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Poncho Votivo packshot

Poncho® VOTiVO®

Insecticidal Seed Treatment

An extra level of protection for maize and sweetcorn seedlings

ACVM Registration No.P009176

Mode of action: Group 4A insecticide
Active ingredient(s): 508 g/L clothianidin and minimum 2.0x109 cfu/mL Bacillus firmus I-1582
Formulation: Flowable concentrate (FS)


VOTiVO® is a unique strain of the bacteria Bacillus firmus, I-1582. Applied to the seed, VOTiVO® is very stable but once the seed is planted and begins to germinate, the bacteria grow with the developing roots creating a living barrier. This barrier is able to reduce the impact of nematode attack.

By coating the maize or sweetcorn roots with a living film of beneficial bacteria, Poncho VOTiVO reduces the nematode’s ability to attack the roots. In addition, Poncho VOTiVO has been shown to bring plant health benefits such as enhanced rooting.

Key benefits

  • Beneficial bacteria colonise the roots to block the impact of nematode attack 
  • Both active ingredients grow with the seedling to extend their protection
  • Plant health benefits strengthen establishment and increase yield potential  
  • Excellent early-season control of damaging pests during crop establishment

How it works

Provides immediate protection – systemic insecticide protects the seed against key insect pests from the moment it’s planted. The protective “halo” that Poncho creates protects the entire plant during the critical early growth stages.

With additional biological control – Bacillus firmus I-1582 creates a living barrier to suppress attack from a range of nematode species.

Protects yield potential – by protecting the entire plant during the critical crop establishment phase Poncho VOTiVO promotes a healthier root system and more uniform and vigorous crop.

Crop suitability

  • Maize

    Argentine stem weevil
    Black beetle
    Greasy cutworm
    Nematode suppression
  • Sweetcorn

    Argentine stem weevil
    Black beetle
    Greasy cutworm
    Nematode suppression

Questions and Answers from the Field

  • How do you control black beetles and stem weevils?

    To control black beetles and stem weevils in your maize or sweetcorn crops, use BASF’s Poncho VOTiVO. This insecticidal seed treatment combines clothianidin, a powerful insecticide, with Bacillus firmus I-1582, a unique bacteria, offering your crops all-round protection from pests including nematodes, black beetles and stem weevils.   

  • How do I get rid of nematodes in my soil?

    To get rid of nematodes in your soil you can use BASF’s Poncho VOTiVO. Its unique ingredient, Bacillus firmus I-1582, creates a living shield on crop roots, limiting nematode attacks and keeping your soil healthy.

  • What are nematicides chemicals used to control?

    Nematicides, such as the ones used in BASF’s Poncho VOTiVO, are designed to protect maize and sweetcorn from nematodes. The biological fungus Bacillus firmus I-1582 in BASF’s Poncho VOTiVO creates a protective layer on plant roots, which keeps harmful nematodes at bay.

  • What are the methods of seed treatment?

    The best method for seed treatment is to use specially formulated products like BASF’s Poncho VOTiVO to enhance crop protection. Ensure you apply the treatment to high-quality seeds using an accurate seed treatment machine. For best results, use a polymer like Flo Rite to enhance the flowability of the seed at sowing.

  • What is Poncho VOTiVO?

    Poncho VOTiVO is a ground-breaking seed treatment for maize and sweetcorn. Its active ingredients, clothianidin and Bacillus firmus I-1582, provide immediate pest protection and create a living barrier against nematodes for healthier, stronger crops.

  • What is the active ingredient in VOTiVO seed treatment?

    The active ingredient in VOTiVO seed treatment is Bacillus firmus I-1582. When combined with clothianidin in Poncho VOTiVO, it offers effective pest and nematode control for healthier crops.