New conventional soybean variety combines productivity and weed control.

Embrapa Soja (PR) and Caramuru Alimentos are launching the BRS 579 soybean cultivar, which combines high yield potential with an alternative for weed management in conventional cropping systems. The new variety is recommended for producers in north-central Mato Grosso (soybean edaphoclimatic region REC 402) who are looking for medium- to late-cycle cultivars, corresponding to maturity groups (MG) between 7.0 and 9.0+. The cultivar belongs to MG 7.9 and therefore has "a cycle consistent with the region's production system, and can be used for staggered harvesting and for sowing at the beginning of the season," explains researcher Roberto Zito, from Embrapa Soja. BRS 579 stands out for its health, with moderate tolerance to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) and resistance to races 3 and 14 of soybean cyst nematode, important pathogens in the growing region. :: Launch The official launch of BRS 579 will take place on April 7th, at a ceremony during TecnoShow Comigo, to be held from April 6th to 10th in Rio Verde (GO). During the event, the online course "Management of Goosegrass" will also be launched, available on Embrapa's e-Campo platform. TecnoShow Comigo is recognized as one of the largest agribusiness events in Brazil for showcasing recent technologies, innovations, and solutions for the field. :: Genetic Shield BRS 579 also features STS technology (Sulfonylurea-Tolerant Soybean). Sulfonylureas are a chemical group of herbicides that inhibit the ALS (acetolactate synthase) enzyme. Herbicides in this category are already registered and used in soybeans with restrictions, especially regarding dosage, as they can cause phytotoxicity to the crop, which does not occur with STS soybean cultivars, such as BRS 579. Researcher Fernando Adegas, from Embrapa Soja, explains that phytotoxicity is damage that a herbicide causes to soybeans. It can occur due to several factors, such as dosage errors, adverse weather conditions, plant stress, among others. Possible damages include: yellowing, necrosis, deformations, and delayed plant growth. STS technology acts as a "genetic shield." While soybeans can suffer severe productivity losses when in contact with herbicides from the sulfonylurea group, STS varieties have natural tolerance to these molecules. "This allows the farmer to apply the product post-emergence (when the soybean is already grown), eliminating weeds that compete for nutrients and light," Adegas points out. “With this new technological solution, we are delivering to the producer not just a seed, but productivity associated with a management tool capable of bringing more peace of mind and profitability at the end of the harvest,” adds Zito. For the researchers, the great advantage of STS soybeans is that they offer an alternative to the exclusive use of glyphosate, the main herbicide used in transgenic cultivars on the market. The technology enables the effective control of difficult-to-manage plants resistant to other products in the field, maintaining vigor and growth unchanged while ensuring high productivity. “This new cultivar can be integrated into different management systems, being an essential tool for the rotation of active ingredients, which prolongs the useful life of technologies available on the market,” reinforces Adegas. :: Conventional soybean market In addition to high productivity and stability, BRS 579 is ideal for producers seeking the non-GMO soybean market for added value. According to the Instituto Soja Livre (ISL), conventional soybean production currently occupies approximately 420,000 hectares. In the 2025/2026 harvest, Brazil produced soybeans on approximately 47 million hectares, therefore, mostly with transgenic genetic material. The state of Mato Grosso remains the largest producer of conventional soybeans, with 260,000 hectares of conventional grain, followed by Goiás, Minas Gerais, and Paraná. Brazilian conventional soybean production is exported to approximately 20 countries. European demand is the most significant for use in animal feed. The great attraction of conventional soybeans is the premium (the higher price paid per sack compared to transgenic soybeans).

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.