At Expodireto Cotrijal 2025, one of Brazil’s most influential agribusiness events held in Não-Me-Toque, Rio Grande do Sul, Rizobacter—a member of the Bioceres Crop Solutions Group—officially launched Magnevus, a breakthrough biological nematicide developed to combat one of the most underestimated threats to Brazilian agriculture: nematodes.
The launch was exclusively covered by China Informatics, which had on-ground access to the product unveiling and expert discussions.
Formulated as a Suspension Concentrate (SC), Magnevus is based on the bacterium Burkholderia rinojensis, strain A396. It is registered in Brazil for the management of two key agricultural pests:
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Pratylenchus brachyurus (lesion nematode)
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Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mite)
Importantly, Magnevus is the first biological nematicide in Brazil to be formulated with secondary metabolites—making it a landmark innovation in biological crop protection. According to Rizobacter, the product offers nematicidal, ovicidal, and nematostatic actions, delivering broad-spectrum efficacy while supporting sustainable farming practices.
“It’s a milestone for the biologicals segment—delivering both innovation and efficiency in nematode management,” Rizobacter stated during the unveiling event.
Expert Insights from the Launch Event
The launch included a lecture by Dr. Cristiano Bellé, Ph.D. in Phytosanitary Studies and a Nematology Researcher, who highlighted the growing nematode crisis in southern Brazil.
“Nematodes are often misdiagnosed,” Bellé explained. “Their damage is frequently mistaken for fungal, bacterial, or abiotic issues like nutrient deficiencies and soil compaction, delaying intervention and worsening outcomes.”
He stressed that eradication of nematodes is nearly impossible once they are established, emphasizing the need for early detection, prevention, and integrated management strategies. Bellé also noted that continuous cultivation of susceptible crops and poor sanitization of farm equipment contribute to their spread.
Scientific Support for Field Management
Also speaking at the event was Dr. Alessandra Vollman of Rivia Agricultural Research, a Ph.D. in Agronomy specializing in Plant Nutrition and Physiology. She emphasized the foundational importance of proper soil sampling and species identification before selecting a nematode management strategy.
“You can’t manage what you can’t identify,” said Dr. Vollman. “Tailoring your approach to the specific nematode species is critical. With Magnevus, we now have a new biological tool in our arsenal that can support sustainable and precise nematode control.”
Sustainable Innovation for the Future
Magnevus reflects Rizobacter’s commitment to environmentally friendly crop solutions that align with growing global demand for sustainable, residue-free agriculture. Its biological formulation not only supports Brazil’s climate-smart farming goals, but also addresses a critical gap in nematode management, where chemical options are limited and resistance is a rising concern.
As Brazil continues to expand its agricultural frontiers while navigating regulatory pressure and soil health challenges, biologicals like Magnevus will likely play an increasingly vital role in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
Coverage by China Informatics
Expodireto 2025, Não-Me-Toque, Brazil
