Microbial Pesticides Market Assessment, By Product Type [Bacterial Pesticides, Viral Pesticides, Fungal Pesticides], By Form [Solid, Liquid], By Crop Type [Cereals and Grains, Oilseeds and Pulses, Fruits and Vegetables, Others], By Application [Seed Treat

Microbial Pesticides Market Assessment, By Product Type [Bacterial Pesticides, Viral Pesticides, Fungal Pesticides], By Form [Solid, Liquid], By Crop Type [Cereals and Grains, Oilseeds and Pulses, Fruits and Vegetables, Others], By Application [Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global nematicides market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.30% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 1.85 billion in 2023 to USD 3.02 billion in 2031. The market is witnessing remarkable growth, primarily attributed to the increasing risk of crop nematode infestation. Nematodes, which are microscopic and parasitic worms, lead to enormous losses of crops across the globe by injuring the roots and retarding the growth of the crops. With growing pressure to produce more and ensure food security, farmers and other practitioners in agriculture have turned to nematicides to mitigate losses in crop production and maximize productivity.

Furthermore, the demand for nematicides made from natural ingredients makes them a more environmentally friendly option, which fits well with the global adoption of sustainable farming and organic agriculture.

The increasing implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) integration is further driving the use of nematicides, considering their importance in IPM programs. Moreover, developments in agro-technologies and changes in formulation techniques are broadening the scope of usage, thereby increasing the availability and efficiency of nematicides.

From the geographical perspective, North America and Europe are the largest markets owing to their well-established agricultural industries and rigid government policies. However, the market is expanding at a fast pace in Asia-Pacific, which is attributable to rising agricultural activities and the growing adoption of pest control methods.

Notwithstanding the challenges experienced in the form of elevated product prices and fears regarding the elements of nematodes that are resistant, there are expectations that the market for nematicides across the globe will keep on growing owing to better need for protection of the crops, higher yields, and the demand for agricultural practices that are eco-friendly.

In September 2023, Bayer AG launched Velum Rise nematicide to offer top crop protection products to potato farmers in Canada. Penflufen and fluopyram are two active compounds from Group 7. Velum Rise is a broad-spectrum nematicide that can be used in-furrow on potatoes to provide advanced protection against nematodes and crop diseases. It suppresses early blight, black dot, and plant pathogenic nematodes and effectively controls soil-borne black scurf, stem, and stolon canker produced by Rhizoctonia solani.

Growing Adoption of Bio-Based Nematicides Catalyzes Market Expansion

Another important trend that is taking shape within the global agricultural sector is the widespread use of bio-based nematicides in response to the growing environmental and health concerns linked to synthetic chemical-based pesticides. Bio-nematicides, which include bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts, are, as the name suggests, bio-based approaches to controlling nematode infestation and are, therefore, cheaper as well as environmentally friendly alternatives. Such pesticides are especially attractive to organic agriculture as the use of chemical pesticides is outlawed in these farming techniques.

With the growing demand from consumers and the government for sustainable agricultural practices, farmers are increasingly opting for bio-based products to produce healthier and cleaner crops without residues. Besides, bio-nematicides offer a lower chance of developing resistance to nematodes, which is a challenge that seems to be on the rise with chemical varieties.

Capitalizing on the trend, in December 2023, Syngenta Crop Protection AG launched CERTANO, a microbiological bionematicide intended for sugarcane farming. The bionematicide is based on Bacillus velezensis, a multipurpose microbe that fights a variety of nematodes and illnesses that frequently harm sugarcane crops. The product facilitates efficient management of various entomopathogenic nematode genera targeting the full sugarcane crop cycle, significantly affecting the crop's overall productivity.

Introduction to New Technologies Influences Market Growth

The introduction of new technologies in the nematicides market is revolutionizing methods of crop protection. The latest formulation advancements have enhanced the effectiveness, durability, and precision in the discharge of nematicides. Such innovations enable the active ingredients to be released over a period of time, thus enhancing the protection period against nematodes and minimizing the number of doses. For instance, in May 2024, Syngenta Crop Protection AG launched TYMIRIUM technology in Zambia to promote sustainable agricultural practices. According to the company, nematodes are leading to 14% annual crop loss. TYMIRIUM technology, with its low dose rates, provides protection against these with the help of two formulations, VANIVA for potatoes and tobacco and VICTRATO in wheat, soya beans, and maize. With the use of TYMIRIUM technology, farmers can effectively counteract invisible crop threats and increase agricultural yields.

