"O-TEQ", a new innovative formulation concept developed by Bayer CropScience, is set to significantly improve the activity of systemic insecticides. Products like Proteus®, Biscaya® and Confidor® O-TEQ which are based on this technology, assure excellent biological performance. In many countries patents for these products have been applied for or already granted (EP 1 401 272). These products offer outstanding reliability that is barely affected by the weather conditions during and after application. Further advantages for the user are outstanding rainfastness and a broad application window which permits extremely flexible timing. This new formulation once again confirms Bayer CropScience´s place at the cutting edge of technology.

O-TEQ products are easily recognizable by their characteristic separation into two phases, called "syneresis". This effect is caused by a weakly interacting network of active ingredient particles in the oil phase which, during storage, is compressed due to gravity in a process known as "bleeding" This separation can easily be re-dispersed before the product is applied by shaking briefly.

In 2005, Bayer CropScience launched O-TEQ-based insecticides in Romania and Cuba. During the current year 2006, the company plans to launch products from the chloronicotinyl / neonicotionoids range with this technology in the UK, Portugal and Africa.

The development of this concept was fueled by the idea of resolving common difficulties encountered in the application of crop protection products, especially the loss of active ingredient due to droplet reflection or foliar run-off. Even if the spray droplets adhere to the plant, poor coverage or uneven distribution can lead to decreased efficacy, while slow initial activity can cause problems when rain washes off the product. The penetration of the product into the leaf is another difficult but important step, as sucking insects can otherwise not be controlled. In order to enter the leaf tissue, the active ingredient must penetrate the waxy cuticular layer of the leaf, after which it can be distributed by the water and mineral nutrient streams in the plant. If this is not achieved, the plant is not optimally protected from insecticidal damage.

The innovative O-TEQ formulation, which consists of a vegetable oil in combination with various adjuvants, is designed to resolve these difficulties. When sprayed onto the leaves, the oil/additive combination induces high retention of the spray droplets. Once the water that is contained in the spray has evaporated, the oil and specific adjuvants cover the active ingredient particles and spread over the leaf surface, resulting in optimized coverage and penetration. The adjuvants in the O-TEQ formulation then partly dissolve the waxy structures of the leaves and include increased translocation of the active ingredient, which then spreads evenly through the plant.

Due to the described features, products based on the O-TEQ formulation show excellent rainfastness of the spray residue associated with marginal run-off behaviour. Overall these characteristics lead to superior biological performance and better robustness following application. A faster onset of action is achieved, which allows more flexible timing of application.

Bayer CropScience, a subsidiary of Bayer AG with annual sales of about EUR 6 billion, is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and plant biotechnology. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of about 19,000 and is represented in more than 120 countries.