Biotrop highlights Biomagno against soil fungi and nematodes

Brazilian biological inputs company Biotrop emphasized the effectiveness of Biomagno in combating soil fungi.

The product is formulated from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, isolated CNPSo3202 + Bacillus velezensis, isolated CNPSo3602 + Bacillus thuringiensis, isolated CNPSo3915.

In addition to its biofungicidal action, Biomagno combats the main species of nematodes affecting cotton, corn, and soybean crops.

Among the critical nematodes in these crops are Pratylenchus brachyurus, mainly found in corn, Rotylenchulus reniformis, which is observed frequently in cotton fields, and Meloidogyne incognita, seen in various crops with a high potential for damaging soybeans and cotton.

Biotrop also warns against Heterodera glycines, a nematode that has been prominently appearing, especially in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso – one of the largest agricultural producers in Brazil.

Losses from nematodes raise concerns: Brazilian farmers face annual losses of R$35 billion in the field, with R$15 billion occurring solely in soybean cultivation, according to data from the Brazilian Society of Nematology (SBN).

According to the manufacturer, Biomagno acts in multiple ways against these targets, including a direct effect due to its exclusive composition.

"With multiple modes of action that enhance diversity in the soil, it allows the plant to express its full productive potential," Biotrop emphasized.

In addition to being microscopic, nematodes have a long presence in the rhizosphere (remaining viable in the soil for more than five years, depending on the genus and species), serving as the "gateway to other diseases."

According to Biotrop, the frequent use of chemical inputs in agriculture increasingly affects the natural soil biota, favoring the rise of these worms that feed on plant roots, interfering with the productive capacity of the crop.

"Over the years, agrochemicals have lost effectiveness due to resistance acquired by phytonematodes," informed Thales Facanali Martins, Portfolio Manager at Biotrop.

According to him, farmers "already see biologicals as the main tools for control."

"Today, more than 90% of nematicides for soybeans acquired in Brazil are biological, applied through seed treatment or planting furrow, and this number is increasing. In addition to being effective, they benefit the soil and the plant, protecting productivity," the specialist pointed out.

Thales Facanali Martins emphasized that "biological products adds live microorganisms to the soil biota, such as beneficial fungi and bacteria, which directly act against nematodes."

"This interrupts a cycle harmful to plants, which would even lead to the proliferation of other diseases in the soil, potentiated by lesions caused in the roots," the specialist informed.

As a primary example, he mentioned the bacterium Bacillus spp., a species used as a biological nematicide that acts as an antagonist, protecting cultivated plants preventively and stimulating plant growth.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)