Argentina First to Approve Genetically Modified Corn for Lepidopteran Control
Brazil
In compliance with court decisions, Anvisa approved toxicological evaluations of thiamethoxam 250 g/kg WG (Rainbow); and technical-grade trifloxystrobin (Zhongshan). (Official Gazette of Brazil, Resolutions 2,338 and 2,393 – published on 06/15/26, Anvisa)
MAPA published the approval of 50 formulated pesticide registrations, including four biological products. (Official Gazette of Brazil, Act No. 34 – published on 06/15/2026, MAPA)
Researchers recorded for the first time the parasitoid fly Trichopoda ypiranga parasitizing adults of the green-belly stink bug, Diceraeus melacanthus, in agricultural areas of mid-northern State of Mato Grosso. The study evaluated 7,754 Hemiptera spp. bugs collected from soybean, cowpea, millet, sesame and weeds from 2021 to 2025, with an average parasitism rate of 9.06%. The species accounted for approximately 84% of the parasitoids obtained from parasitized stink bugs and showed higher rates in millet and sesame areas, indicating potential for integrated pest management programs. Available at: https://doi.org/10.37486/2675-1305.ec08017. (Embrapa; Fapeagro)
The State University of Londrina, in the State of Paraná, licensed to FMC a microbial biofungicide developed by Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, focused on controlling soybean Asian rust and other fungal diseases. The technology, based on the bacterium Bacillus velezensis, was registered as a Green Patent and may replace chemical fungicides, contributing to a more sustainable agriculture. (UEL)
The Ministry of Agriculture presented, on June 9th, advances in Brazil’s regulatory framework for biological inputs at GreenTech Amsterdam 2026, highlighting measures to expand the availability of biological technologies, foster innovation and strengthen the competitiveness of agribusiness. During the event, government representatives also discussed international cooperation and technological exchange with companies and researchers from the sector. (MAPA; GreenTech Amsterdam)
Embrapa’s Soybean Unit and Promip have partnered to expand the adoption of IPM in soybean production. The initiative includes training programs for farmers and the expansion of the Soja Rota + Sustentável [“Soybean + Sustainable Route”] program, which promotes the integration of biological solutions and chemical crop protection products for more efficient and sustainable crop management. (Embrapa; Promip)
The Secretariat of Agriculture of the State of Rio Grande do Sul and the Ministry of Agriculture have confirmed the first cases of citrus greening in the State. Considered the most destructive disease affecting citrus crops worldwide, it was detected in a backyard orchard in the municipality of Palmitinho. Phytosanitary authorities have launched containment measures, including the eradication of infected plants and control of the psyllid, the insect that transmits the disease-causing bacteria. Authorities suspect the outbreak was introduced through uncertified citrus seedlings. (Seapi-RS)
Brandt announced the promotion of Flavio Belluomini Cotrin to Senior Director of International Marketing. (Brandt)
ApheaBio and Bayer signed a partnership to develop bioinsecticides targeting sucking insects in fruit crops. The companies will use microbial metabolites to develop new biological crop protection solutions. (ApheaBio; Bayer)
Researchers from the University of São Paulo developed a wearable and biodegradable sensor capable of detecting diquat, carbendazim and diphenylamine in plants and food within approximately 3 minutes. The device uses carbon ink printed on flexible cellulose acetate films, can be applied directly to leaves, stems, peels, apples and bell peppers, and transmits results in real time through a portable potentiostat connected via Bluetooth. According to the study, the technology enables fast, non-destructive and in-field analysis, with a cost below US$ 0.077 per unit. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosx.2026.100758. (USP)
The Institute for Management, Planning and Development of Viticulture and Winemaking of the State of Rio Grande do Sul will present a study on the economic impacts of hormonal herbicide drift on wine production in the State. According to the report, more than 400 confirmed cases were recorded between 2018 and 2025, with productivity losses ranging from 20% to 55% in affected areas. (Consevitis-RS)
StoneX reported mixed trends in the global fertilizer market, with urea under downward pressure due to expectations of higher Chinese supply and slow demand. Phosphates remain supported by restricted supply and high costs, while potash prices remain relatively stable despite weaker demand in markets such as Brazil. (StoneX)
Águia Fertilizantes started operations of a phosphate mine in Lavras do Sul, State of Rio Grande do Sul, and expects to exceed US$ 69 million in investments in the State by 2028. Controlled by Australia’s Aguia Resources, the company plans to increase production capacity to up to 450 thousand tonnes/year of natural phosphate. (Águia Fertilizantes)
The Civil Police of the State of Paraná arrested seven people and seized machinery at a warehouse used to adulterate fertilizers in Ponta Grossa, State of Paraná. The investigation concerns the misappropriation and tampering of fertilizer cargoes, including 40 tonnes of potassium chloride valued at US$ 21.7 thousand, of which approximately 80% had allegedly been replaced with material characterized as calcium. (PCPR)
