Microbial bioinputs in Brazilian agriculture

• Describes major categories, mechanisms of action, and global challenges of microbial bioinputs. • Summarizes Brazil’s manufacturing infrastructure for bioinput production. • Discusses Brazilian bioinput patents and regulation in the global scenario. Brazil maintains a leading position in agricultural exports and stands as the world’s foremost producer and user of bioinputs in agriculture. These bioinputs generate annual savings of billions of dollars that would otherwise be allocated to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The nation’s regulatory framework enables bioinput agriculture and serves as a model for countries transitioning toward regenerative agriculture. Brazilian legislation categorizes bioinputs into: 1) Biofertilizers (extracts); 2) biostimulants (plant growth-promoting and biocontrol agents); and 3) inoculants (active ingredient comprises one or more living microorganisms). The inoculation of soybeans with Bradyrhizobium strains provides approximately 90% of the nitrogen accumulated by this crop. Brazil has registered over six hundred inoculants, with at least 60% specifically designated for soybean cultivation. The annual sales of inoculants in Brazil reach approximately 120 million doses. Although beans ( Phaseolus vulgari s and Vigna unguiculata ) represent an essential food crop in Brazil’s staple diet and benefit from inoculation, inoculant supply remains insufficient. Regarding biocontrol, soy, corn, sugarcane, and coffee rank among the most protected crops, employing biocontrol agents against bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and insects. Bacillus , Pseudomonas , Streptomyces , Rhizobium , Azotobacter , and Paenibacillus strains were predominantly cited in the 5,000+ bioproduct patents filed between 2022 and 2024. Among fungal genera, Trichoderma , and Penicillium received the most citations. EMBRAPA’s biobanks maintain over 10,000 strains of bacteria, fungi, and viruses for biocontrol, and 14,000 strains of nutrient-fixing and plant-growth promoters. Production challenges include quality control, particularly as on-farm production of inoculants becomes prevalent on larger farms, alongside product availability and supply limitations. Brazilian farmers maintain global competitiveness partly through reduced chemical fertilizer and pesticide costs enabled by bioinput usage. As components of regenerative agriculture, bioinputs enhance soil quality, decrease carbon footprints, and support SDGs. Brazil’s leadership in microbial bioinput utilization stems from its extensive agricultural sector, rich microbial biodiversity, and progressive regulatory framework.