Stoller acquires Rizoflora and launches bionematicide Rizotec in Brazil

Stoller has just acquired the company Rizoflora Biotechnology, a spin-off of the Laboratory of Biological Control of the Federal University of Viçosa, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The purchase was approved “without restrictions” by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade) and published in the edition of June 1st of the Official Gazette.

The first result of the acquisition is the launch of the biological nematicide Rizotec, after studies conducted through 28 years of research. It is the isolated fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia, which was selected because of its virulence against nematodes and the high capacity of reproduction.

According to the manufacturer, the bionematicide reduces populations of nematodes of the genes Meloidogyne, Heterodera, Rotylenchulus, Pratylenchus and others. It is also capable of colonizing and eliminating big amounts of eggs and female nematodes, surviving on the organic matter in the soil amid an absence of nematode.

Besides, Stoller announces that the product promotes better development of plants and it is capable of inducing systemic resistance toward other pathogens. This is because the Rizotec solubilizes and increases absorption of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, which fosters the plant growth and increases resistance to drought and saline souls, besides doing a beneficial association with the roots.

Studies done with commercial areas of soybeans in four states of significant agricultural expression during the 2015/2016 crop show that the use of Rizotec promoted an average growth of 4.5 bags per hectare. “The idea is to offer something different than what is present in the market, integrating a high index of nematode control with a biological product,” explains Stella Cato, Technical Manager of Stoller in Brazil.

"Aware of the relevance of nematodes with a limiting production factor, certainly this technology will promote important jumps at the current levels of agricultural yields in Brazil. This is another step that Stoller gives in the sense to its mission, which is to transform knowledge in innovation for a highly efficient and sustainable agriculture,” affirms Rodrigo Oliveira, CEO of Stoller in Brazil.