A groundbreaking bioinsecticide named Virumix has shown more than 85% efficacy in controlling the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)—a devastating pest that threatens nearly 200 crops including corn, cotton, soybeans, and rice. Developed through a public-private collaboration between Embrapa Milho e Sorgo, the Mato Grosso Cotton Institute (IMAmt), and Comdeagro, Virumix is set to launch on April 3, 2025, alongside the inauguration of a new biofactory in Sorriso, Mato Grosso.
Virumix is formulated with an entomopathogenic virus known as Spodoptera multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV), which specifically targets the fall armyworm while remaining harmless to humans, animals, and plants. This specificity enhances safety for rural workers and allows the product to be used in organic farming and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems.
Álvaro Salles, Executive Director of IMAmt and Comdeagro, emphasized that the increase in armyworm outbreaks—even in biotech crop areas—has driven up production costs and highlighted the urgent need for effective alternatives. “Virumix offers a selective, safe, and sustainable solution for farms of all sizes,” said Salles, adding that its wettable powder formulation makes it easier to store and apply.
Embrapa researcher Fernando Hercos Valicente advised that optimal application timing—such as targeting caterpillars under 1.0 cm in length and spraying during cooler parts of the day—is essential for maximizing efficacy. The product’s performance was verified during extensive trials in Primavera do Leste, Campo Verde, and Rondonópolis during the 2021–2023 harvest seasons.
Initially distributed by Comdeagro, Virumix will be available in 2 kg packages, with each unit covering 40 hectares at the recommended dose of 50 grams per hectare. Additional packaging sizes are in development.
The bioinsecticide’s launch coincides with Brazil’s accelerating transition to biological inputs. The global bioinputs market has surpassed US$10 billion and is projected to grow 14% annually through 2032, with biological pest control accounting for over half of that market. Brazil, a global leader in this field, continues to promote innovation through the National Bioinputs Program (Decree No. 10,375/2020), which aims to reduce dependence on imported inputs and harness native biodiversity.
According to Sara Rios, deputy head of Technology Transfer at Embrapa, “Embrapa’s commitment to converting biodiversity into viable agricultural solutions positions Brazil as a global leader in sustainable farming.”
Top Bioinsecticide Producers Worldwide:
- BASF SE
- Bayer CropScience AG
- Bioworks, Inc.
- Certis USA LLC
- Corteva Agriscience
- Isagro S.p.A.
- Koppert Biological Systems
- Marrone Bio Innovations
- Novozymes A/S
- Valent Biosciences Corporation
Top Insecticide-Importing Countries:
- Brazil
- France
- Canada
- United States
- Germany
- India
- Spain
- Vietnam
- Italy
- China
Emerging Markets for Bioinsecticides:
- China
- India
- Brazil
- Mexico
- South Africa
The introduction of Virumix not only underscores Brazil’s leadership in sustainable agriculture but also signals new momentum for the global bioinsecticide market.
Source: China Informatics
