Syngenta launches bionematicide for entire sugarcane cycle in Brazil

After conducting dozens of experimental tests carried out in sugarcane fields in various regions of Brazil, Syngenta developed and launched the microbiological bionematicide, CERTANO. The new technology is the company's first biological product aimed at sugarcane cultivation and offering bionematicide, biofungicide and growth-promoting actions, achieving consistent control with immediate and prolonged effect.

Aimed at the entire sugarcane crop cycle, the product ensures the effective control of various genera of entomopathogenic nematodes present in sugarcane fields, which considerably impact the productivity of whole sugarcane crops. 

The official launch of CERTANO took place during a recent event targeting researchers, sugarcane growers and representatives of sugar-energy plants, which was held in Ribeirão Preto (SP). In total, there were more than 200 participants. 

For Leandro Bessa, Product Portfolio Director at Syngenta, the new feature can be practically used at all times of the year, combining physical and chemical compatibility with other products.

"This launch is a realization of our efforts. It is a unique moment that marks Syngenta's entry into the biological segment for sugarcane cultivation, with an efficient innovation for a management system that promotes sustainability and productivity,″ said Leandro Bessa, Product Portfolio Director at Syngenta Crop Protection. 

The new bionematicide is based on Bacillus velezensis, a microorganism with multiple functions to combat a wide spectrum of nematodes and diseases that routinely attack sugarcane crops. Its ″three-in-one″ activity achieves a prolonged and immediate effect, explained professor and researcher Fernando Godinho from the Federal Institute of Goiano. ″We have an action that occurs through metabolites, which act mainly on nematode eggs and juveniles, as well as on the germination of fungal spores. Therefore, we consider it both a bionematicide and a biofungicide. Furthermore, it has a significant growth-promoting effect,″ Godinho said. 

He added that Bacillus velezensis induces phytohormone pathways, promoting better rooting and vegetative development of sugarcane fields. According to Godinho, a series of fungal diseases, in addition to nematodes, attack sugarcane, and many of them are being studied by Syngenta to reduce losses in Brazilian crops.

″In recent years, studies on nematodes carried out in conjunction with the Brazilian Society of Nematology have recorded data on losses of up to 16% caused by these pests per harvest, in addition to a reduction in the longevity of crops,″ Godinho said.

During the event, Renato Pirola, Marketing Manager at Syngenta, also presented technical studies that mention the possibility of accumulated losses of up to R$143 billion if these pests are neglected over the next ten years in Brazil.

″Imagine the accumulated damage if nematodes are not controlled correctly? We are talking about a significant financial impact with a reduction in the longevity of the sugarcane field if this management is neglected. Therefore, Syngenta presents the concept of managing the hidden enemy, which corresponds to different key fronts of control, such as innovation in chemical and biological products, diversified management strategies and digital technologies to assist farmers,″ Pirola said.