In a landmark move that could redefine soybean farming in South America, BASF, Corteva Agriscience, and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. today announced a trait licensing agreement to bring the industry’s first nematode resistant soybean (NRS) trait to Brazil. The collaboration integrates BASF’s cutting-edge nematode resistance with Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 soybeans, offering growers a next-generation solution to two of the most yield-threatening pests: root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus brachyurus) and soybean cyst nematodes.

The innovation marks the first biotech trait globally designed to combat nematodes—microscopic but devastating parasites that silently erode productivity across millions of hectares.

“This novel trait has demonstrated more than 90 per cent control of root lesion nematodes across more than 160 field trials over seven years,” said Adolfo Vitorio Ulbrich, Regional R&D Seeds Director, BASF Agricultural Solutions in Latin America. “By joining forces with Corteva and M.S. Technologies, we are unlocking a historic advance for Brazilian farmers.”

The agreement marries BASF’s NRS trait with Corteva’s Enlist weed control system, widely adopted in North America, and the Conkesta E3 platform, which layers insect resistance tailored for Latin American conditions. The resulting stack delivers nematode resistance, broad-spectrum herbicide tolerance, and insect protection in one integrated solution, giving Brazilian farmers a powerful new management tool.

“We see this as a critical new tool for Brazilian growers—an unprecedented defense against Pratylenchus brachyurus and soybean cyst nematodes,” said Christian Pflug, Licensing Director, Brazil and Paraguay, Corteva.

For M.S. Technologies, the move underscores its longstanding focus on elite soybean genetics. “Pairing Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 genetics with BASF’s NRS trait is a step change in value protection for South American growers,” noted Joe Merschman, President, M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.

The partners anticipate commercial availability of varieties with the NRS trait in Brazil by the end of the decade or early next, subject to regulatory approval and final testing. Expansion to additional geographies remains on the horizon.

With Brazil emerging as the epicenter of global soybean supply, the trait stack could not only reshape farm economics but also strengthen the region’s competitive position in the world’s protein trade.