GoGenetic develops primers for identifying microorganisms in bioinputs using RT-PCR

GoGenetic Agro announced the development of exclusive primers for application in biological products used in agriculture. 

According to the Brazilian company, the primers are small DNA sequences capable of accurately identifying microorganisms present in bioinputs through the RT-PCR (qPCR) methodology.

"The growing demand for more effective, safe, and traceable bioinputs is driving the use of molecular technologies in agriculture," GoGenetic Agro stated. 

The company revealed that its focus is on "personalization and exclusivity as pillars of the new generation of bioinputs, based on the selection of unique strains, genomic analysis, quality control by qPCR, and field validation with metagenomics."

Vânia Pankievicz, CEO of GoGenetic Agro (left)

Vânia Pankievicz, CEO of GoGenetic Agro, told AgroPages that the company is "at the forefront of this revolution, offering advanced solutions to ensure that each bioinput delivers its maximum potential, promoting a more sustainable, productive, and science-based agriculture."

The exclusive primers function as a "genetic ID," confirming the identity of the microorganisms used in the products and guaranteeing traceability from the laboratory to field application. Developed on the complete genome of a strain, the primers prevent cross-contamination and false positives—an essential factor both for registering bioinputs with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA) and for maintaining the exclusivity of the strain and protecting investments in innovation.

"This is one of the most powerful tools to guarantee the originality of the strains, which proves the quality of the products and protects the industry's investment. It is a technological frontier that positions Brazil as a protagonist in the use of biotechnology for agriculture," Vânia said.

The technology also reduces risks for the producer. Bioinputs without adequate control can compromise an entire harvest. With exclusive primers, the producer has security and confidence that they are using an effective biological solution, contributing to the sustainability and modernization of agriculture.

The bioinputs market is experiencing a period of expansion. According to CropLife Brasil, in 2023, the global value of this market was estimated between US$13 and 15 billion. In Brazil, the commercial segment grew 30% in three harvests, from R$3.9 billion in 2021-2022 to R$5.1 billion in 2023-2024. With the increased use of inoculants and biopesticides composed of microbial formulations, the bioinputs sector increasingly demands more robust evidence and techniques.

According to MAPA, the registration of these products requires precise genetic identification of the strains used, accurate quantification of microorganisms—either by Colony-Forming Units (CFU) or DNA copies—and a guarantee of purity, ensuring the absence of unwanted contamination. In this context, the use of exclusive primers becomes essential by offering a reliable methodology to meet these requirements with scientific accuracy.

The adoption of this technology also offers a series of strategic and operational benefits for the industry and the field: from scientific proof of the strain's exclusivity—protecting intellectual property—to standardized and highly sensitive quality control, in addition to total product traceability, increased producer confidence, and greater agility in regulatory registration processes.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)