Bionematicides already represent 75% of the market in Brazil, study shows

Biological nematicides are currently the leading choice of Brazilian producers for controlling these parasites, accounting for 75% of the total market, according to data from the FarmTrak study by Kynetec. 

The survey revealed that investments in this type of nematode control have already reached a value of BRL1.2 billion (around US$245 million).

On the other hand, chemical solutions moved BRL395 million ($80 million), according to the Kynetec FarmTrak research. For comparison, in 2015, chemicals dominated the nematode control market with a 94% share, while biologicals had only 6%.

"The biological is a living organism that grows along with the plant. It protects the roots and also offers secondary benefits, such as the production of substances that act as growth promoters. The use of these solutions is beneficial, as they also have no toxicity to the environment," explained Eduardo Ivan, Biological Products Manager at BRANDT Brazil.

He pointed out that proper management is also an essential tool for combating nematodes. For example, crop rotation can help reduce the nematode population in certain areas.

"If the producer grows corn for a long time, the incidence of nematodes specific to that crop will increase. By rotating with other crops, such as soybeans or wheat, he naturally decreases the presence of the parasites because they cannot adapt to all plants," the specialist noted.

The application of green manures, such as crotalaria, also reduces infestations. "The plant is incorporated into the soil between seasons, and in addition to having the ability to fix nitrogen and improve the organic matter content, it also reduces the reproduction capacity of nematodes," explained the Biological Products Manager at BRANDT Brazil.

Eduardo Ivan also commented that "the research results make it clear that preventive management and the use of control technologies are to avoid losses. In the soybean crop, for example, one lost season in ten represents losses of $5.6 billion. Other crops, such as coffee, sugarcane, and corn, also suffer serious consequences. The estimated losses for these sectors are $22.4 billion, $29.2 billion, and $23.1 billion over the next ten years. Nematode occurrence will not end, but we need to be aware of this scenario and the losses it can cause in production, and in view of this, work with integrated management to ensure the greatest possible protection of the crop."

According to research by the Brazilian Society of Nematology, more than 90% of the samples collected in agricultural areas in Brazil showed nematode infestations. Of the 21,661 analyzed samples, these microscopic worms contaminated 20,440. The survey estimated that if no action was taken, losses could exceed $177 billion in ten years.

"Generally, when the nematode manifests itself in the visible part of the plant, the attack is already in a very advanced stage. They directly affect plant development, impairing water and nutrient absorption, which results in reduced growth and productivity, as they affect grain filling, for example," the executive said.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)