Baculovirus reduces carbon emissions by up to 50%

According to a study by Australian-American company AgBiTech, the use of baculovirus-based biopesticides against caterpillars reduces carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to conventional agrochemicals, a company official revealed exclusively to AgroPages.

“We reached a 51% carbon reduction when we compared our product with an agrochemical alone. The combined use of baculovirus and chemicals also lowered emissions, in the range of 35%,” highlighted Director of Manufacturing and Innovation Processes at AgBiTech in the US, Adrian Lywood.

Adrian Lywood, Director of Manufacturing and Innovation Processes at AgBiTech US

According to Lywood, the research compared baculovirus and chemicals in different treatments to control caterpillars in soybeans. The main chemical active ingredients, used alone or alternately with biological products, were Chlorantraniliprole, Methomyl, Benzoate, Lufenuron, Spinetoram, Methoxyfenozide, and Chlorfenapyr.

Lywoood explained that the results related to emission reductions proved that the research also had as influence variables the production of raw materials and their transport from factories, in addition to the consumption of water and electricity in the manufacture of products and applications the field. Effluent treatments in chemical and biological units are also weighed, among other factors that will be disclosed after the work.

“Baculoviruses do not leave residues in the field, do not damage the soil, preserve beneficial organisms and natural enemies of pests. The baculovirus production process is significantly less harmful to the environment,” the executive added.

“Biological products reduce greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing. This benefits rural producers around the world. They are reliable and sustainable in conserving the health of crops,” Lywood said in conclusion.

For the Business Director of AgBiTech Brasil and Agronomist, Murilo Moreira, assessments of socio-environmental performance in productive areas of local and global agribusiness tend to consolidate between now and the next few years.

Murilo Moreira, Business Director of AgBiTech Brasil

“Sustainability will soon be a decisive, central aspect to make the business viable in the sector, including the commercialization of crops and obtaining financing from producers,” he said.

GREEN FUNDING

In 2021, agfintech Traive participated in a capital market issue of BRL63.7 million, granted to a group of seven soybeans, corn, and cotton producers in the form of CRAs – Agribusiness Receivables Certificates.

Called “CRA Verde”, it was the first operation of its kind certified by the CBI – Climate Bond Initiative – globally. As a counter agreement from the farmers who benefited, it demanded a commitment not to deforest and to preserve riparian forests in permanent preservation areas (APPs), among other socio-environmental requirements.

Maurício Fragata Quintella, Director of Traive Brasil

The Director of Traive Brasil, Maurício Fragata Quintella, emphasized that the concept of 'environmental compliance' is here to stay. According to Quintella, soon, producer credit analyses should also include metrics such as soil carbon retention and optimize the use of chemical matrix inputs.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)