Promip expands baculovirus-treated area, targets 10 million hectares by 2026

Mounting caterpillar pressure in Brazilian agriculture has driven a search for more technological and selective bio-insecticides. According to Promip, these factors have dramatically increased the area treated with baculovirus-based products from 500,000 hectares to over two million hectares between 2021 and 2024.

"By leveraging baculoviruses (viruses with insecticidal action), Promip has been expanding its presence in the Brazilian agricultural sector, both through its distribution channels and B2B partnerships, particularly in major crops like corn, soybeans, cotton, and vegetables," the Brazilian company stated. Promip projects the production capacity to cover approximately ten million hectares by 2026, aiming to solidify its market leadership.

The company reported that this increase reflects farmers' growing adoption of sustainable and effective pest control solutions amid heightened caterpillar pressures in recent harvests. Moreover, the high selectivity of baculoviruses presents a significant advantage.

"In a landscape where pest resistance to conventional insecticides is an escalating concern, baculovirus usage as part of IPM (integrated pest management) stands out," explained Marcelo Poletti, Promip's CEO. "It provides efficient control, especially against Spodoptera frugiperda, commonly known as the fall armyworm."

Embrapa’s studies, developed in partnership with Promip, demonstrate that baculovirus application can achieve control efficiency exceeding 80% in certain crops, such as soybeans and corn, depending on climatic conditions and pest population density.

The FarmTrak 2023/24 survey by Kynetec Brasil revealed a substantial increase in caterpillar pressure during the second corn crop. Insecticide adoption for pest control jumped 24%, with application intensity rising 13%. The area treated with specific products reached 22.5 million hectares, a 38% increase from the previous crop—a growth not seen in at least three agricultural cycles.

Baculoviruses are insect-specific viruses that exclusively infect insects, particularly caterpillars. The infection cycle begins when caterpillars ingest viral particles on contaminated leaves. Within the insect's body, the virus multiplies and compromises cellular function, rapidly interrupting feeding capabilities. Within days, the infected insect dies, releasing viruses ready to infect other caterpillars.

Poletti highlighted the viruses' unique specificity compared to other pest control methods. "Their selective action allows protecting agricultural crops without harming natural predators—beneficial insects that help control undesirable populations naturally."

Unlike other biological agents cultivated in industrial bioreactors, baculoviruses multiply within caterpillar bodies. This process requires numerous healthy caterpillars to function as natural bioreactors, providing an ideal viral replication environment. Consequently, production is complex, involving multiple highly controlled stages.

"Our manufacturing facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling increased production capacity while maintaining high-quality standards, including production for other brands nationwide," the company said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)