Grupo Santa Clara launches bionematicide Exclusiv in Brazil

The Brazilian Group Santa Clara unveiled its new bionematicide, Exclusiv (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens), at the Andav Congress 2024 in São Paulo, exclusively covered by AgroPages.

This product, developed by Inflora Biociência – a division within Santa Clara focused on exclusive biotechnology innovations – addresses a significant agricultural issue: soil nematodes. Its creators describe Exclusiv as a ″highly efficient bionematicide for controlling these harmful soil parasites″, such as Meloidogyne incognita. 

The product has proven agronomic efficiency for cotton and lettuce crops and can be used in any crop with biological target occurrence. It is applied through a single dose via the planting furrow at the time of sowing.

According to Inflora Biociência, Exclusiv is easy to apply and ″enhances both sustainability and productivity″ in crop management. The launch of Exclusiv directly responds to the pressing needs of Brazilian agriculture: Soil nematodes are a primary concern, causing significant crop damage.

The Brazilian Society of Nematology (SBN) has estimated potential losses of up to BRL870 billion over the next decade if current nematode management practices do not improve.

Otávio Mamede, Executive Marketing Manager at Grupo Santa Clara, emphasized the importance of this development in mitigating the growing threat posed by nematodes. He highlighted the need for preventive management and effective control measures to protect crops and support sustainable agricultural practices.

Grupo Santa Clara is heavily invested in research and development (R&D), allocating over 8% of its gross revenue to these efforts – nearly double the industry average. The company collaborates with around 40 public and private research institutions, driving the creation of proprietary technologies and new solutions to support agriculture in Brazil and internationally.

The Brazilian bio-input market has been expanding rapidly. According to data from FarmTrak Bioinsumos by Kynetec, the market reached US$827 million in the 2022/23 growing season. Notably, biopesticides now account for 4% of total transactions in the crop protection sector, with bionematicides alone generating $291 million in sales.

Mamede also highlighted the strategic importance of the Andav Congress for Grupo Santa Clara. The event serves as a platform to present emerging trends and connect with crucial Brazilian distributors who deeply understand the realities, opportunities, and challenges rural producers face.

With the launch of Exclusiv, Grupo Santa Clara and Inflora Biociência continue demonstrating their commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and addressing the most pressing challenges in the sector.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)

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