Brazilian Society of Nematology highlights losses of BRL35 billion per year

Data from the Brazilian Society of Nematology (SBN) said the presence of nematodes in the field causes losses of around BRL35 billion per year. According to the society’s study, soybeans are the most affected crop, and half of the losses occur in legume crops, amounting to some BRL16 billion.

Nematodes attack various crop species, with a significant presence in soybean crops in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, as well as the Triângulo Mineiro and states in the North and Northeast of the country. These complex organisms feed on nutrients, inhibiting plant development and grain filling. Symptoms include leaf yellowing and stunted growth.

According to Rosangela Silva, a researcher at the Mato Grosso Foundation (Fundação MT), in addition to the soybean cyst nematode, which is the most well-known and frequent in most production regions, the incidence of certain races of the cyst nematode has increased in large soybean planting areas. In addition to Heterodera glycines, other species, such as the reniform nematode, which attacks various plant species including cotton, have also increased. "This is still a problem that significantly impacts agricultural outcomes, as it reduces crop productivity and causes losses for producers, potentially rendering the harvest unviable," she said.

According to Silva, at the first signs, farmers should seek identification of the species, and if the issue is the cyst nematode, identifying the race is extremely relevant. "This way, it is easier to plan for coexistence with the worm and prevent future episodes," she added.

Control Methods

Currently, the market has offered solutions to make roots less susceptible to attacks from the worms, which helps with control. Furthermore, genetic improvement has played a crucial role in ensuring productive crops through resistant cultivars.

"Investment in genetic research is increasingly necessary to reduce losses for producers," said Eduardo Kawakami, Head of R&D at Tropical Breeding & Genetics (TMG), a Brazilian company specializing in genetic solutions for cotton, soybeans and corn. According to the expert, "the use of research strategies for the development of resistant cultivars, in the shortest possible timeframe, benefits producers by allowing for more productive, secure and sustainable harvests, provided that farmers follow planting and management recommendations."

Another technology that has caught the attention of Brazilian farmers is the plant bioactivator, Organic Bloom, from Ingal Agrotechnology. In addition to being effective in controlling the reniform nematode, as well as gall, cyst and lesion nematodes, Organic Bloom has conducted studies that proved its ability to solubilize phosphorus, induce resistance against nematodes in soybean plants, and synergize with biologically-formulated products containing bacteria and fungi.

According to agronomist Cristiane dos Reis, Director of Research and Development (R&D) at Ingal Agrotechnology, studies have been conducted, in collaboration with nematology expert Dr. Cristiano Bellé from the Phytus Institute, which also confirms the efficiency of Organic Bloom against nematodes when incorporated into organomineral fertilizer formulations. A greenhouse study, as early as 30 days after the application of the organomineral treated with Organic Bloom, showed the efficient control of eggs and juveniles of the Meloidogyne javanica nematode.

"Surprisingly, the results remained at the same levels of efficiency for both juveniles and eggs present in the soil and in soybean roots 60 days after the application of the organomineral fertilizer to the soil. However, the results went beyond nematode control, as during the trial, factors related to the physiology of the soybean plant, such as fresh root and shoot mass, were shown to have benefited, leading to an increase in productivity of 6.54 sc/ha," dos Reis said.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)

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