FMC, Girassol Agrícola partnership provides TSI with bionematicide

FMC and agricultural inputs distributor Girassol Agrícola have partnered to provide exclusive and unprecedented products to Brazilian cotton farmers. The aim is to promote further initial development of cotton and protection against nematode attacks and weeds. Under this project, Girassol Agrícola will offer treated seeds via Industrial Seed Treatment (TSI) with the bionematicide Presence Full (Bacillus subtilis, strain FMCH002-DSM32155 + Bacillus licheniformis, strain FMCH001-DSM32154). In addition to the biological nematicide, the seeds will receive treatment with the seed protector Permit Star (Dietolato).

According to FMC, both solutions will bring "security and protection to the crop and the farmer to combat major and growing problems in cotton farming, such as nematode infestation in the roots and also the control of weeds such as grasses, morning glories, and beggarticks (Bidens pilosa), which are highly damaging."

"The strategic partnership with Girassol Agrícola will bring cotton growers cotton seeds with TSI quality and unique and differentiated products," said Fábio Lemos, FMC's cotton crop manager. According to him, with this technology, the producer will have a seed ready for use without re-treatment before planting.

Presence Full is a tool to combat the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and the lesion nematode (Pratylenchus brachyurus). On the other hand, Permit Star prepares the seed so that the cotton farmer can subsequently apply the pre-emergent herbicide Reator (Clomazone), a reference in cotton farming for combating and protecting against initial weed competition, which directly interferes with yield and fiber quality.

"The adoption of bionematicides and pre-emergent herbicides is growing every year in cotton farming, and with this technology made available in TSI, we seek resource optimization, increased productivity, better fiber quality, and consequently, the sustainability of Brazilian cotton," the manager emphasized.

For Girassol Agrícola, the partnership is an additional safety measure for producers, who can be assured of having seeds that are produced with excellence. "We believe in and invest in technology and aim to bring exclusivity to our clients. This is present in various aspects, such as our specific team for the cotton crop, something unprecedented among the seed multipliers, and also through our cultivars," pointed out Rodrigo Campos, the company's marketing manager. In addition to the most planted ones, he said, "We have exclusive varieties from Girassol in our portfolio that boost Brazilian cotton productivity."

This year, Brazil is facing high expectations due to the current scenario of increased cotton acreage for the 2023/24 harvest.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)

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