News & Events
BASF | Nunhems Launches Breakthrough in Carrot Innovation with Percyst Carrots
Introducing a New Era of Nematode Resistance Coupled with Market-Leading Qualities
PARMA, IDAHO, [December 17, 2025] – The vegetable seeds business by BASF, operating in the market under the Nunhems® brand, proudly announces the launch of the Percyst® brand of carrots, a groundbreaking carrot variety that boasts more than 20 years of dedicated research and innovation. The Percyst brand of carrots is not only the first carrot variety featuring intermediate resistance to Southern root-knot and root-knot nematodes1, but it also showcases market-leading qualities in flavor, color and texture, setting a new standard for carrot cultivation.
Nematodes, particularly Southern root-knotand other root-knot species, are notorious for reducing carrot yield and quality, causing an estimated $10 billion in crop damage annually in the United States2, furthermore research conducted in 2023 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service shows nematodes have created significant economic and cultivation challenges for growers, particularly in California. Percyst carrots bring a unique solution to the nematode problem: it is a nematode-resistant seed variety, engineered to reduce reliance on chemical fumigation, the traditional method of nematode management. This is especially critical in California, where regulations on chemical use3 demand resilient solutions.
BASF | Nunhems has a longstanding history of developing state-of-the-art seed solutions that have redefined possibilities for fruit and vegetable growers worldwide. From hybrid tomatoes with high yield potential and cucumbers with enhanced disease resistance, to melons bred for enhanced flavor and onions designed for greater uniformity, every breakthrough has been guided by the same principle: supporting growers with innovations that anticipate their needs. The launch of Percyst carrots carries this legacy forward, delivering a resilient carrot variety designed to help tackle one of agriculture’s most persistent challenges."
"Our journey with Percyst brand carrots reflects the team’s strategic foresight and dedication to addressing long-standing grower challenges," said Kaitlyn O’Neal, BASF | Nunhems Regional Crop Lead, Americas: Carrot, Onion. "This variety not only leverages advanced resistance traits but also delivers the consistency and resilience growers need to remain competitive in an evolving market."
Beyond its resistance capabilities, Percyst carrots excel with their dual-purpose versatility, suitable for fresh market cellos and processing into baby carrots. This adaptability offers growers flexible opportunities across multiple market segments.
Percyst brand carrots will be available this planting season through authorized BASF | Nunhems distributors.
To learn more, talk to your local Nunhems representative. For further details, contact Adriana Arias with Nunhems USA, Inc., at adriana.arias@basf.com, or visit our website at www.nunhemsusa.com.
1 BASF Nunhems. (2024). Unpublished data from 8 replicated in-field and controlled greenhouse-based assays (2020–2024).
2 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. (2023). Microbes vs. nematodes: Insights into biocontrol through antagonistic organisms to control root-knot nematodes. https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=400596
3 California Department of Pesticide Regulation. (n.d.). California Code of Regulations (Title 3. Food and Agriculture) — Division 6. Pesticides and Pest Control Operations. https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/laws-and-regulations/california-code-of-regulations-title-3-food-and-agriculture-division-6-pesticides-and-pest-control-operations/
About the BASF Agricultural Solutions division
Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That’s why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. With €919 million in 2024, we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, combining innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture. In 2024, our division generated sales of €9.8 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or our social media channels.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
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