New BASF solutions target nematodes, diseases and caterpillars.

BASF announced three new products that will be marketed in Brazil in the coming years. Highlights include a new transgenic trait for soybeans capable of controlling lesion and cyst nematodes. Another innovation is an insecticide formulated with the broflanilide molecule for managing all caterpillar pests in soybean, cotton, and corn crops. Finally, the fungicide Pavecto, capable of controlling target spot, cercospora leaf spot, septoria leaf spot, and Asian soybean rust. All technologies are expected to be on the market within the next two to three years.

The main highlight involves the new trait called NRS (nematode resistance soybean). This technology offers effective control against the main nematodes affecting the crop. Among them, the root-lesion nematodePratylenchus brachyurus) and the cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines), explains Rafael Vicentini, marketing director for soybean cultivation systems at BASF.

This trait is contained in the GMB151 transgenic event, developed through transformation mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens using the pSZ8832 vector containing the cry14Ab-1.be hppdPf-4Pa expression cassettes. They express the Cry14Ab-1 and modified 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD-4) proteins. The Cry14Ab-1 protein, a protein crystal derived from Bacillus thuringiensis, confers resistance to plant-parasitic nematodes. The HPPD-4 protein, derived from Pseudomonas fluorescens, confers tolerance to HPPD-inhibiting herbicides.

According to data from BASF, in 160 field tests conducted in the country over seven years, the trait demonstrated control of over 90% of the root-lesion nematode, in addition to improved protection against the cyst nematode.

The technology should be marketed through the Credenz and SoyTech soybean seed brands.

Broflanilide molecule

For insect control, the company will offer an insecticide formulated with the molecule. broflanilide"The product features a novel mode of action and a broad spectrum against difficult-to-manage caterpillars," says Graciela Mognol, marketing director at BASF.

Broflanilide acts as a non-competitive allosteric modulator of GABA-activated chloride channels in dieldrin-resistant receptors in insects. It irreversibly blocks nerve transmission, causing excessive hyperpolarization, paralysis, and death. Its mode of action is unique (IRAC Group 30).

Laboratory tests indicate a rapid effect, with a high level of control a few hours after exposure, in addition to a residual effect lasting 14 to 21 days. The technology does not exhibit cross-resistance.

Pavecto fungicide

In disease management, BASF prepares the fungicide Pavecto. The product combines the new Pavecto molecule (methyltetraprole) with prothioconazoleThe proposal targets diseases that are difficult to control in soybeans, such as Asian soybean rust, target spot, cercospora leaf spot, and septoria leaf spot. Trials indicate productivity gains of more than three sacks per hectare.

The fungicide belongs to subgroup 11A in the FRAC classification. It belongs to the group of quinone external inhibitors (QoIs), like strobilurins, but has a different chemical structure, called tetrazolinone. This structure allows the molecule to inhibit the cytochrome b protein, essential for mitochondrial respiration in fungi, even in the presence of the G143A mutation, which renders traditional fungicides ineffective. The result is effective control of resistant populations.

Farmer and BASF

BASF has reinforced its decision to operate as an integrated solutions company for agriculture. This guideline originates from the farmer and guides research, development, and investment. This assessment was presented by Marcelo Batistela, vice president of agricultural solutions at the company, while discussing the company's new innovation cycle and the known challenges of the sector.

According to Batistela, agriculture presents recurring and variable problems with each harvest. The executive emphasized that no harvest is the same as the previous one. He advocated for close contact with producers to understand current pain points and anticipate future challenges. The strategy prioritizes the customer as the starting point for decisions and recognizes agricultural activity as being built by people.

The company decided to reorganize its operations based on this logic. The move sought to overcome the traditional fragmentation between genetics, biotechnology, chemistry, and digital. The proposal combines technologies under a single umbrella, aligned with how farmers operate in the field. Batistela defined the transition as the shift from a product-oriented company to a customer-oriented company.

In the model advocated, value arises from productive potential. The foundation involves genetics, biotechnology, and crop protection, with the use of chemical and biological solutions. Digitalization appears as a tool to support decisions in increasingly complex systems. Batistela also pointed out the limitations faced by producers in the face of climate and exchange rates. The answer lies in innovation, knowledge, and new financing models.