Growing use of bio-inputs against foliar diseases in Brazil

Date:02-14-2025

Brazilian agriculture faces new challenges this season as farmers struggle to acquire certain fungicides, particularly protectants (Mancozeb and chlorothalonil). 

The situation has worsened amid increasing incidents of foliar diseases in major agricultural crops such as soybeans, cotton, and corn.

In response, the use of biological inputs against foliar diseases is rising, preventing losses and creating synergy in chemical pesticide management. The difficulties in obtaining agrochemicals have doubled farmers' concerns about crop protection.

"Protecting leaves from the beginning of the plant cycle is crucial. Regular applications of biological fungicides enhance chemical fungicides, help reduce disease inoculum, and maintain leaf health, contributing to better crop results throughout the cycle," explained Vinícius Marangoni, Product Manager at Nitro, a Brazilian multinational producer of special inputs for agribusiness.

The expert added that bio-inputs offer multiple modes of action and benefits beyond disease control. "They induce plant resistance and promote plant growth, ensuring more robust and productive plants," Marangoni explained.

According to him, the use of biologicals also provides greater practicality in management. Modern formulations don't require refrigeration and show high compatibility with tank mixtures, characteristics that facilitate their adoption.

"With low doses, around 0.2 - 0.5 L/ha, and ease of application, biologicals can even replace traditional chemical products like mancozeb and chlorothalonil in some situations, increasing control efficiency and promoting more sustainable agriculture," Nitro's Product Manager commented.

Future Prospects for Bio-inputs Market

The adoption of bio-inputs in Brazil has grown rapidly in recent years, primarily benefiting crops such as soybeans, corn, sugarcane, and cotton. According to data from research institution Kynetec, these inputs were adopted in more than 30% of agricultural areas in the country during the 2023 season. However, there is still great potential to be explored in crops such as coffee and fruit, which have application rates below 15%.

"There is plenty of room in the market for biological growth. The expectation is to continue advancing with their use in different crops and expanding technologies that promote sustainability and maximize productivity," the expert stated.

Marangoni also emphasized the importance of using bio-inputs integrated with good agricultural practices, including choosing resistant varieties, proper nutrition, and efficient management. 

"Biologicals don't completely replace chemicals, but when applied together, they offer a robust and resilient approach to foliar disease management. However, in some cases, replacing chemicals can achieve minimally equivalent and often superior results," he believed.

The specialist noted that the use of biologicals in the field is a trend that should become increasingly stronger. "With biologicals, we are looking at agriculture that combines productive efficiency and sustainability, reducing environmental impacts and enhancing sector competitiveness, promoting agricultural development with a more environmentally and economically sustainable future in mind," he said.

Foliar diseases, when not properly managed, can reduce agricultural crop productivity by up to 80%, directly affecting sector performance. Among the most impacted crops are soybeans, coffee, wheat, corn, beans, cotton, and sugarcane. 

This harmful effect in the field is mainly aggravated by weather conditions, as higher humidity and prolonged leaf exposure to water during rainy periods enhance the emergence of various pests, fungi, and bacteria.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)