Rizobacter launches biological nematicide Magnevus at Expodireto 2025

Rizobacter unveiled its new biological nematicide, Magnevus, during the Expodireto 2025 fair held in Não-Me-Toque, in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, with exclusive coverage by AgroPages.

The product is formulated as a Suspension Concentrate (SC) based on the bacterium Burkholderia rinojensis, strain A396. It is registered for the control of the nematodes Pratylenchus brachyurus (lesion nematode) and Tetranychus urticae (spider mite) in all crops where the target pest occurs.

According to the manufacturer, a company within the Bioceres Crop Solutions Group, Magnevus is a "milestone for biological products." It is the first biological nematicide formulated with secondary metabolites registered in Brazil, offering nematicidal, ovicidal, and nematostatic action.

"It's innovation and efficiency for producers in nematode management," stated Rizobacter during the launch event, which took place this week as part of the Expodireto 2025 program. On the occasion, Professor Cristiano Bellé, Ph.D. in Phytosanitary and Nematology Researcher, gave a lecture on the challenges of nematode management in Brazil.

"It's a sustainable, innovative technology that will enter the market to revolutionize nematode management," Bellé said about the launch of Magnevus. According to him, the incidence of nematodes has been increasing in various areas of the southern region, primarily due to the difficulty in correctly identifying the symptoms caused by these organisms.

"Often, the damage is mistaken for problems of biotic origin (such as fungi and bacteria) or abiotic (such as nutritional deficiencies, waterlogging, and soil compaction), which delays diagnosis and compromises effective management. Additionally, the cultivation system adopted over the years, with successive host plants, favors the multiplication of these pathogens. Dissemination also occurs through contaminated agricultural implements, highlighting the importance of good management practices," the specialist explains.

According to him, a crucial point is that once nematodes establish themselves in an area, eradication is unfeasible. "Therefore, preventive strategies and integrated management are essential to minimize the damage caused by these pathogens," he advocates as a researcher at Staphyt Brazil Regulatory Affairs and Agro Sciences Consultancy.

Another notable presence at the Magnevus bionematicide launch event was Dr. Alessandra Vollman from Rivia Agricultural Research. She emphasized the importance of proper soil sampling and correct nematode identification for effective pest management in the field.

"From there, the best methodologies, products, and alternatives for nematode control can be sought. It is crucial to identify which nematode species are present to tailor the management of this pest. With Rizobacter's new product, Magnevus, we have another tool in the market that can aid in nematode control," concluded Dr. Alessandra Vollman, a Researcher in Plant Nutrition and Physiology who also holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy (UEM) and a Master's in Plant Physiology (UFPel).

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)