The University of Passo Fundo is developing research on the use of microalgae to produce fertilizers and agricultural biostimulants from mineral residues. The study seeks to solubilize phosphorus and potassium present in rock powder, making nutrients more available to plants and reducing dependence on conventional fertilizers. (UPF)
According to market analyst Jeferson Souza, from Agrinvest Commodities, China expanded the role as supplier of fertilizers and crop protection products to Brazil, reinforcing the country’s dependence on strategic agricultural inputs. In 2025, Brazil recorded a historic volume of fertilizer imports from China. From January to May 2026, China accounted for 100% of Brazilian imports of chlorothalonil, glufosinate, imazethapyr and picloram, as well as 84% of glyphosate and methomyl, 81% of bifenthrin, 78% of acephate and 66% of 2,4-D. India is currently the main supplier of mancozeb. (Agrinvest Commodities)
Farms in Guaxupé, State of Minas Gerais, and Altinópolis, State of São Paulo, are expanding the use of bioinputs in coffee farming, combined with practices such as cover crops and integrated pest and disease management. The adoption comes amid increasing pressure for productivity. For the 2026 season, the National Supply Company estimates Brazil’s coffee production at 66.2 million bags, up approximately 17% from the previous cycle. Farmers report biological management has been used preventively to improve soil structure, gradually reduce dependence on chemical inputs and increase plant resilience against pests, diseases and climate stress. (Biotrop; Conab)
The Ministry of Agriculture released the internal and external user manuals for the Unified Information, Petition and Electronic Evaluation System – SISPA, the platform created to unify the electronic submission and evaluation of pesticide registration and post-registration amendment requests. The documents provide guidance for companies and public officials on gov.br access, user and company registration, request submission, process tracking, requirements, appeals, fees and publication steps. Available at: https://tinyurl.com/y589zusu and https://tinyurl.com/msjxtv8b. (MAPA)
Latin America
CropLife Latin America highlighted advances and challenges for the adoption of biopesticides in the region during the 2026 Annual Convention. The panel addressed regulatory experiences in Argentina, Brazil and countries covered by IICA’s STDF 753 project, emphasizing the need for more agile regulatory frameworks, technical training and integration of biologicals into integrated pest management. (CropLife Latin America)
Argentina became the first country in the world to approve the commercialization of the genetically modified corn event COR-ØØ121-4, from Corteva Seeds Argentina, designed to control lepidopteran pests. The approval was formalized under Resolution No. 80/2026, following biosafety, food and feed safety, as well as trade impact assessments conducted by the country’s regulatory authorities. (SAGyP)
Albaugh announced Helio Mota Pimentel as the new CFO for its operations in Brazil and Paraguay. (Albaugh Brasil)
The Agricultural Service of Chile and the Agricultural Development Institute coordinated preventive actions to support farmers in the municipality of Pica during the fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) eradication campaign in Matilla. The initiative includes training for farmers on pruning, plant waste management, removal of fallen fruit and measures to reduce phytosanitary risks. (SAG; INDAP)
The Agricultural and Livestock Service of Chile tested the mandatory advance notification system for pesticide applications toxic to bees in the Biobío region. From January of 2026, farmers should notify beekeepers at least 48 h before spraying products classified as highly toxic to bees. As of April, the requirement was extended to pesticides categorized as moderately toxic. The measure is part of Chile’s new Beekeeping Law and aims to protect pollinators that are essential for agriculture and biodiversity. (SAG)
The Baja California Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mexico, said it is working with federal authorities and the Plant Health Committee to prevent a whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) infestation in the Mexicali Valley. According to Agriculture Secretary Mónica Vargas Núñez, controlling the pest also depends on the removal of cotton crop residues after harvest, a measure similar to those adopted in phytosanitary fallow programs aimed at disrupting pest life cycles. (Sader BC)
The Fermaca Dreams consortium has begun the engineering and licensing for the construction of Fermachem, a large-scale nitrogen fertilizer plant in Durango, Mexico. With an investment exceeding US$ 1.5 billion, the facility is expected to manufacture 1 million tonnes/year of urea, enough to meet approximately 20% of Mexico’s demand. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in 2029. (Fermaca Dreams)
Urea imports in Uruguay fell to 31,500 tonnes in April and May of 2026, less than half the volume recorded in the same period of 2025. The average import price of urea rose to US$ 655/tonne in April and US$ 770/tonne in May. Monoammonium phosphate reached an average import price of US$ 905/tonne in June, the highest level since the fertilizer crisis that began in 2022. (Blasina y Asociados)
The Ministry of Agriculture of Uruguay informed that, starting in August, pesticide spraying in canola, carinata and camelina must be recorded from the beginning of flowering until harvest. The measure seeks to strengthen control over pesticide use and meet international market requirements. Records must be submitted through the country’s Pesticide Application Registration System. (MGAP)
READ MORE: