Oilema launches sorghum hybrids tolerant to insects and nematodes in Brazil

The Brazilian seed company Sementes Oilema attracted attention in the input sector by presenting technological innovations in soybeans and sorghum during the Bahia Farm Show, considered the largest agricultural fair in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil.

Sementes Oilema used the event to launch the sorghum hybrids Oilema 2014 HTP and Oilema 2012 HTP. According to company officials, these hybrids incorporate HTP technology—Hybrids Tolerant to the Yellow Sugarcane Aphid (Melanaphis sacchari).

The yellow sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari), originally restricted to regions of Asia, Oceania, and Africa, have spread to various parts of the world, including the Americas, where it has caused significant agricultural losses. Particularly in sorghum and sugarcane crops, the yellow sugarcane aphid stands out as a significant threat, due to its rapid reproduction and ability to develop resistance to insecticides.

This pest causes direct damage to plants by feeding on the phloem, which can lead to symptoms such as chlorosis (leaf yellowing), reduced growth, and in severe infestations, even plant death. In addition to direct damage, the yellow sugarcane aphid is a vector of important viruses, such as the sugarcane mosaic virus and other pathogens. Transmission of these viruses can cause diseases that significantly impact crop productivity.

The yellow sugarcane aphid develops resistance to various insecticides, which complicates management. Excessive use of insecticides can lead to further problems, such as the elimination of natural enemies and the development of resistant populations. This characteristic emphasizes the importance of using hybrids resistant to Melanaphis sacchari, aiming to reduce the need for sprays.

Additionally, the new sorghum hybrids Oilema 2014 HTP and Oilema 2012 HTP possess the recognized agronomic advantage characteristic of all the company’s hybrids: none of them multiply nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica, M. incognita, and Pratylenchus brachyurus). According to Sementes Oilema , this trait contributes to soil health and the performance of crops that follow sorghum in rotation.

Celito Missio Oilema (in the right)

″This year’s fair was undoubtedly the largest and best organized—no different for Oilema. Our main goal was to strengthen relationships, and we achieved that very productively,″ noted Sementes Oilema CEO and Co-Founder Celito Missio.

Further, agronomist André Aguirre shared technical guidance on featured products and best management practices. Meanwhile, commercial executive Paulo Levinski emphasized said that ″the fair was an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and hear directly from those in the field. That is essential to keep Oilema aligned with the real needs of the producer.″

Results and Investments

In this challenging environment for agribusiness, Sementes Oilema reported growth of more than 5% in sales volume, establishing itself with about a 2.5% share of the total soybean-planted area in Brazil. In the period, Oilema reported shipping 1.4 million bags of seed.

According to Celito Missio, the results reflect alignment with established planning. ″We had a challenging year, but consistent growth, at a time when many in the market faced contraction. The quality of our seeds made a difference: we did not have a single hectare replanted due to quality issues, which reinforces the trust of our clients and partners.″

One of the portfolio highlights was the impressive growth, about 50%, in the sorghum crop, which emerges as one of the company’s main bets for the coming years. Domestic demand, combined with export potential to countries such as China, has done much to increase market prospects.

″Sorghum is an extremely promising crop. Producers are already preparing to meet this demand, both for ethanol production and for export. Brazil has all the conditions to expand its participation in this global market,″ said Missio.

In addition to advances in the field, Sementes Oilema opened its new headquarters this year. Built on a plot of 3,600 square meters, the facility includes a 465 square-meter laboratory and administrative buildings.

With a history of robust investments—BRL 70 million (USD 13 million) invested since last year in infrastructure--- Missio noted, ″These investments are not just for growth, but to ensure we operate with excellence on all fronts. We are prepared to keep moving forward, growing alongside Brazilian producers.″ 

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)