BASF is launching a new fungicide that includes the corn and soybean market named Xemium. BASF officials briefed the agricultural media about Xemium during March’s Commodity Classic in Tampa, Florida.

Xemium belongs to a chemical class called carboxamides, and has a mode of action called a Succinate Dehydrogenase inhibitor. Carboxamides are new to the corn and soybean markets. Xemium gives corn and soybean farmers another option to chemistries classes like strobilurins and triazoles now on the market.

You’ll see the Xemium brand for the 2012-growing season, pending regulatory approval. Depending on the market, it will be sold under the trade names Merivon, Priaxor, and Systiva.

Both Curative and Preventative Properties

The Xemium family will be effective against major diseases in cereals, soybeans, corn, oilseed rape, and specialty crops, say BASF officials.

“It is a highly efficient carboxamide with high mobility within the plant, says Ulf Groeger, BASF global project leader for Xemium fungicide. It has both curative and preventative properties, meaning it can curb existing fungal infestations while preventing new ones.

Merivon fungicide will be launched in the specialty crop market, such as stone and pome fruits.

Priaxor will be the brand name in corn, soybeans, canola, and sunflowers. It will feature a 2:1 ratio of F500 and Xemium. F500 is the active ingredient in BASF’s Headline fungicide.