Bayer has launched Xivana Smart, a new fungicide designed to protect high-value horticultural crops from downy mildew and late blight, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. The product is powered by a new active ingredient in FRAC group 49 and targets growers of grapes, cucurbits, potatoes and tomatoes, helping farmers safeguard crop quality, improve productivity and maximise returns.
Launch and target crops
According to The Hindu BusinessLine, Bayer announced the launch of its latest fungicide innovation in a media statement. Xivana Smart delivers superior disease control in four high-value crop groups, as shown below.
| Crop group | Target diseases |
|---|---|
| Grapes | Downy mildew, late blight |
| Cucurbits | Downy mildew, late blight |
| Potatoes | Downy mildew, late blight |
| Tomatoes | Downy mildew, late blight |
The company highlighted that the product helps farmers safeguard crop quality, improve productivity and maximise returns, according to the report.
Disease pressure and grower costs
The Hindu BusinessLine reported that downy mildew and late blight are among the most destructive diseases affecting horticultural crops, often accounting for nearly half of farmers' crop protection expenditure. Disease pressure is intensifying due to changing weather patterns and prolonged periods of humidity, the report said. Growers require innovative solutions that provide reliable, long-lasting protection while supporting sustainable farming practices, according to Bayer's media statement.
Chemistry and field performance
Xivana Smart addresses oomycete diseases with a modern mode of action that delivers best-in-class performance, according to the media statement cited by The Hindu BusinessLine. The product offers protection lasting an average of 7 to 14 days, even under rainy conditions. Its rain-fast properties and ability to protect both existing foliage and new plant growth enable farmers to manage disease pressure throughout the crop cycle, the report said.
Executive commentary
Horticulture is central to India's nutritional security and farmer prosperity. 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.
According to The Hindu BusinessLine, the media statement quoted Mohan Babu, Chief Operating Officer – India, Crop Science Division, Bayer.
Availability across key growing regions
The report said Xivana Smart will be available across key horticulture-growing regions in India, including:
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Chhattisgarh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Assam
- Andhra Pradesh
- Punjab
Implications for horticulture commodity markets
For commodity traders, procurement teams and analysts tracking horticulture supply, the launch arrives as disease pressure is reported to be intensifying because of changing weather patterns and prolonged humidity, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. Downy mildew and late blight can account for nearly half of farmers' crop protection expenditure and threaten high-value crops such as grapes, potatoes and tomatoes. Bayer's product positioning states that effective disease control helps farmers safeguard crop quality, improve productivity and maximise returns, factors that underpin yield and output outcomes relevant to horticulture commodity supply assessment. The Hindu BusinessLine published the report on August 3, 2026.
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