Neither chemical nor biological: Organic Bloom results against nematodes showcased at CBN 2023

The vegetable bioactivator, Organic Bloom, was the novelty that had the most significant impact at the Brazilian Congress of Nematology (CBN 2023), which was covered by AgroPages. Amidst the growing concern about increasing productivity while ensuring sustainability, Ingal Agrotecnologia's product proved itself in its first results in controlling nematodes.

Organic Bloom is an organic solution based on phytic acid extracted from rice bran and amino acids from soy. As it is a natural product from vegetable sources, it is compatible with other technologies and adjusts to a wide range of pH, being recommended to be combined with a syrup in applications.

According to the manufacturer, Organic Bloom also stimulates germination, being compatible and synergistic with the biological management of cultures. In addition to its nematicidal effect, this plant bioactivator solubilizes phosphorus and protects against biotic and abiotic stresses.

″Organic Bloom has raised its position in the agricultural market since its efficiency was proven in the laboratory and the field in experimental areas,″ agronomist Cristiane dos Reis, Director of Research and Development (R&D) at Ingal Agrotecnologia, told AgroPages.

Cristiane dos Reis conducted the studies together with agronomist Tatiane Zambiasi, Master in Nematology and Director of Agromax Agricultural Research and Development, which specializes in testing for nematode management.

The research started in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, but there were also applications on commercial crops in several other Brazilian states. The results showed that Organic Bloom is efficient in managing the main nematodes that compromise the productivity of soybeans, corn, beans and cotton. The plant bioactivator presented controlled the nematodes Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne javanica, Pratylenchus brachyurus, Heterodera glycines and Rotylenchulus reniformis.

Zambiasi told AgroPages that in the first tests, Organic Bloom affected the nematodes. From then on, they began a process of assessing the product through several tests in the laboratory and a greenhouse under controlled conditions, while field tests were also carried out at a research station to investigate what the product does, she added.″We discovered that Organic Bloom has a very efficient action against all major nematodes, which cause considerable damage to several crops in Brazil,″ Zambiasi said.

″We tested it on soybean cyst nematodes, which is a big problem in Brazil. We also applied it on nematodes of root knots and root lesions, and in all cases the results were very good. In addition, we tested it on the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis), which attacks cotton crops, and there was also excellent control,″ she stressed. According to Zambiasi, for each test carried out, different mechanisms of action were discovered, but always with the excellent control of pests.

″Other researchers have also done tests and they all found the same success. That is why we accepted Ingal Agrotecnologia's invitation to present our experience at the Brazilian Congress of Nematology, because Organic Bloom is a unique product, as it is neither chemical nor biological unlike anything else on the market,″ she explained.

In addition to soy, corn, cotton and beans, the product was also tested on cassava and even winter crops in southern Brazil. Ingal Agrotecnologia also revealed the results of a new survey to AgroPages, which was carried out by Dr. Claudia Dias Arieira and proved that Organic Bloom induces resistance in soybeans to Pratylenchus brachyurus and Meloidogyne javanica. This work will be presented in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, in September 2023 during the 53rd Annual Meeting of the Organization of Nematologists of Tropical America (ONTA).

Organic Bloom was developed in partnership with the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) and has the IBD seal of International Certification of Organic Product. Ingal Agrotecnologia was founded by Fernando Caetano and has Nelson Borges as its Commercial Leader in the Brazilian Cerrado Region.

CBN 2023 was held under the theme, ″Nematology for the future: Sustainability and Technology,″ and is being promoted by the Brazilian Society of Nematology and carried out by the Regional Group of Studies in Nematology of Mato Grosso (Gren-MT).

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)