Early Desiccation Controls Weeds That Can Reduce Soybean Yields by 50%
Anvisa published the voluntary withdrawal of the toxicological evaluation of technical Lambda-cyhalothrin and technical glyphosate products from Cropchem. (Official Gazette, Res. No. 3539 from 09/11/2025, Anvisa)
Ministry of Agriculture’s Ordinance No. 40 came into effect on 09/15/2025, establishing that all pesticide registration requests should be filed exclusively at the Ministry of Agriculture through the electronic system. The measure regulates Law 14785/2023. (Official Gazette, Ordinance No. 40 from 09/01/2025, Ministry of Agriculture)
Intercropping turnips with winter grains is an effective weed management strategy. The system can increase wheat and soybean yields by up to 9 bags/ha when compared to fallow practices, with returns ranging from US$ 112 for wheat to US$ 188 for soybeans. This reduces competition with weeds and ensures greater profits for farmers. “Weed management with cover crops, especially the intercropping of black oats or rye with turnips, offers significant economic and agronomic advantages over fallow practices, increasing the wheat and soybean yields grown after the cover crop”, according to Embrapa’s researcher Leandro Vargas. (Embrapa’s Wheat Unit)
The Ministry of Agriculture and the Brazilian Association for the Diffusion of Fertilizers signed an agreement to expand data exchange, focusing on statistics, innovation, bioinputs and sustainability. The announcement took place at the 12th Brazilian Fertilizer Congress in São Paulo, which discussed increasing domestic production and estimates record deliveries of fertilizers, reaching up to 49 million tonnes in 2025. (MAPA; ANDA)
Brazil formalized membership in the Budapest Treaty, which unifies procedures for microorganism patents. The measure is expected to reduce costs, increase legal certainty and accelerate innovation in the biotechnology and bioinputs sector, with institutions such as Embrapa and Fiocruz considered to act as International Depositary Authorities. The Brazilian Association of Bioinputs Industries considers the decision a regulatory milestone, strengthening the business environment and Brazil’s competitiveness in the global market. (Abinbio)
In compliance with a court decision, Anvisa approved the toxicological evaluation of tebuconazole, by Tecnomyl. (Official Gazette, Res. No. 3541 of 09/11/2025, Anvisa)
Embrapii developed consortia of beneficial microorganisms to strengthen the growth of seedlings of perennial crops in the Amazon rainforest, such as oil palm, cocoa, and açaí fruit, in an agroforestry system in Tomé-Açu, State of Pará. The project was carried out in partnership with Natura and Solubio, with an investment of US$ 260 thousand. (Embrapii)
The Agricultural Research Company of the State of Minas Gerais began producing BRSMG Marte cultivar bean seeds, enriched with molybdenum. This technology increases nitrogen use efficiency, enhances sustainability, can triple yields, and it reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizers, in addition to decreasing nitrous oxide emissions. (Epamig)
Sumitomo Chemical Latin America appointed Alexandre Pires as the new Country Head for Brazil. Pires took office in September, after 26 years at Adama in Brazil. (Sumitomo Chemical Latin America)
Pre-sowing management is crucial to ensuring high soybean yields. Early desiccation helps to control glyphosate-tolerant weeds, which can reduce harvests by up to 50% if not eliminated before sowing. According to Embrapa, just 21 days of coexistence with weeds can already reduce soybean yields by up to 12% and delay the crop cycle. (Embrapa; Corteva)
According to the fertilizer company Agrocete, field studies in the 2024/25 season showed the Integrated Management protocol increased yields by up to 14.8 bags/ha (+26.5%) and reduced nematodes and soil diseases. The strategy combines bioinputs, nutritional reinforcements, and biological protection throughout the crop cycle, promoting more vigorous and profitable plants. The company also announced an investment of US$ 2.07 million in a new biopesticide plant and forecasts eight new product launches by 2027. (Agrocete)
Possible ban on glyphosate in the State of Mato Grosso remains uncertain. The use of glyphosate in Mato Grosso is still under judicial review, following a Public Civil Action filed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in 2019. According to Fábio Kagi, regulatory affairs manager at the National Union of the Plant Protection Products Industry, there is no technical justification for the ban, as the product has been evaluated by Anvisa and is considered safe when used correctly. The Union believes a potential ban would have economic and environmental impacts, increasing the cost of agricultural production, hindering no-till farming, and reducing the sector’s competitiveness. (Sindiveg)
