Multisites biofungicides gain ground in End-of-Cycle Diseases

Multisites biofungicides are gaining market space in Brazilian control for End-of-Cycle Diseases. 

According to experts consulted by AgroPages, this is occurring due to the high efficacy of these biological technologies and their good cost-benefit ratio.

According to the FarmTrak Soja study by Kynetec Brasil consultancy, the multisite fungicides market experienced a significant size increase. Between the 2018-2019 and 2022-2023 crop years, transactions involving these products advanced 218%, from BRL1.2 billion to BRL3.8 billion.

However, the scenario appears unstable for the 2024-2025 crop year due to a delicate moment. Logistical import and supply problems of active ingredients could lead to a shortage of protective or multisite fungicides for Brazilian farmers.

"The control of End-of-Cycle Diseases, which are a group of fungal diseases affecting various crops, has been a constant challenge for rural producers, as they appear in a phase where containment is difficult and can cause significant production damage, with losses in productivity," reported Thales Facanali, Portfolio Manager at Biotrop, a leading company in biological solutions for agriculture.

"The use of bio-inputs in replacement of chemical products is already a reality. Farmers across Brazil can naturally choose to migrate to biological products, such as the Bombardeiro biofungicide, which, in addition to being an efficient alternative for End-of-Cycle Disease control, has a lower investment per hectare for the producer," Facanali stated.

Bombardeiro has been present in the Brazilian market since 2021. It is a biological fungicide that represents a resistance management option. Its formulation combines three microorganisms: Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus velezensis, and Bacillus pumilus, which act in different ways to combat pathogens.

According to the manufacturer, this biological product has "multiple control actions with high efficacy, providing benefits beyond those offered by traditional chemical multisites found in the market. It is a product of practical use for rural producers, with liquid formulation and low dosage, not generating compatibility and mixing problems at the time of use."

Currently, a problem identified in crops is the increased tolerance of End-of-Cycle Diseases to intensive agrochemical use. According to Biotrop, the lack of intelligent management causes pathogens to become more resistant and difficult to control.

"Biological products are effective tools for this management, as they use living organisms, such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses - or natural substances derived from them - to combat pathogens in a sustainable and regenerative way," Facanali informed.

Bombardeiro is registered for 30 targets and has shock and residual effects. "The multiple modes of action of the product are its control differentials. Considering the production of metabolites with fungicidal action (antibiosis), it promotes resistance induction and protects plants, in addition to promoting plant growth. Due to its high action spectrum, it is one of the most comprehensive multisite biofungicides in the market," Biotrop stated.

"If we observe Bombardeiro's data obtained from researchers and research institutions, the protocols performed to compare results with the active ingredient Mancozeb, we have 51 results that bring us an average increase of 2.5 sc/ha in replacing the chemical product's use," Facanali said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)