Nematicides for sugarcane grow nearly 50% in last 5 Brazilian harvests, led by biologicals

The nematicide market for sugarcane cultivation has increased by nearly 50% in the last five Brazilian harvests, with biological products playing a prominent role. 

A survey by Kynetec Brasil indicated that pesticides generally generated BRL9.2 billion in this sector in 2023. As a result, sugarcane ranks third among essential crops in the agrochemical sector. 

According to the study accessed by AgroPages, revenue increased by 7% compared to the BRL8.6 billion generated in 2022. Sugarcane has become highly strategic for nematicide manufacturers and is essential for effective nematode management. 

According to the FarmTrak survey by Kynetec Brasil, these inputs generated BRL403 million in the country last year, a 47% increase from 2019 (BRL273 million). São Paulo state concentrated 59% of nematicide sales for sugarcane (BRL235.8 million), followed by the combined regions of the Midwest: 29% or BRL118.4 million. According to Kynetec, out of the total nematicide sales in 2023, 64%, or BRL257 million, correspond to biological nematicides.

According to the consultancy's specialist, Lucas Naves Montrasio, five years ago, transactions involving such products represented only 21% of the category (BRL58 million). "The research detects, year after year, a progressive migration of producers to biological nematicides," emphasized Montrasio. 

"Bionematicides have been subject to innovations and are effective in containing the pest," he said. He explained that Nematodes compromise root development and reduce sugarcane productivity.

According to the study, the area in Brazil, around 9 million hectares per year, planted with sugarcane remains stable. The state of São Paulo holds over 50% of the crops (4.926 million ha), followed by the Midwest region, 23% (2.037 million ha). According to the consultancy, 76% of sugarcane fields belong to mills and 24% to suppliers. Of the total area of the crop, Kynetec says, 15% (1.264 million ha) now consists of plant cane (first cut) and 85%, 7.441 million ha, of ratoon cane (re-growth).

Kynetec specialist, Lucas Montrasio, emphasized that 15%, or 1.329 million hectares of sugarcane cultivated in Brazil in 2023, received nematicide applications. The Midwest and the state of São Paulo, have the highest adoption rates: 21% and 16% of planted areas, respectively, the executive said. In areas of the country cultivated with plant cane, the executive continues, nematicides covered 863,000 hectares in 2023, 68% of the total, compared to 42% in 2019 (638,000 hectares).

Over a five-year average, the adoption of biological nematicides or bionematicides in plant cane increased by 38 points, to 54%, Montrasio added. In ratoon cane, the same products covered 5% of the area last year (348 thousand hectares), compared to only 1% recorded five harvests earlier. 

Montrasio added that in plant cane, in Kynetec's analysis by region, the Midwest leads the adoption of nematicides in general, with applications in 81% of crops last year, an indicator 48 points higher than in 2019. In the São Paulo area, the rate rose 18 points to 68%.

Montrasio explained that this difference in adoption rates between one type of cane and another is because plant cane requires more attention and investment in nematode containment treatments. 

"This is the beginning of the sugarcane cycle. Nematodes severely attack plant roots. Therefore, all future production will depend on a good crop establishment," he summarized. 

"The adoption of nematicides in the Midwest is more significant due to soil characteristics, which increase the presence of the pest in that region," Montrasio said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)