Soils, Inputs & Water: AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

Brazil's Agricultural Drones Surge from 3,000 to 35,000 in Four Years

The use of drones in Brazilian agriculture is experiencing exponential growth, with operational units rising from 3,000 in 2021 to 35,000 by 2025, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Drones enable precise spraying, reduce input volumes, and enhance operator safety while adapting to challenging terrains. DronePro, a DJI partner, positions itself as a market leader in Brazil, holding a 21.1% market share in 2025.

SugaROx Tests Its T6P Biostimulant in the U.S. Through H.A.R.V.E.S.T. Program

SugaROx, a British company specializing in biostimulants, has been selected to participate in the H.A.R.V.E.S.T. program in the United States, an initiative aimed at promoting innovative agricultural technologies. This program will allow SugaROx to test its trehalose-6-phosphate-based biostimulant in tomato crop trials in California, following preliminary tests in the UK on wheat crops.

Hedges: A Key Agroecological Lever for Integrated Pest Management and Climate Adaptation

Hedges play a crucial role in integrated pest management in agriculture by protecting natural enemies of pests and promoting biodiversity. They can temper temperature extremes, providing benefits in the context of climate change. Although their establishment incurs costs (between $9 and $15 per meter), financial assistance is available to support farmers, such as the Prime-Vert and ALUS funding programs.

Precision Planting Demonstrates Up to 15% Yield Increase in Corn Through Seed Optimization

Agco's technology division, Precision Planting, has shown a 15% yield increase in corn through optimized planter settings. Technologies such as SpeedTube and DeltaForce enhance planting precision and productivity. The company plans to expand its trials to other soil types and crops, including corn, sugar beet, sunflower, and canola, thereby strengthening its experimental network for 2026.

Tersis and Vivum Aim to Transform Waste into Energy and Biochar with Modular Platform

Nitrogen on Wheat: Up to 30% Absorption Post-Flowering, A Key Lever for Protein

The application of nitrogen on wheat, even late in the season, is crucial for optimizing yields and grain quality. Factors influencing the effectiveness of this application include the plant's growth dynamics and climatic conditions. The use of management tools is recommended to adjust nitrogen inputs, favoring effective forms such as ammonium nitrate.

China: Microcapsules Emerge as a Key Technology in Agrochemistry with a Focus on Insecticides

The formulation of microcapsules for pesticides in China is undergoing significant evolution, with the addition of 20 new active ingredients since 2023, thereby expanding their applications. Insecticides still dominate the market, but herbicides are experiencing notable growth, surpassing insecticides for the first time. Microencapsulation is seen as a solution to extend the value of active ingredients in light of regulatory restrictions.

A Cucumber Reveals a Natural Biopesticide Against Aphids

In the face of aphid infestations threatening agricultural production, research on eco-friendly biopesticides is intensifying. A recent study highlights the cucumber variety XSBN032, rich in farnesal, a promising compound for aphid control. This biopesticide, applied as a nanoemulsion, shows remarkable efficacy (74.9% aphid mortality in 24 hours) while preserving the ecosystem, with zero mortality in earthworms and minimal impacts on beneficial insects.

Australia: Adama Launches Marathon®, a New Broad-Spectrum Herbicide for Cereals

Adama Ltd. announces the launch of Marathon®, an innovative herbicide based on pyrasulfotole, aimed at cereal producers in Australia for the 2026 season. This product, which incorporates advanced formulation technology, promises effective weed control while facilitating mixture management and supporting sustainable farming practices.

A New Generation of Bioherbicides Based on Metabolite Mixtures to Combat Herbicide Resistance

Invasive Species Corporation (ISC) is positioning itself in the bioherbicide market by developing solutions based on metabolite mixtures, aiming to provide an effective alternative to traditional chemical herbicides. With an algorithmic approach to identify microbes that produce herbicidal compounds, ISC hopes to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions in the face of weed resistance, including glyphosate-resistant varieties.