PHC Brasil's biofungicide Saori^® shows promise against soybean disease

Plant Health Care Brasil (PHC) will present during the BioSSoluções para o Agro event taking place this week in Campo Grande (MS) and at Febrasem (Brazilian Seed Fair), in Rondonópolis (MT), the first results of using the biofungicide Saori^® in controlling soybean pod and stem blight, one of the greatest emerging concerns in Brazilian soybean cultivation.

Developed with innovative PREtec technology, which activates plants' natural defense mechanisms, Saori^® is the first and only biofungicide applied in seed treatment and registered for controlling foliar diseases in soybeans, including Asian rust, leaf spots and other difficult-to-manage diseases. Now, recent studies indicate that the protection from germination activated by Saori^® also contributes to controlling soybean pod and stem blight, preserving the integrity of reproductive structures and grain filling.

"Soybean pod and stem blight represents an important sanitary challenge for soybean crops, with direct impact on productivity. The results presented reinforce the strategic role of the biofungicide Saori^® as part of preventive management, from sowing," highlights Rodrigo Egéa de Miranda, General Director of PHC Brasil.

The losses associated with soybean pod and stem blight are significant. According to Embrapa, in some regions, such as the mid-north of Mato Grosso, estimates point to losses of up to 30% in the productivity of affected crops.

The PREtec technology, developed by PHC, uses peptides to activate plants' natural defense mechanisms, without leaving residues and with full compatibility with conventional management programs. According to the company, Saori^® controls diseases during the vegetative cycle of soybeans, increases the efficacy of foliar fungicides during the reproductive stage by up to 23% and promotes average productivity gains of up to 8 bags/ha, with estimated return superior to 6 times the investment.

Besides controlling the soybean pod and stem blight, Saori^® presents additional benefits to soybean growers, such as greater germination, initial vigor, leaf retention and protection against hidden diseases. Applied via seed treatment, it allows farmers greater flexibility in management, reduces inoculum pressure during the crop cycle and brings more peace of mind in crop management.

The presentation of groundbreaking results during the BioSSoluções event and Febrasem marks a new chapter in the adoption of fourth-generation biological solutions in Brazilian agriculture. With this innovation, PHC reinforces its commitment to sustainability, productivity and the advancement of regenerative agriculture.

"With this harvest's results, we will request the extension of use of Saori^® for controlling this important disease, but the good news is that these benefits will be visible to those who use the product at the dose of 90 μg/seed for controlling diseases such as rust, target spot and end-of-cycle diseases, following label recommendations," highlights Ferdinando Silva, R&D Director of PHC Brasil.