IHARA's new bactericide is launched in Brazil, phenoxyamine + propiconazole effectively combats soybean diseases.

The launch of SEIV is to address the increasingly severe problem of Asian soybean rust. Over the past six years, the incidence of Asian soybean rust in Brazilian fields has been estimated to increase by 33%, with yield losses in affected varieties reaching up to 40%.

Data from Conab shows that Brazilian soybean growers spend approximately $3.8 billion on fungicides each season. Disease pressure has led to an increase in the adoption of targeted control measures: currently, 71% of soybean fields in Brazil have been treated against Asian soybean rust, with this proportion reaching 95% in the largest producing state, Mato Grosso.

SEIV is one of the first commercial formulations to combine benzovindiflupyr and propiconazole in a suspension concentrate (SC) form. According to Archimedes Nishida, an agronomist and product manager at IHARA, this formulation aims to provide efficient systemic uptake and stable foliar absorption. Compared to past solvent-based formulations, the suspension improves dispersion in water and reduces the risk of phytotoxicity. Nishida noted, "Benzovindiflupyr has high water solubility, which helps achieve uniform coverage and rapid absorption. This property allows the active ingredient to remain active in leaf tissue for a longer period."

Laboratory and field assessments have shown that thanks to the complementary modes of action—propiconazole inhibiting sterol biosynthesis and benzovindiflupyr inhibiting mitochondrial respiration—the combination of these two active ingredients enhances activity against a range of pathogens, including Asian soybean rust and Asian soybean rust.

Reports from independent research institutions in Brazil show that under test conditions, SEIV achieves 95% effectiveness against Asian soybean rust, 80% against soybean rust, and 70% against late-season foliar fungal diseases. Comparative trials observed an average yield increase of about 3 bags (60 kg each) per hectare.

This fungicide can be used in preventive or early treatment regimens and is compatible with integrated pest management systems that include multi-site protectants and crop rotation.

It is worth noting that the increase in Asian soybean rust and soybean rust in Brazil's major soybean-producing areas has heightened the need for diversity in the modes of action used in disease management. Most fungicides currently used to control Asian soybean rust were introduced over a decade ago, and laboratory monitoring has detected partial resistance in the pathogen population to certain chemical components. In this context, SEIV adds to the limited combination of new active ingredient formulations in crop rotation schemes, providing an option based on complementary biochemical pathways and systemic efficacy.

Although independent trial results show promising efficacy, pathologists emphasize that integrating the new fungicide into a broader integrated pest management plan is crucial to prevent the early development of resistance. Researchers suggest that the broader adoption of integrated management strategies that combine suspension formulations, multiple modes of action, and precise application timing remains key to maintaining disease control and yield stability.