Nematodes threaten agricultural productivity in Brazil

Nematodes, microscopic parasites that attack root systems, are posing significant threats to agricultural productivity in Brazil, affecting crops such as corn, soybeans, and sugarcane.

In corn production, the Forseed FS695 hybrid is being utilized to manage nematode populations. By maintaining a low reproduction factor, this hybrid helps reduce soil pest pressure, which can prevent losses of 2 to 5 bags of soybeans per hectare in subsequent harvests. The Brazilian Society of Nematology notes that these pathogens can cause losses equivalent to 0.9 harvests every ten cycles, with economic damages in corn potentially reaching R$ 110.3 billion over a decade.

In the sugarcane sector, nematodes can cause productivity losses between 30% and 40%. Because sugarcane is a perennial crop, root damage impacts not only the current cycle but also the longevity of the 'soqueira' (ratoon), which forms the basis for future harvests. Experts from BASF highlight that nematode damage is often difficult to identify in the field, as symptoms can be mistaken for water stress or nutritional deficiencies.