Top biologicals news in March 2021

Below are the most-viewed reports regarding biostimulant/biopesticide products, unique technologies, market and viewpoints that were published on AgroPages in March 2021.

Biopesticides growing as one of the main tool to fight against difficult control pests and diseases

The crop protection market in Brazil closed 2020 at US$ 11.8 billion against US$ 12.7 billion in 2019. The main reason for this decline of 7%, was the Exchange rate with depreciation of the Real and also the anticipation from the Farmers 20/21 & 21/22 due to the strong prices for Soybeans, Corn, Cotton and Sugar. 

The Big Four companies represented 57,5% of the market, showing the increase of post patented products in the market and with strong growth of Ouro Fino, one Brazilian company, that now is part of the Top 10 crop protection companies in Brazil.

Genomaat, Futureco Bioscience’s platform for microbe-assisted crop production, now available worldwide

Futureco Bioscience, presents Genomaat, an innovative service to custom-optimize the crop production performance. Genomaat empowers growers through soil microbiome data and personalized analysis, and offers tailor-made microbial solutions based on the company’s unique collection of microorganisms, or the native flora of the plot analyzed.

Genomaat uses high throughput technology to break down the soil biodiversity complexity of the soil ecosystem into meaningful bio-functional parameters, uncovering the relationship between soil health and the overall field performance. 

Sea6 Energy - The pioneer of the only patented seaweed-based biostimulant across the globe

Seaweed biostimulant is the buzzword in recent times within the Plant Nutrition industry. This category of products is being used extensively as an alternative to unsustainable energy sources to enhance crop growth. It has been widely harnessed by biologicals producers globally, but none of the Agri Input companies has patented Seaplant biostimulant. Sea6 Energy is the first and the only company today to have a patented seaweed-based biostimulant. It is also the first Indian company to have won a special mention in the Best Biological products category at the Agrow Awards for its product – Jingo NxG. 

Today, Sea6 Energy brings its patented technology and products to crop markets in India as well as the international waters of Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and USA. The company stands out for its unique combination of expertise in biotechnology and ocean engineering.

Symborg opens factory and launches Balius, a new biostimulant that unleashes crops potential

The multinational Symborg strengthens its role as a manufacturer of biotechnological solutions with the opening of its new factory and the launch of Balius, the new biostimulant based on amino acids designed and produced by Symborg. Balius is composed of pure α-keratin, is 100% sustainable and compatible with all types of agriculture, both traditional and organic.  

Symborg's plant is located in Alhama de Murcia (Region of Murcia, Spain) on a 40,000 m² industrial site with a total investment of 28 million euros. The hydrolysis plant has been designed under circular economy, zero waste and energy efficiency measures, wich will avoid the emission of approximately 100 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere per year. 

Carbon study shows CO₂ emission reductions up to 65 Kg/tonne of corn with Envita

−− Growers looking for ways to take advantage of carbon credits can with Envita

A greenhouse gas impact study commissioned by Azotic North America the manufacturers of Envita nitrogen fixing bacteria, indicates that significant carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission reductions can be obtained through using Envita. In addition to providing increased yields to crops via N-Fixation, the study conducted by an independent third party, shows the use of Envita may qualify for significant carbon credits through its use.

Novel Molecular Plant Growth Regulator: Coronatine (COR)

Coronatine (COR) is a new plant growth regulator that is a structural analogue of Jasmonic Acid (JA), as well as the first industrial Jasmonic Acid molecular signal regulator in the world. Coronatine signaling molecules are involved in many physiological processes of plant growth and development. It has broad application potential during low temperature seed germination, improving crop stress resistance and disease resistance, as well as increasing yield, promoting coloring, and increasing sugar content, defoliation and biological weeding.

National Biointrants Program (PNB): Another opportunity to chase Brazil’s promising biological market

Being part of the biointrants sector, biopesticides have already proven their importance to this market. According to CropLife, in 2020, Brazil reached the milestone of having 20 million ha treated with biological products, representing a 23% growth compared to 2019 and R$1 billion in turnover. These statistics highlight the ideal growth and ongoing evolution of the market, which is a worldwide reality highlighting the fact that sustainable agriculture is an alternative to using conventional chemical pesticides.

Tradecorp: Never compromise on organic product's quality or efficacy

−− It is a mistake to view organic production in isolation, or as a niche

Tradecorp is a global benchmark in the development and manufacture of premier innovative Biostimulation solutions and Crop Nutrition specialities, which are marketed in over 60 countries worldwide. Tradecorp provides a comprehensive, premium portfolio of products globally adapted to local agronomic conditions, comprising solutions such as biostimulants, chelates, and precision foliar fertilizers.

Cathal Daynes, Global Technical Manager at Tradecorp, told AgroPages in an interview about Tradecorp's organic certified products, how to register and promote organic certified products, and the developments and changes of organic farming.

New sulphur biofungicide could fill chlorothalonil gap

A new sulphur fungicide formulation and elicitor product could help fill the gap left by the withdrawal of multisite active chlorothalonil.

UPL’s new liquid sulphur product Thiopron is said to have improved performance over older powder formulations, with its finer and more consistent milling process of the active substance giving more uniform leaf coverage and activity. The company also claims better rainfastness and, at rates of 2-3-litres/ha, it is more practical for sprayer operators than handling large quantities of the powder formulations used in the past.

Summit Agro USA and Seipasa announce exclusive distributorship

Two leading players in the biologicals crop protection space have announced an exclusive distributorship arrangement. Summit Agro USA will now have the sole rights to Seipasa S.A.’s products for sale in the United States based on this newly signed agreement.

Microbial Seed Coating - New Horizons in Seed Coating Solutions

The Biocoat developed by IPL Biologicals Limited is biodegradable in nature, provides good adhesion, provide uniform coverage, non-inhibitory to microbes, preserve microbes for long time and soluble in water (hydrophilic). The NutriBiocoat  (Biocoat + nutrition and protection providing microbes) is a novel product for the coating the seeds with virulent and potent beneficial microbes.

Nufarm announces the launch of NuBio umbrella brand

Australian crop protection expert Nufarm has been offering biological solutions for almost 20 years. To provide customers with better guidance in their purchasing decisions, the company is now bringing together its entire range of biological products under the NuBio umbrella brand. The NuBio portfolio currently contains more than 15 products, with the biostimulant Go K Up to be added in the first quarter.

BASF and AgBiome collaborate on a new biological fungicide for Europe, Middle East and Africa

BASF and AgBiome have signed an agreement to bring a new biological fungicide to the market in Europe, and key countries in the Middle East and Africa. Developed by AgBiome, and marketed as Howler^® in the United States, the biological fungicide with multiple modes of action provides preventive, long-lasting activity on a broad spectrum of soilborne and foliar diseases. BASF will support the further development and registration and will be the exclusive distributor in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Subject to successful registrations, first market introductions in selected countries are expected in 2024/2025.