BASF has acquired the proprietary Glu-L™ technology for L-glufosinate ammonium from AgriMetis™, an industry leader for the development of biotechnological innovations for crop protection, with this BASF Agricultural Solutions will offer its customers an even more efficient product to protect against unwanted weeds with an improved formulation.

The global market for crop protection and seeds is growing as are population numbers and it is becoming increasingly important to conserve natural resources and meet consumer demand for transparency and food safety. 

Glu-L makes a decisive contribution here. Today’s glufosinate products consist of the active L-glufosinate ammonium and the inactive D-glufosinate ammonium. The latter is converted into active L-glufosinate ammonium by the new technology. This makes the new product significantly more efficient. While weed control is at least on the equivalent level with currently available commercial glufosinate products, farmers can reduce the amount of crop protection they need to apply by up to 50%. This change will reduce operating costs for both farmers and the channel significantly and make the distribution and application of the product even more sustainable than today’s solutions. The comprehensive patent protection for this new technology puts BASF in a strong competitive position for the coming years. The new product is currently in the registration process in the United States and will be launched there in the next few years. It is also planned to be launched in other relevant regions. 

“This step enables us to further develop our glufosinate ammonium portfolio and is an important part of our future offering to best support our customers in combating the increasingly rapid development of weed resistance,” said Vincent Gros, President BASF Agricultural Solutions.

BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division is continuously investing in its portfolio and researching new solutions that benefit farmers, the environment and society.

With a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and healthy environments. Working with farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others, it is our role to help make this possible. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline and broad portfolio, including seeds and traits, chemical and biological crop protection, soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we connect innovative thinking and down-to-earth action to create real world ideas that work – for farmers, society and the planet. In 2019, our division generated sales of €7.8 billion.