Indigo Ag Launches Biological Nematicide Nemora FP in the U.S.

Ag input company Indigo Ag is addressing the important challenge of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) with Nemora FP, a biological seed treatment. Initially launched in Brazil, Nemora FP has received environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval for use in the U.S., offering a new tool for soybean farmers.

Understanding Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN)

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a pervasive pest in both North and South America, causing ample yield losses. It’s a microscopic, soil-dwelling worm that feeds on soybean roots.This feeding disrupts the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields.According to the University of minnesota,SCN can decrease yields by over 30%.

Key Terms:

• Nematode: A microscopic,worm-like organism,many of which are parasitic.
• Bionematicide: A pesticide used to control nematodes, derived from natural sources (like microbes).
• Endophyte: A microorganism that lives within a plant for at least part of its life cycle without causing apparent disease.
• Seed Treatment: Applying a substance to seeds before planting to protect them from pests and diseases.

How Nemora FP works

Nemora FP is part of Indigo Ag’s Biotrinsic portfolio and is derived from a strain of Pseudomonas oryzihabitans. It functions as a seed treatment, meaning it’s applied directly to the soybean seeds before planting. The key to its effectiveness lies in its ability to quickly colonize around the developing root system.

“All of our products are able to quickly form a colony, like our gut microbiome, that expands as the plant grows and is able to provide continuous protection,” explains Jon Giebel, VP of North America commercial, biologicals at Indigo Ag. The company identified Nemora through screening a collection of endophytes, searching for microbes with specific benefits against SCN.

The Science Behind the Protection

Pseudomonas oryzihabitans doesn’t directly kill the nematodes. rather, it triggers a plant defense response. The microbe colonizes the root zone and stimulates the plant’s natural immune system, making it more resistant to SCN infection. This approach is considered more enduring than customary chemical nematicides, as it minimizes environmental impact and reduces the risk of nematode resistance growth.

Why Biological Solutions are Important

Traditional chemical nematicides, while effective, can have drawbacks. these include environmental concerns, potential for soil contamination, and the development of nematode resistance. Biological solutions like Nemora FP offer a more sustainable choice.

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Biologicals are generally less harmful to non-target organisms and the environment.
• Resistance Management: The mode of action of biologicals is often different from chemical nematicides, reducing the risk of resistance development.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Biologicals align with the growing demand for more sustainable agricultural practices.

Key takeaways

• Indigo ag’s Nemora FP is a bionematicide seed treatment for controlling soybean cyst nematode (SCN).
• It’s derived from the microbe Pseudomonas oryzihabitans and works by stimulating the plant’s natural defenses.
• Nemora FP offers a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical nematicides.
• SCN can cause significant yield losses (over 30%) in soybeans.