The application of calcium and magnesium oxides in pastures can generate an average increase of more than 100% in green mass or dry matter compared to areas without application. In degraded or recovering areas, average gains reached 81%. In addition to increasing biomass, the nutrients adjust soil pH, release phosphorus and other essential elements, promote deeper roots, greater tillering, and rapid recovery after grazing. (Caltec)
Alessandra Alves de Souza, from the Agronomic Institute, was the Brazilian awarded the Ingenias LATAM 2025 Prize, promoted by the European Union. The scientist developed and patented the agricultural use of the molecule N-acetylcysteine (NAC), capable of inhibiting bacterial biofilms in citrus plants and reducing environmental stresses, a technology already applied in São Paulo’s citrus sector. Alessandra was also elected a full member of the São Paulo State Academy of Sciences. (IAC)
Sementes Jotabasso announced Tages Martinelli as its new CEO. (Sementes Jotabasso)
60% of Personal Protective Equipment were considered subpar. Research identified a decline in the performance of PPE used in Brazilian farms: since 2020, more than 60% of the tested PPE have failed after the replacement of the eight-carbon water repellent with a six-carbon one. Research is underway to find new compounds that ensure durability and safety. (IAC)
The ban on 2,4-D in the State of Rio Grande do Sul has sparked a clash between fruit and soybean farmers. The Environmental Court banned the use in Rio Grande do Sul, following a lawsuit filed by fruit farmers who reported losses due to drift. The State government has 120 days to create a monitoring and inspection system and a compensation fund, under penalty of a daily fine of US$ 1,880. The ban must remain in effect until exclusion zones are established or effective zoning and inspection of 2,4-D applications are implemented. “We have the right to produce without being affected by other crops”, said Rosana Wagner, president of the Fine Wines Association of the Campanha Region. (Associação Vinhos Finos da Campanha; Seapi)
Emergency action led by Embrapa reduced the Glomerella cingulata fungus infestation by up to 95% in Niagara grape vines in the State of São Paulo. The plan combined fungicides and good management practices, such as removing crop residue and adjusting sprayers. By 2024, the disease had decimated crops in municipalities such as Jundiaí and Louveira, causing total devastation in some areas. The research will now support an integrated management protocol and further studies to prevent recurrence. (Embrapa)
AgriConnection announced the acquisition of 96 pesticide registrations previously held by Nutrien. The transaction, which is still subject to approval by the Brazilian Administrative Council for Economic Defense, marks the company’s first acquisition since its founding in 2020 and expands its ability to import products directly from China and resell them under their own brand. With this deal, the company plans to accelerate its expansion and reach nearly US$ 380 million in revenue. (AgriConnection)
Abisolo will hold the 2025 Regulatory Framework Course from November 5th to 14th, broadcast live online. The program will cover recent legal changes, such as the Bioinputs Law (15070/2023) and the Self-Control Law (14515/2022), as well as regulations on fertilizer registration, packaging, and labeling. Classes will be led by regulatory experts. (Abisolo)
The Fertilizer and Agricultural Correctives Industry Union estimates a 10% increase in fertilizer imports into Brazil from January to August of 2025, despite the reduction in the concentration of imported products. To discuss prospects for the 2025/26 season, the union will hold the 19th NPK Symposium on October 30th in Curitiba, State of Paraná, bringing together experts and players from the fertilizer supply chain. (Sindiadubos)
The Inspeciona-RS Project, coordinated by Emater/RS-Ascar in partnership with the State Department of Agriculture, has already trained 21,000 farmers in 876 sessions of the Good Practices for Application of Agricultural Pesticide Course. The 16-hour initiative trains farmers on State and Federal regulations to reduce environmental risks, protect health, and increase the efficiency of hormonal pesticide use. (Emater/RS-Ascar)
The Fertilizer Purchasing Power Index for August was 1.27, a decrease of ~4% compared to July, reflecting a 1.5% decline in fertilizer prices and a rise in commodities (soybean +4%, corn +3%, sugarcane +4%). Mosaic warns of worsening credit conditions and a tight delivery window for the 2025/26 season. (The Mosaic Company)
