The future of biotechnology and the challenge in weed control

The objective of modern agriculture is to produce more for less, seeking to preserve the sustainability of production systems, both from an environmental and economic perspective. To achieve this purpose, it is essential that technologies are based on advanced genetics, improved efficiency in the use of resources in the production environment, and intelligent management of productivity-reducing factors.

The principle of intelligent management of these factors is perhaps one of the biggest challenges, as even with current control methods, productivity losses are still very significant. It is estimated that pests reduce an average of 18% of global agricultural production, plant diseases around 16%, and weeds cause a 34% reduction in production. The way to find technologies that reduce these loss rates is through the integration of knowledge from control chemistry with plant biology. And it is in this process that biotechnology fits in.

One of the current technologies resulting from biotechnology is soybeans tolerant to the herbicides dicamba and glyphosate, present in the United States, where it has seen significant adoption. In 2017, there were 10 million hectares with soybeans and cotton, rising to 20 million hectares in 2018 and, probably, in 2019, there will be 24 million hectares. This rapid adoption by producers is due to the multiple purposes of the technology, such as more productive varieties and weed management, which provide rural producers with flexibility of use, consistency of results, and mainly the effective control of the main weed in that country, which and the Amaranthus palmeri, among other aspects. However, new technologies also bring challenges, and in this case the biggest challenge is the responsible and safe use of the herbicide dicamba.

Among the aspects that require attention when using this herbicide, we highlight possible target deviations (drift and volatilization) to neighboring susceptible crops, and cleaning the sprayer tank after use. To avoid these deviations, advances in the chemistry of low-volatility formulations and appropriate use of field application technology must be implemented. For this, training of applicators and people involved in recommending the herbicide is essential. Furthermore, adequate equipment cleaning procedures are essential after applying the herbicide. It is also essential that the producer knows the limits of the technology’s effectiveness.

This technology is probably coming to Brazil for the 2020/2021 harvest, and requires some actions to be used sustainably. We have to be proactive and prevent problems before they arise. The most important change that I understand this technology will bring to Brazil is education and training for farmers. And that I consider positive in general. On the other hand, research will be needed for Brazilian conditions.

Even before the technology is released for commercial use in Brazil, we will have to determine the values ​​of the system components individually for our conditions. For example, for the United States, the problem ofAmaranthus Palmeri It is an aspect that technology brings solutions. However, in Brazil, in addition to broad-leaved weeds, the current reality is different, mainly due to the presence of narrow leaves of great importance. Secondly, we will have to determine the interactions of factors focusing on all aspects of a multiple platform. Finally, validate the platform in a real field situation, through so-called large-scale research.

What we can observe so far is that technology, combined with good agricultural practices, can and will help the farmer to have greater productivity, to be able to manage the challenges of controlling factors that reduce crop productivity, and to guarantee longevity of biotechnology.