Acron asks Putin to stop potash merger-paper

* Merger will create Russia's potash mining giant

* Acron challenged the deal in court

MOSCOW, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Russian fertiliser producer, Acron (AKRN.MM), is asking Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, the country's most influential politician, to block a merger between two potash producers, business daily Vedomosti wrote on Friday.

Acron has unsuccessfully challenged the deal between potash companies Silvinit SILV.MM and Uralkali (URKAq.L) in court. [ID:nLDE7122A9]

A merger of Silvinit and Uralkali to create a Russian potash mining giant was engineered by billionaire tycoon Suleiman Kerimov, who bought controlling stakes in both companies alongside associates last summer.

Potash, a key ingredient in fertiliser, has emerged as a valuable commodity in a world struggling to feed a growing population while battling droughts and floods.

Vedomosti said Acron's president, Ivan Antonov, sent Putin a letter where it asks him to stop the deal. It also applied to the anti-monopoly watchdog in an attempt to block the merger. (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Jon Loades-Carter)