Biological pesticide is more than 80% efficient in managing nematodes

Koopert is launching two products with the active agent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, which is a bacteria that acts as a nematicide and helps to restructure soil biota, increasing the ability of plants to absorb nutrients. Indicated for seed treatment, Chevelle was formulated for application in fruit and vegetable crops and Veraneio, for grain and cereal crops.

The products, to control root-knot nematodes (Pratylenchus brachyurus) and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica), reduced the reproduction factor of the nematodes, showing an efficiency of over 80%. Consequently, they also promoted plant growth and greater crop productivity.

According to Koppert's agronomic development coordinator, Marcelino Borges de Brito, the main advantage of the products is the formation of a film on the roots of the plants, which promotes a physical barrier, limiting contact with soil pathogens. “In addition, this biofilm releases some metabolites that degrade and break the nematode cycle in both the juvenile and egg stages,” he explains.

As an auxiliary effect, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens helps promote plant growth, with a consequent increase in productivity. In demonstration fields, the product increased soybean yield by 2,4 bags per hectare, on average. The experiments also showed an average increase of 11% in root volume and 13% in the aerial part of the plant.