IHARA launched Trunemco, the first biological nematocide, in Brazil

IHARA recently announced the launch of TRUNEMCO, its first biological nematocide, which is formulated with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBI600, as part of its portfolio at the Agrishow 2023 Expo in Brazil.

According to IHARA, nematode worms are one of the major challenges facing farmers worldwide, and TRUNEMCO aims to provide more efficient and sustainable soil nematode control. This biological nematocide has an innovative suspended seed coat compatible with other products, providing higher utility and crop yields due to low application doses. TRUNEMCO is an innovative preparation selected and developed to protect against nematodes and promote crop growth by providing better root protection.

"TRUNEMCO is unique in Brazil, combining special strains that are more aggressive, resistant and tolerant to target nematodes," IHARA Biologics Coordinator Iuri Cosin said. In addition, biological nematocides have the most extensive product label description approved by the Department of Agriculture on the market, meaning they are effective against a wide variety of nematodes from different crops."

Another significant difference of TRUNEMCO is the lower dose required for seed treatment. "Optimizing application rates is a great advantage for TRUNEMCO, ensuring that growers also have access to other important products, such as fungicides and insecticides, in the manufacturing process," said Cosin. TRUNEMCO's formulation is 100% compatible with fungicides, insecticides and even chemical nematocides on the market for seed treatment, synergistically complementing the control process. Other advantages of TRUNEMCO are that it has a shelf life of up to two years and provides growers with convenience by requiring no special refrigeration, storage or transportation protection.

The latest Farm Track survey by Kynetec, a consultancy, shows that the use of biological agents to control nematodes is rapidly gaining popularity. In 2015, chemical nematocides accounted for 94% of this segment, while biological nematocides accounted for less than 6%. Eight years later, in 2022, biological nematocides will account for 75% of the market

Iuri Cosin lists the reasons for this change: "It is mainly due to the excellent control effect of biological nematocides. Studies have shown that biologics outperform other major nematocides on the market 80% of the time. Another key point is the long-term effect of biological nematocides. Although residues from most products are exhausted in about 20 days, the microbes in the biologics will remain active in the soil. As crops and roots grow, biological nematocides can continue to play a greater role."

Other advantages of biologics include: no resistance to pests and low (or no) toxicity, thus ensuring environmental safety. "ESG, sustainability and conservation of natural resources are increasingly important to the productivity and profitability of Brazilian agriculture and rural businesses, and the launch of TRUNEMCO is in line with IHARA's commitment to develop high-quality and sustainable solutions for Brazilian agribusinesses," Cosin concluded.