Openeem Bioscience launches biopesticides with biobotanical matrix in Brazil

Brazilian company Openeem Bioscience, founded in 2016, announced exclusively to AgroPages the launch of the first products based on a "biobotanical matrix" to control agricultural pests and diseases. The company confirmed these would be the first four solutions to be introduced to the market out of seven planned by 2026. The lineup also includes adjuvants, biofertilizers, and soil conditioners. These products result from a research and development process that began in 2006.

Unlike the segments of agrochemicals and biological products, Openeem Bioscience formulates its products with active ingredients consisting of over 100 triterpenoids (a chemical class), among more than 300 other compounds such as amino acids and organic carbon, sourced from the ancient Neem tree. The plant, originally from Burma and arid regions of India, possesses protective properties documented in ancient Hindu scriptures. "Openeem is a pioneer in the registration class of triterpene-based biopesticides, a category previously unprecedented in the Ministry of Agriculture and in the biobotanicals category," says CEO Gabriela Lindemann.

To meet regulatory requirements, the company has invested in importing phytochemical standards, toxicity analyses, and agronomic tests. "The products have no negative impact on the environment and humans. They provide effectiveness against pests and diseases, bringing profitability and quality to production," she said.

Openeem Bioscience maintains a Neem tree forest spanning more than 500 hectares in São João de Pirabas (PA). Currently, 100 hectares are planted, and this area is expected to increase to 280 by 2026. By 2032, the goal is to expand cultivation to 500 hectares, achieving sales of R$400 million for soybean, corn, coffee, citrus, cotton, and sugarcane producers. According to Gabriela, the research and development process that guided the creation of the biobotanical portfolio required an investment of R$40 million.

The product line includes the bioinsecticide Valente^®, the bionematicide Brutus^®, the biofungicide Bravo^®, and the biofertilizer Ânima^®. The expectation is to distribute three more solutions by 2026 that are currently in the registration phase: Gênese^® (soil conditioner), Sagaz^® (bioherbicide), and Galo^® (adjuvant). "This portfolio effectively meets the phytosanitary demands of all crops. The bioinsecticide Valente^®, the bionematicide Brutus^®, and the biofungicide Bravo^® act against over 400 pests and diseases," Gabriela explained.

Regarding the bioinsecticide Valente^®, she added that trials conducted by 40 agricultural consultancies and research institutes in 188 cultivated areas showed an average increase of 30% in pest control, and an additional average return of 4.72 sacks per hectare of soybean. "In corn, especially against the 'leafhopper' pest, work carried out in 54 areas revealed an average control gain of 35% and an average return of an extra 5.2 sacks per hectare." Regarding pests, Gabriela emphasized that the portfolio focuses on stink bugs, mites, whiteflies, caterpillars, thrips, leafhoppers, aphids, borers, and leaf miners.

Other applications extended to IPM (integrated pest management) practices and the management of insecticide and fungicide resistance to pests and pathogens. As for the primary target fungi, they include leaf spots and rots in various crops, as well as soybean rust.

Openeem Bioscience operates through structured commercial partnerships with retailers and is currently present in 80 municipalities across various Brazilian states.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)

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