EN 
PT_BR 
Microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, nematodes continue to advance silently in soybean crops and are already present in practically all areas analyzed in Mato Grosso. A survey conducted by AgroMax Agricultural Research and Development identified that the root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus brachyurus) occurs in 99.21% of the areas evaluated in the state.
The study was conducted based on the analysis of 2,738 soil and root samples, collected in 44 municipalities in Mato Grosso during the 2023/2024 growing season. The data reveal a scenario of widespread dissemination of these organisms in soybean-producing areas.
In addition to the root-lesion nematode, researchers also identified other species important to the crop, such as the soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines), found in 22% of the samples in juvenile form and in 30.5% in the form of a viable cyst in the soil.
According to agricultural engineer and researcher at AgroMax, Tatiane Zambiasi, the results reinforce the need to broaden the perspective on the problem within crop management strategies. "The data show how widespread nematodes already are in producing areas and reinforce the importance of paying closer attention to management," she emphasizes.
Billion-dollar losses
The economic impacts are also significant. A study conducted by Syngenta, in partnership with Agroconsult and the Brazilian Society of Nematology, estimates that losses caused by nematodes in different crops can reach R$ 65 billion in Brazil.
In soybeans alone, losses are estimated at R$ 27.7 billion, which in practice is equivalent to the loss of an entire harvest every ten production cycles of the crop.
According to Tatiane, one of the main challenges is precisely the silent nature of the problem. “It’s a silent problem. Many times the producer believes that they are losing productivity due to factors such as lack of rain or fertilization, when, in fact, the crop is being impacted by nematodes in the root system. When the symptoms appear clearly, the damage has already been accumulating for years,” explains the agronomist.
Field day to discuss management.
Given this scenario, initiatives aimed at disseminating knowledge about the management of these organisms are gaining importance. With this objective, AgroMax is promoting the 4th Field Day on Nematode Management on March 20th in Primavera do Leste (MT), aimed at producers, consultants, and agribusiness professionals.
According to Tatiane, the event aims to bring producers closer to technologies and control strategies. “It is the only Field Day in Brazil dedicated exclusively to the practical management of nematodes, with real results presented by researchers and consultants. In this edition, we will have the participation of 14 of the leading companies in the sector, which will present technologies and innovations focused on nematode control,” she states.
The program will feature recognized experts in the field, including Rosângela Silva, a researcher at the MT Foundation; Mariana Stutz, from BASF; and researcher Adailton Feitosa. Topics to be covered include genetic resistance, new molecules, and the use of biological products in pest management.
Rosângela highlights that new technological approaches have shown promising results in controlling these organisms. “The idea is to present an innovation in nematode management, which is the use of peptides to activate the plant's defense mechanisms. In studies conducted in areas with root-lesion nematode, spiral nematode, and reniform nematode, we observed increases that reached 3.5 sacks per hectare,” she explains.
Awareness in the field
For farmer Pierre Patriet, who has participated in the event since its first edition, events focused on nematology are fundamental to raising awareness in the field. “For a long time there were few events focused on nematology. It is essential to sensitize producers to pay closer attention to their own crops. Nematodes are a problem that will not be completely eliminated; it is something that producers will have to live with, learning how to manage,” he states.
An experience to 'see' the invisible.
One of the new features of this edition will be the interactive station "World of Nematodes," created to show, in a practical way, what happens below the surface of the soil.
The proposal is to offer an immersive experience in a trench-like structure, where participants can observe the soil profile while audiovisual resources simulate nematode activity in plant roots. “We want to visually show something that is normally invisible to the producer. The idea is that people can literally enter the soil and understand how these organisms interact with the roots and impact productivity,” explains Tatiane.
The event is free, but has limited spaces; registration is available online by clicking [here]. here.
