WINNIPEG – Nufarm and BASF have announced that the technical and end-use rights, plus the marketing of the wild oat herbicide Assert have been acquired by Nufarm.
This is a global agreement that transfers all Assert markets, except Europe, to Nufarm.
“Nufarm right now is predominantly a cereal growers’ company,” said Darryl Matthews of Nufarm. “We already have a long list of products for broadleaf weeds in cereals, but we’ve been missing a grass herbicide. With the acquisition of Assert, we now have a full portfolio for wheat and barley producers.
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“Plus, it’s a Group 2 herbicide, so it helps meet the rotational challenges for producers who have a long Group 1 history.”
Assert is registered for use in barley, spring wheat and durum wheat. The chemical formula will be the same as that previously sold by BASF. It will be sold through the same retailers, with the possibility of some additions. Matthews said Assert’s short window of application has been a problem with some of the wet spring and early summer conditions farmers have been hit with lately.
“Yes, it’s a short window, and it’s something producers have to keep in mind. I believe we can manage around that problem most wet years.
BASF’s Howie Zander said they sold the chemical because the company is focussing on new products. “We are actually increasing our investment in seed treatments, fungicides and insecticides. Seed treatments is the major focus.”
