Exploring BASF’s Maxtima: a Game Changing Fungicide for Greenkeepers

BASF’s latest addition to the greenkeepers armoury, Maxtima®, has proven to be a huge success since its launch back in January at BTME. With hundreds of greenkeepers turning to the cutting-edge demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide thanks to its efficacy and long-lasting protection. Maxtima®’s evolution came through rigourous scientific testing, with BASF’s research and devlopment team testing and strategising around the clock until the optimum solution was created. Today, it has become one of the most popular fungicide for professional’s in recent years.

How does it work?

The active ingredient in Maxtima® is a substance called mefentrifliconazole. Once applied, this active is rapidly absorbed into the leaf, where it is protected against degradation from the rain and high UV exposure. It then forms a reservoir that slowly releases the active ingredient for long-term defence against the toughest of fungal diseases for up to 28 days. The innovative isopropanol-azole chemistry within Maxtima® creates maximum binding capacity and adaptability due to the flexibility of the molecules, unlike other standard azoles, it binds tightly to the target fungal enzyme. This process enables the ingredients to control the plant pathogen strains that are tolerant against DMI’s, offering a substantial advantage that older DMI products on the market continue to lack.

The benefits of Maxtima®

The most significant advantage of Maxtima® is its high efficacy rate and quick control of the toughest turf diseases, dollar spot and microdochium. Microdochium is known for its resilience against control methods, and once it catches hold, can spread rapidly. Dollar spot also presents turf managers with significant stress, as it is resilient against many DMI fungicides, but both diseases have no known resistance to Maxtima®. In fact, a recent trial coordinated by Agrovista showed that turf that was treated with Maxtima®, showed a 92% mean reduction of the disease compared to turf that was left untreated.

Year-round protection

Maxtima®’s impressive absorption rate is not exclusive to the warmer months like many other turf products. Even at temperatures as low as 4 degrees centigrade, it continued to bind to the leaf, giving it an improved ability to fight fungal pathogens during the autumn and winter months. What’s more, its ability to provide protection extends for up to 28 days thanks to its slow release functionality.

Rotates effectively

Due to its unique formulation, Maxtima® can be paired with a non-DMI fungicide on turf in product rotation. Not only does this ensures maximum protection against fungal pathogens, but it helps to reduce the risk of the fungal population becoming resistant to the DMI active ingredient.

Matthew Martin, Strategic Key Account Manager at BASF said: “Maxtima® continues to push the boundaries of what is possible and achievable in turf management. BASF had been working behind the scenes on the new DMI, Maxtima® for many years, and the development of such a rigour and effective product was down to the demand of turf professionals up and down the country who were struggling to control and prevent disease on their greens.

“The benefits of Maxtima® were always known to us, but since its launch earlier this year, hearing how the turf professionals have received it, and the relief it has offered them when dealing with fungal disease is astounding. It is proving to be an essential part of the turf manager’s toolkit, and we can’t wait for more in the industry to try it!”

Maxtima® was launched in collaboration with Agrovista Amenity, the industry’s leading supplier of professional products and specialist advice. Turf professionals will be able to speak to their local Agrovista representative to order the product and for more detail on its usage and compatibility.

For more information, please visit https://www.agricentre.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Product-Search/Fungicides/Maxtima.html#section-details

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Editors notes

Professional turf management requires skilled personnel and high-performance technology. BASF Turf supports greenskeepers, superintendents, amenity managers, agronomists and technical experts in the turfcare industry with a powerful portfolio of herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, biological solutions, colorants and turf nutrients.

Whether you are managing golf, sport, ornamental landscape, or amenity turf, our expert range of professional solutions provides the optimal level of protection and nutrients for both cool and warm-season turfgrasses and landscape beds.