Bayer has announced the rollout of Xivana™ Smart, an innovative FRAC Group 49 fungicide formulated to protect high-value horticultural crops from devastating diseases across India. Powered by a new active ingredient, the crop protection solution delivers control against oomycete diseases, specifically targeting downy mildew and late blight in grapes, cucurbits, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Downy mildew and late blight are among the most destructive challenges confronting horticultural producers, frequently accounting for nearly half of growers' total crop protection expenditures. Intensifying disease pressures - exacerbated by evolving weather patterns and prolonged periods of high humidity—have heightened demand for durable, long-lasting crop protection solutions that support sustainable farming practices.
Xivana™ Smart meets these operational challenges through a modern mode of action that offers disease control lasting an average of 7 to 14 days, even under rainy conditions. Featuring robust rainfast properties, the fungicide protects both existing foliage and emerging plant tissue, enabling growers to manage disease pressure throughout the crop cycle.
“Horticulture is central to India’s nutritional security and farmer prosperity,” said Mohan Babu, Chief Operating Officer – India, Crop Science Division at Bayer. “With Xivana™ Smart, Bayer is bringing science-led innovation that helps horticulture farmers manage complex disease pressures, protect crop quality and build more resilient, sustainable food systems.”
The fungicide will be available across key horticulture-producing states in India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab. The deployment reinforces Bayer’s strategy to supply science-based innovations that improve crop quality, elevate farmer productivity, and support sustainable agricultural outcomes.