Brazil-based companies develop drought- and pest-resistant seeds using cutting-edge technologies
With climate changesthe seasons of Dry have become more common and from which seeds are obtained soy drought-resistant mobilizes the companies of sectorespecially after the round of drought that hit Southern region of the country in the last three harvests. Companies also invest in this task artificial intelligence (AI) to create increasingly resistant varieties.
TMG-Tropical Melhoramento & Genética, in collaboration with Bioceres Crops do Brasil, already has two cultivars on the market with HB4 technology which gives the plant greater tolerance to water stress, reducing productivity loss. For now the production of these seeds takes place in a closed circuit.
A Basf has developed Credenz, a verticalized soybean seed brand with 28 varieties on the market, covering all regions of the country. In the 2023/24 harvest, there are four varieties launched and 7 yet to be officially launched. In times of El Niño, the company recommended, especially for the Cerrado, varieties that resist high temperatures and adapt better to the lack of rain. These are plants with genetic resistance to the cyst nematode, a parasite that adheres to the roots of the plant and hinders the absorption of water and nutrients.
With an eye to the future, BASF is working on the development of biotechnologies that will help further improve the efficiency of Brazilian agricultural production. “One of the highlights is an innovative platform on soybean characteristics, which includes protection of soybean against nematodes, combined with tolerance to herbicides with different modes of action. This solution is expected to be launched early next decade in Brazil”, informed the company.
Bayer has renewed its seed portfolio with 500 new hybrids and varieties, as well as the launch of 10 new plant protection product formulations and over 250 new registrations. With one of the largest banks of germplasm in the agricultural market, Bayer is innovating existing breeding technologies while developing the next generation of tools, such as gene editing, to create engineered seeds for corn, soybeans, cotton and vegetables.
The precision breeding program helps increase agricultural productivity and efficiency. Through artificial intelligence (AI) it is possible to develop the right seeds for every condition. Additionally, the company is developing hybrids of staple crops such as rice and wheat to improve their productivity and sustainability. Direct seeding of rice has the potential to transform production by reducing water use and increasing productivity.
The company has also developed the Preceon Intelligent Corn System, which allows for a reduction in plant height, generating less risk of losses caused by strong winds, greater precision in the use of plant protection products and nutrient applications. Artificial intelligence helps Bayer design the next generation of crop protection products, with sustainability and reduced environmental impact as a priority, the company says.
Source: Terra
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