmers make better informed field management decisions from seeding to harvest. New features for existing products are launched regularly and based on important engagement and feedback from customers.
The global agriculture market is changing and demands new technologies to improve efficiency by optimizing the use of inputs in agriculture, like for instance plant protection products, to deliver the best outcomes possible for farmers. A key strategy for BASF to achieve this is a strong focus on partnerships; working with like-minded companies large and small to develop and bring to market innovative products. The joint venture partnership established between BASF and Bosch illustrates this. Through this partnership, an innovative new product has been brought to market, which focuses on driving farming efficiencies, while supporting sustainability, preserving biodiversity and delivering measurable value to farmers. The unique solution for precision weed management is ONE SMART SPRAY. It was commercially launched in Europe (Germany and Hungary) in spring 2023 and has been integrated with intelligent crop protection sprayers produced by Dammann. The technology will also be integrated with crop sprayers produced by AGCO. CNH Industrial and is expected to available in the North American and Latin American markets by the end of 2024. ONE SMART SPRAY combines Bosch’s high-tech camera sensor technology and software with xarvio’s advanced agronomic logic and intelligence to in milliseconds precisely detect weeds in crop rows and spot apply the right herbicide mix only where it’s needed and in the right dose. This action leads to better weed control and the optimized use of herbicide, which facilitates a volume reduction and means herbicide resistant weeds do not develop and there is less impact on biodiversity. BASF’s goal is to create, develop and lead the emerging smart sprayer technology market.