BASF Agricultural Solutions has introduced a major crop protection breakthrough with its latest fungicide innovation, Adapzo Active, which has been officially recognized by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) as a new and distinct mode of action.
Chemically known as flufenoxadiazam, Adapzo Active is the first-ever histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor in the industry and now stands as the sole member of the newly created FRAC Group Code 56—a classification that underscores its unique biological function and resistance management potential.
The innovation is being positioned as a powerful new weapon for soybean farmers in South America, where Asian soybean rust remains the most destructive crop disease. If left unchecked, the disease can wipe out up to 90% of yields, creating severe financial pressure and production instability across key agricultural regions.
“With Adapzo, we are once again turning breakthrough science into tangible value for farmers by introducing an entirely new class of chemistry from our R&D pipeline,” said Christine Habicher, Vice President Fungicides Research, BASF Agricultural Solutions.
“We are excited that our efforts result in a new FRAC Code and are proud to equip farmers with essential tools to manage resistance and maximize their yield potential.”
According to BASF, products based on Adapzo Active have already shown yield gains of around six bags per hectare compared to current market standards, offering farmers both improved disease control and stronger profitability.
Unlike existing solutions, Adapzo Active targets fungal class II HDACs, disrupting early gene-expression processes essential for infection development. This early-stage intervention is designed to stop Asian soybean rust before it can establish itself in crops, while also avoiding cross-resistance with existing fungicide classes.
The company says the innovation is part of a broader R&D pipeline that includes upcoming fungicides, insecticides, and herbicide-trait systems, reinforcing its long-term strategy in crop protection and sustainable agriculture.
FRAC, the international body responsible for fungicide resistance classification, said the new group helps strengthen global resistance management strategies by improving communication and guiding sustainable use of crop protection tools.
BASF emphasized that Adapzo Active-based products are intended to integrate into existing resistance management programs, offering farmers a new layer of protection against evolving fungal strains that have become increasingly difficult to control.
