BASF and Biotrigo partner to develop new technology in wheat

An unprecedented partnership between BASF and Biotrigo Genetica was signed for the development of new wheat cultivars within the Clearfield® production system. The technology is expected to reach the Brazilian market in 2020 and will be an efficient tool to aid in the control of weeds. 

 

In rice fields in Brazil, Clearfield® is already a technology recognized and adopted in more than 80% of the areas. This innovation meant a resumption of crop sowing in previously neglected areas due to high weed infestation. In wheat, the Clearfield® production system will support the producer to effectively manage weeds in the crop and production system, avoiding initial competition and delivering the clean area to soybeans.

 

The new herbicide resistant, imidazolinone-resistant cultivar helps eliminate important weeds, such as ryegrass (Lolium spp.) and wild radish (Raphanus spp.), which are resistant to other herbicides. "The weed competition in wheat can cause a significant reduction in yield and quality. Therefore, the partnership with Biotrigo is very important to bring to farmers innovation in the production system, coupled with high yield genetics. In this way, growers will be able to better manage their crops and achieve greater productivity, grain quality and profitability, "says Vitor Bernardes, BASF's marketing manager of rice and winter crops.

 

For the cultivation of wheat, the introduction of technology will be a pioneer in Brazil. According to Jorge Stachoviack, the manager of New Business at Biotrigo, the new cultivar is not a GMO technology, having been selected through conventional breeding techniques. "This process selects cultivars for higher productivity, greater resistance to diseases and, in that case, resistance to herbicides that would normally kill the wheat plant," he explained.

 

The first variety to be launched by the partnership with CL technology, still without a commercial name, is derived from TBIO Sinuelo - one of the most sown materials in Brazil in recent years - and has agronomic characteristics very close to it. "We understand that this new solution will allow us to offer a greater number of mechanisms of action, helping to manage the resistance of weeds that affect not only wheat but also summer crops," Jorge said.