The ammonia and sulfur prices increase is pressuring the fertilizer industry costs and could harm the sector’s competitiveness, as well as farmers. Ammonia has had 14 consecutive weeks of price increases in Europe, while sulfur has once again exceeded US$300/tonne at Brazilian ports, a level not seen since 2022. According to analyst Tomás Pernías, lower global supply and strong demand are expected to keep prices firm, increasing production costs for fertilizers such as single superphosphate, monoammonium phosphate, and diammonium phosphate. (StoneX Consultoria)
Civil Police arrested four business owners in the city of Itupeva, State of São Paulo, suspected of selling pesticides illegally. The investigation began after the deaths of more than 50 dogs and cats caused by poisoning in three different neighborhoods. Authorities found pesticides in powder, tablet, and liquid form stored without authorization, including banned products. (Civil Police)
Established in June by Presidential decree, the National Pesticide Reduction Program – Pronara depends on the creation of a managing committee, made up of six ministries, and the approval of a specific budget to initiate action. The National Commission for Agroecology and Organic Production has already submitted a proposed plan, but implementation depends on approval by the ministries and resources provided in the 2026 Annual Budget Law. (Cnapo)
Cláudio Junior Oliveira, COO at the National Union of Agricultural Aviation Companies, highlighted the importance of agricultural aviation for sugarcane, soybean, corn and wheat, in addition to firefighting. The sector grew more than 7% in 2024 and already has the second-largest fleet in the world, with more than 2,700 aircraft. (Sindiveg; Sindag)
Researchers at the State University of São Paulo have received funding to develop portable, low-cost sensors for monitoring pesticide residues. The project uses electrolytic transistors capable of detecting specific pesticide molecules in water and food. (USP)
The Public Prosecutor’s Office from the State of Paraná launched a new phase of “Operation Webcida” against the online illegal sales of pesticide. Warrants were served on ten targets in Maringá, Curitiba and other cities, resulting in the seizure of equipment, documents and products. Those investigated are suspected of selling pesticides without registration, license, or agronomic recommendation, misleading consumers. The operation, which began in 2018, aims to protect public health and the environment, and curb criminal practices. (MP-PR)
Latin America
Map shows where nitrogen fertilizers are most frequently used in Argentina. Study by the University of Buenos Aires revealed that Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Santa Fe concentrate the highest nitrogen fertilizer application rates on corn and wheat, the main emitters of nitrous oxide (N₂O), a greenhouse gas 310 times more potent than CO₂. The study indicates that the 2024 national inventory overestimated these emissions by 33% and proposes adjustments to align data with local conditions. (Fauba)
Agricultural and Livestock Service of Chile and the private sector reached a consensus on updates to Resolution No. 243, regarding pesticides, after four months of debate in an interministerial committee. The changes include mandatory training for applicators, preventive maintenance of equipment, recording applications in field notebooks, and formalizing application service companies. The requirement for advance notice of application, considered unfeasible, was also eliminated. (SAG Chile)
Researchers in Colombia isolated 58 bacteria from mangroves in Cartagena Bay and tested “seed priming” in lettuce. Nine strains of Pseudomonas (including P. putida, P. monteilii, P. taiwanensis, and P. aeruginosa) acted as biostimulants, with gains of up to 35% in root length and 97% in hypocotyl length, without significantly altering germination rate/time. Highlights include P. aeruginosa P8 and P9 and their ability for phosphorus solubilization and indole-3-acetic acid production, suggesting a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. (Universidad de San Buenaventura)
Yara signed agreement to purchase fertilizers based on “green hydrogen” in Paraguay. Yara signed a contract with Atome Energy, from the UK, to purchase 100% of the production of sustainable hydrogen-based fertilizers from a new plant in Villeta, Paraguay, estimated at US$ 630 million. Supply will be exclusive for at least 10 years, with distribution across Mercosur. (Yara International)
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