Versys insecticide, a Group 9D mode of action, delivers effective apple dimpling bug control at low use rates
Rapid feeding cessation helps minimise crop damage and protect fruit quality
Strong fit within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, with low risk to beneficial insects and pollinators when used according to label directions
Melbourne, Australia – 18 August 2026 – Australian apple and pear growers now have a new option for managing apple dimpling bug in pome fruit, following approval by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) of a label extension for Versys insecticide.
Already established across a range of horticultural crops, Versys delivers effective apple dimpling bug control at low use rates through its unique Group 9D mode of action, supporting insecticide resistance management. By rapidly stopping feeding activity of apple dimpling bug, Versys significantly reduces damage during critical stages of crop development.
“Apple dimpling bug can have a significant impact on fruit quality, damaging fruit and causing deformities. We’re pleased to bring Versys to the pome fruit market, providing growers with effective control during flowering and a strong fit within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.” said Parvana Wali, Head of Agricultural Solutions, BASF Australia and New Zealand.
Suitable for use in pome fruit during flowering, a critical stage for crop development and pollination, Versys offers flexible application timing during a period when apple dimpling bugs are most active. Its low risk to beneficial insects and pollinators, when used according to label directions, makes it an ideal addition to IPM programs.
This registration further demonstrates BASF's commitment to delivering innovative crop protection solutions that help growers protect crop quality and maximise productivity.
For more information on Versys insecticide, contact your local BASF representatives or visit the BASF Agricultural Solutions website here.
Please see the full news alert here and download the media image here.
About BASF Agricultural Solutions
Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide sufficient 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 €990 million in 2025, we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, and 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 stakeholders along the value chain. In 2025, our business generated sales of €9.6 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 €318 million in Australia and New Zealand in 2025. As of the end of 2025, the company had 319 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 95,000 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 around €60 billion in 2025. 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.