New soybean cultivar enhances weed control.

Embrapa Soja (PR) and Caramuru Alimentos announce the launch of the BRS 579 soybean cultivar during Tecnoshow Comigo, in Rio Verde (GO), this Tuesday (April 7). The variety combines high yield potential with an alternative for weed management in conventional cropping systems.

BRS 579 is recommended for producers in the north-central region of Mato Grosso (soybean-growing region REC 402) who are looking for medium- to late-cycle cultivars from maturity group 7.9. "It's a cycle consistent with the region's production system, and can be used for staggered harvesting and for sowing at the beginning of the season," explains researcher Roberto Zito, from Embrapa Soja.

The new cultivar stands out for its health, with moderate tolerance to root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica) and resistance to races 3 and 14 of the soybean cyst nematode, important pathogens in the growing region.

Genetic shield

The BRS 579 also features STS (Sulfonylurea Tolerant Soybean) technology, which confers tolerance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides, specifically this chemical group of sulfonylureas. Herbicides in this category are already registered and used in soybeans, but with restrictions, especially regarding dosage, as they can cause phytotoxicity to the crop, which does not occur with STS soybean cultivars, such as BRS 579.

Researcher Fernando Adegas, from Embrapa Soja, explains that phytotoxicity is an injury suffered by soybeans from a herbicide, which can occur due to various factors, such as dosage errors, adverse weather conditions, plant stress, among others. Possible damage includes: yellowing, necrosis, deformities, and delayed plant growth. 

STS technology acts as a "genetic shield." While soybeans can suffer severe yield losses when exposed to sulfonylurea herbicides, STS varieties have a natural tolerance to these molecules. "This allows the farmer to apply the product post-emergence (when the soybeans are already grown), eliminating weeds that compete for nutrients and light," Adegas points out.

"With this new technological solution, we deliver to the producer not just a seed, but productivity associated with a management tool capable of bringing more peace of mind and profitability at the end of the harvest," adds Zito.

For researchers, the great advantage of STS soybeans is that they offer an alternative to the exclusive use of glyphosate, the main herbicide used in transgenic cultivars currently on the market. The technology allows for the effective control of difficult-to-manage plants that have shown resistance to other products in the field, maintaining vigor and growth unchanged, in addition to guaranteeing high productivity. "This new cultivar can be integrated into different management systems, being an essential tool for the rotation of active ingredients, which prolongs the useful life of technologies available on the market," reinforces Adegas.

Conventional soybean market

In addition to high productivity and stability, BRS 579 is ideal for producers seeking the non-GMO soybean market to add value through premiums paid for conventional soybeans.

According to the Instituto Soja Livre (ISL), conventional soybean production currently occupies approximately 420 hectares. In the 2025/2026 crop season, Brazil produced soybeans on approximately 47 million hectares, therefore, mostly with genetically modified material.

The state of Mato Grosso remains the largest producer of conventional soybeans, with 260 hectares of conventional grain, followed by Goiás, Minas Gerais, and Paraná. Brazilian conventional soybean production is exported to approximately 20 countries. European demand is the most significant for use in animal feed. The main attraction of conventional soybeans is the premium (the higher price paid per sack compared to genetically modified soybeans).

Embrapa makes its presence felt at Tecnoshow.

In addition to the official launch of BRS 579, on the 7th Embrapa is also launching the online course "Management of Goosegrass," available on the e-Campo platform. Tecnoshow Comigo is recognized as one of the largest agribusiness fairs, bringing together the latest technologies, innovations, and solutions for the field.