Corteva's Lumialza bionematicide obtains registrations for 3 new targets in Brazil

Date:11-29-2023

Corteva Agriscience's biological nematicide, Lumialza, has obtained registrations for three new targets in Brazil. The bionematicide can now be used as a seed treatment to control root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica) in soybeans, lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus zeae) in corn, and reniform nematodes (Rotylenchulus reniformis) in cotton.

Lumialza contains the naturally occurring bacterium, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain PTA-4838), which colonizes the root region to create a biological barrier against a wide range of harmful nematodes. This occurs without disrupting the activities of beneficial soil organisms, providing efficient protection early in the crop establishment stage and extending for more than 80 days.

According to the Brazilian Society of Nematology, nematodes can cause annual losses of up to BRL36 billion, with losses exceeding 50% in soybean fields and up to 35% in corn.

″With Lumialza's registration for new targets, farmers have a more comprehensive tool for nematode management in their crops,″ said Dante Queiroz, leader of Corteva Agriscience's Seed Treatment Portfolio.

He especially recommended the registration for reniform nematodes, which is one of the most relevant species in cotton cultivation. This nematode is also characterized by leaf yellowing, reduced plant size and its impact on productivity. "It is another method for simplifying the daily life of the rural producer in search of productivity and profitability in the field," he said.

Root-knot nematodes have the characteristic of thickening the root system, causing reduced growth and leaf yellowing, while lesion nematodes have a wide distribution and severe presence in host plants, causing necrosis and rot.

In addition to the new targets, the product is recommended for controlling other root-knot nematodes races, such as Meloidogyne incognita, cyst nematodes (Heterodera glycines) and root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp) in soybeans and corn. It activates hormone production in plants, promoting greater root and above-ground development.

"The use of biological solutions in agriculture, especially in nematode control, has been widely adopted. Biological nematicides have the advantage of containing bacteria that colonize the plant's roots, forming a protective barrier against nematode species. Due to this characteristic, the bacteria population develops at the same rate as the plant, offering protection throughout the crop's vegetative stage. Therefore, producers who complete their seed treatment with Lumialza can be confident in the effectiveness of their nematode management," concludes Queiroz.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)