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Crop Solutions Australia

Versys® insecticide brings innovative mealybug management to viticulture

News Release
 

Versys® insecticide brings innovative mealybug management to viticulture
 

  • Versys, a group 9D product, introduces a new mode of action (MOA) to support Australia’s viticulture
  • Effective against mealybug, reducing sooty mould on grapes
  • Strong fit within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies

 

Southbank, Victoria, June 18, 2025 – BASF has announced the extension of the Versys insecticide label to include viticulture, providing Australian grape growers with a highly effective solution against mealybug, a persistent pest that impacts both table and wine grape production.
Australia’s viticulture contributes over $45.5 billion annually to the Australian economy and the wine industry comprises approximately 2150 wineries and 6000 grape growers, supporting over 163 000 employees. Therefore, grape growers widely benefit from Versys new mode of action (MOA) as a group 9D product. This provides growers a strong compatibility with their IPM strategies.
 

"Mealybugs pose a significant challenge in viticulture, affecting both the appearance of table grapes and the quality degradation of wine grapes. Versys® offers grape growers a much-needed tool to manage these pests effectively while aligning with IPM principles," said Parvana Wali, Head of Agricultural Solutions, Australia and New Zealand.
Mealybugs are particularly problematic in warmer regions, where infestations can spread rapidly. Versys acts quickly to stop feeding, reducing the risk of sooty mould and the transmission of grapevine viruses. The product is most effective when applied at the second and third instar stages, slowing population growth and enhancing long-term control.
With translaminar activity, Versys® ensures improved spray coverage, making it a reliable solution even in dense canopies. Unlike some alternative products, it allows beneficial predator populations to thrive, reinforcing its suitability for Integrated Pest Management programs. Additionally, Versys offers a shorter withholding period (WHP) for export compared to other insecticides registered for use in wine grapes, providing greater flexibility for growers.


"With the introduction of Versys® into viticulture, BASF is demonstrating its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of Australian wine and table grape producers- who are contributing significantly to the overall Australian economy. By supporting sustainable pest management practices, Versys helps growers protect the value of their crops without compromising quality, while supporting sustainable agriculture practices," added Parvana.
 

Versys will be available in July for the industry and for more information about Versys and its application in viticulture, please visit crop-solutions.basf.com.au/products/versys
 

About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division
Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That’s why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. With €919 million in 2024, we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, combining innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture. In 2024, our division generated sales of €9.8 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or our social media channels.
 

About BASF in Australia and New Zealand
BASF serves key industries in the agriculture, coatings, manufacturing and mining sectors, and posted sales of about €434 million in Australia and New Zealand in 2024. As of the end of 2024, the company had 363 employees and operated 6 production sites across Agricultural Solutions, performance products and functional materials and solutions. BASF has been active in Australia for over 100 years, and over 60 years in New Zealand. Further information is available on www.basf.com/au.
 

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com