Brazil Registration Watch: MAPA approved two new biopesticides

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) announced the approval of two new biopesticides in Act No. 42 of the Department of Plant Protection and Supplies Agricultural of Agricultural Defense Secretariat, published in the Official Gazette. 

This time, a record of 53 formulated agrochemicals were approved, of which nine are considered low-impact products.

Of the two new products registered, one is of biological origin, and another is of phytochemical origin (made from plants).

The phytochemical product is composed of cinnamaldehyde (registrant: Daymsa do Brasil Comercial de Insumos Agrícolas Ltda.), an active component in the essential oil of cinnamon (Cinnamomum sp.). This product was registered for use in the strawberry crop to control the fungus Sphaerotheca macularis, which causes the disease popularly known as powdery mildew, and to control the fungus Mycosphaerella fragariae, the causative agent of leaf spot or Mycosphaerella leaf spot. Until now, there was no registered product for controlling powdery mildew in strawberries.

The other new product is a fungus called Purpureocillium lilacinum (registrant: Mitsui & Co. (Brasil) S.A.). This product has been proven effective in controlling the nematodes Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica. Nematode species are among the most common in Brazil and affect many crops, such as cotton, potatoes, sugarcane, carrots, tobacco, cucumbers and soybeans. Because this product is of microbiological origin, it can be used in any culture where these pests occur.

The other products use active ingredients previously registered in the country. The registration of generic pesticides is essential to reduce market concentration and increase competition, which results in fairer trade and lower production costs for Brazilian agriculture. 

So far, in 2021, 65 low-impact products have been registered. Necessary for pest control and because they represent a low risk to human health and the environment, such products are prioritized, and MAPA has made efforts to increase this class of products. The registration of low-impact products in the current year could exceed the number obtained in 2020 when 95 products were registered.

All registered products were analyzed and approved by the bodies responsible for health, environment and agriculture, according to scientific criteria and in line with the best international practices.