BASF launches new beneficial insect attractant, Apthena^®

BASF announces the launch of Apthena®

BASF announces the launch of Apthena^®, an innovative biological product designed to amplify natural aphid control. By acting as a highly effective attractant for beneficial predators and parasitoids, the product is designed to support farmers when adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.

Apthena^® contains (E)-β-farnesene (EBF), a natural pheromone that aphids release as an alarm signal when disturbed. Natural enemies such as ladybirds and lacewings have learnt to use this scent to locate their prey. By optimising this insect behaviour, Apthena^® can help growers to reduce their reliance on pesticides.

Aphid damage cost billions

“Aphids pose a massive threat to global crops, causing billions in damage annually through direct nutrient extraction and virus transmission,” warns Tom Pope, Professor of Applied Entomology at Harper Adams University.

Demonstrating aphids’ phenomenal ability to reproduce, Tom cited Dr Richard Harrington’s calculation that without natural limits, aphids could cover the Earth in a layer 149 kilometres deep in a single year.

Field efficacy and implementation

BASF has demonstrated strong performance of Apthena^® in trials. In standardised Y-tube choice tests, ladybirds exhibited a significant preference for vessels emitting air with Apthena^®, opting to travel down the pheromone gradient far more frequently than controls.

Field assessments confirm its effectiveness on-farm. In peas, Apthena^® increased the number of plants containing beneficial insects by 18%, and in sugar beet, the presence of aphids was significantly reduced from an average of 2% to 0.5%.

“Given it is rainfast within 24 hours, and requires no buffer zone or maximum application limit, it offers flexibility for growers,” adds Rob.

BASF recommends applying Apthena^® at intervals of 14 days, using a rate of 0.3 – 0.5 L/Ha with water rates of 100–300 L/Ha. Although its aim is to keep pest populations below an economic threshold, where needed, it is compatible with other approved crop protection products.

“Ultimately, Apthena serves as a powerful tool designed for synergy,” adds Rob. "It is built to seamlessly integrate with existing IPM strategies, helping farmers effectively manage pests.”