Moreover, the work on new chemical compositions is improving conventional nematicides in a more focused and consistent way. Modern methods in agriculture, such as the use of drones and soil sensors, are facilitating the application of nematicides more effectively so that the farmers can treat only targeted areas while reducing wastage. These ensure optimal application of the active ingredients, enhancing their efficiency without compromising the health of the soil. Developments in technology include automatic spraying machines and monitoring devices, which help in control of nematodes effectively.

Granular Form to Hold a Significant Market Share

Many consumers prefer using nematicides in granule form as they are convenient and effective for longer and can effectively reach the sprouted underbelly of the plant, which is often the epicenter of harmful nematode infestations. Such formulation is highly effective for vegetables, fruits, and tubers, which are highly vulnerable to nematodes. Most farmers prefer these formulations since granular forms can be mixed during soil preparation, such as during tilling, providing even coverage and longer-lasting protection.

Additionally, dry formulations frequently offer better management and lower drifting than wet preparations, ensuring better environmental safety and lower risk to human health. Furthermore, their combination with conventional farm equipment makes these products more useful and contributes to their wide usage and significant market share in different agricultural practices across the globe.

In October 2024, Organic Crop Protectants, a division of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Limited, launched its latest organic nematicide, eco-nemguard. It is in granular form, filled with a polysulfide-containing garlic extract. Once incorporated into the soil, the granules release polysulfides that kill free-living nematodes in the soil before they have a chance to infect plant roots.

North America to Dominate the Market Share

The global nematicides market is led by North America owing to its sophisticated agricultural practices and high levels of awareness concerning pest control measures. The region's large farming practices, especially in the United States, suffer from the menace of nematode attacks, thus increasing the need for effective nematicides. The growing preference for substrates that are less toxic and harmful to the environment has favored the use of biocontrol agents.

Moreover, sustainable farming practices and the use of precision agriculture techniques have most recently contributed to the growth of the North American agriculture market. Furthermore, the investments in research and development, in conjunction with the adoption of new crop protection solutions, enable North America to dominate the global market for nematicides, hence making the market grow consistently. Due to the region’s growing dominance across the world, many companies are entering the region, introducing new innovative products to the market. For instance, in August 2023, Indigo Ag launched its latest product, biotrinsic Z15, a bionematicide for the United States market. The product is suitable for crops such as soybean and corn and provides protection against several plant-damaging nematodes, such as soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Z15 combines several microbially-enhanced plant defense mechanisms, including secondary metabolite synthesis, protective root colonization, and systemic resistance. biotrinsic Z15 repels and partially paralyzes nematodes to prevent nematodes from reproducing and restricting their access to roots, significantly improving the soil health determinants.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Bio-nematicides are likely to gain a surge in demand in the market due to the increase in demand for biological pest control methods, which are cost-effective and environmentally friendly and cut down the usage of chemical-based products.

Technological enhancements such as controlled release and nano-encapsulation will aid in enhancing the effectiveness and durability of nematicides, thereby enhancing crop protection.

With more stringent environmental laws, manufacturers will be encouraged to design less toxic and safer products, leading to a shift in the range of available products in the market.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The nematicides market has many players operating globally and regionally in producing chemical and biological nematicides. The competitive trend in the market is changing, as there is an increased investment in research for developing better and more environmentally friendly products. Key market participants emphasize innovations such as bio-nematicides in response to the increasing regulatory requirements.

The market is anticipated to experience consolidated growth, whereby the bigger players will seek to grow their portfolios through merger and acquisition activities. The increasing focus on sustainable farming and precision farming technologies will influence the prospect of further growth in the sector.

In September 2023, Reklemel Active, a nematicide from Corteva Agriscience, was launched that helps protect a range of food crops and row crops against damage caused by plant-parasitic nematodes without upsetting the delicate balance of beneficial soil organisms. Reklemel assists farmers in raising yields, addressing climate change and other issues, and ultimately enhancing global food security. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified Reklemel as having a Reduced Risk designation because it can specifically target plant-parasitic nematodes, requires less usage than traditional nematicides, and has a favorable environmental and toxicological profile compared to alternatives.