Koppert launched bioinsecticide Terranem in Brazil

Koppert revealed exclusively to AgroPages the launch in the Brazilian market of Terranem, a bioinsecticide formulated with entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae). According to the manufacturer, the product is meant to control the sugarcane weevil (Sphenophorus levis) and is an ″innovation in Brazilian agriculture, which has always had nematodes as soil pests.″

″We are calling Terranem the nematode of good, as it controls an important pest in the sugarcane fields, sustainably and efficiently, and without the risk of harming the plantations,″ explained Marcelino Borges de Brito, Agronomic Development Coordinator at Koppert Brazil.

Marcelino Borges de Brito, Agronomic Development Coordinator at Koppert Brazil

Koppert stated that Terranem has ″very high technology involved″ in its formulation, as it provides ″ideal conditions″ for nematodes to act, in addition to ″excellent agronomic applicability in the field.″ Brito added that the ″studies show excellent results in the application of the product, drastically reducing the pest population and consequently the percentage of stalks attacked, making it a great strategy to manage this insect that has severely damaged the sugarcane.″ 

According to the UDOP (National Union of Bioenergy), Sphenophorus levis is currently the species that causes the most damage to the productive potential of Brazilian sugarcane fields. He estimates that for every 1% of stumps attacked by the pest, there is a drop in sugarcane production of about 1.6 tons per hectare. The insect larvae feed on the basal part of the culms, opening circular and longitudinal galleries, damaging the entire interior, where they remain until reaching the adult stage.

Terranem Koppert

In addition, the repeated attacks in the ratoon areas and the consequent reduction of the stand of the culture caused cumulative losses in the cuts, forcing early reforms of the sugarcane field, which often do not go beyond the second cut. According to Koppert, controlling this pest is usually difficult and requires different strategies on the part of the producer.

″Terranem, in addition to its effectiveness in managing the sugarcane weevil, also has considerable residual power. This is because the nematodes penetrate through natural openings of pest insects and release bacteria that transform the host tissue into a food source,″ the manufacturer explained.

″Thus, the nematodes feed, develop and reproduce inside the insect, causing its death within a few hours. When degraded, the insects turn into a substance that encounters the plant and causes the death of other pests when they feed,″ he said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)