Vittia Group launches new biopesticide Bio-Immune to combat Asian rust in Brazil

By Leonardo Gottems, Reporter for AgroPages

This month, the Brazilian Group, Vittia, launched Bio-Immune, Brazil's first biological fungicide and bactericide for controlling Asian soybean rust. According to the manufacturer, this biological multisite has an innovative and super-concentrated formulation, which acts directly on the aerial part of plants, providing ample protection and ensuring their growth. As a result, the product improves the health and quality of soybean crops.

According to Cibele Medeiros (Market Development Manager at Grupo Vittia), the authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) for the use of Bio-Immune to control the fungus that causes the disease, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is an important achievement for Brazilian agribusiness. "It is the first and only biological pesticide with proven action and is now registered against this pathogen, which causes considerable losses to the sector in the country," he said.

Bio-Immune was developed from the isolate, BV02, of the bacterium, Bacillus subtilis. Its formulation contains endospores of BV02 and its metabolites, such as the enzymes and lipopeptides, surfactin, iturin and fengicin. Such metabolites act indirectly by activating the plant's defense mechanisms, and directly inhibiting the germination of Phakopsora pachyrhizi spores.

The BV02 endospore, when applied to plants, germinates and colonizes the leaf surface, forming a biofilm rich in these lipopeptides and enzymes that protect plants against pathogens. Because it is a biological multisite, it has several mechanisms of action. Bio-Immune will significantly help in managing resistance in Phakopsora pachyrhizi.

Because it has endospores of the BV02 isolate, which are extremely resistant to environmental variations, the application of Bio-Immune is recommended in all soybean producing regions of Brazil.

Grupo Vittia's biological fungicide and bactericide is a product that goes beyond plant protection. Because it is a biosynthesis of compounds that promote plant growth in its exclusive production process, Bio-Immune stimulates the further development of crops until the filling of grains, resulting in greater productivity. In addition, it reduces the use of highly toxic pesticides in soy and the exposure of technicians and producers to chemical pesticides.

“Bio-Immune will play a key role in expanding the control of Asian soybean rust in the country. Producers have an innovative and differentiated tool that combines effective protection of plants with crop productivity and the conservation of the environment,” Medeiros said. The product has no deficiencies and its application is flexible, which may or may not be the same with chemical pesticides.

Launched in early 2019, Bio-Immune has been registered for the control of ten pathogens that cause diseases in various cultures across the country. It was also the first biological fungicide and bactericide registered for controlling anthracnose (Colletotrichum truncatum), a disease that affects the initial stage of the formation of pods of crops such as soybeans and beans. With MAPA approval for Asian soybean rust, Bio-Immune also became the first biological pesticide for controlling this major disease.