Bionematicide production gains traction with increased corn production worldwide

Powered by rapid industrialization along with diminished fertile farming and land availability, the bionematicides market size will reach over USD 209.1 million by 2024 - Global Market Insights Inc.

The rapidly growing agricultural sector has led to an increasing focus on the quantitative and qualitative production of multiple economic crops. Of late, several forms of nematodes are used to distribute the fungi and bacteria in the soil and through roots by carrying dormant and live microbes on their surfaces and digestive systems. The limitations of chemical nematicides on account of their hazards have amplified the interest in environmentally friendly management components.

In consequence, the bionematicides market is expected to witness expansion at a steady pace in the ensuing years as these organisms are not only beneficial to soil health, but also to the environment. These organic molecules alleviate the issues posed by nematodes, which are tiny parasites damaging the roots of crop plants and helping to minimize yield loss. Bionematicides, also referred to as bioinsecticides, act synergistically and additively with several other agricultural inputs, marking their presence in integrated pest management programs.

Lately, various new bionematicides have been introduced for root-colonizing activities in planting to render season-long protection against severe fungal diseases and provide bio-stimulant effects for boosting yields. Backed by this growing prominence, a host of bionematicide manufacturers are increasingly focusing on inorganic growth-based marketing measures for strengthening their business presence. 

Here is a list of some of the recent developments.

• In January 2022, Syngenta Crop Protection acquired NemaTrident^® and UniSpore^®, its two gen-next bioinsecticides from Bionema, a well-known U.K.-based biocontrol technology developer. These two products provide customers with additional and complementary technologies for effectively and sustainably managing insect pests and resistance.
  

• FMC Corporation, in February 2021, inked into a strategic collaboration with Novozymes, a renowned biological solutions provider, for researching, co-developing, and commercializing several biological enzyme-based crop protection solutions for growers worldwide.
  

The progression of the bionematicides industry is also supported by the rising emphasis on new product developments and enhancements to cater to the growing agricultural requirements. Stating an instance, in December 2021, BASF introduced its first bionematicide in Brazil, under the trade name, Votivo Prime. The new bacterium Bacillus Firmus-based bionematicide helps minimize the stresses on rice, corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton.

In another instance, in 2022, FMC expanded its existing offerings with the launch of Zironar™ biofungicide/bionematicide across the U.S. The novel product is a root-colonizing biological employed at planting and for producing a physical barrier along the length of the root. It provides season-long protection to crops against destructive nematodes and soil-borne fungal diseases.

Increasing application in corn cultivation to positively influence bionematicides demand

In the last couple of decades, the worldwide cultivation of corn has soared to considerable heights given its rising intake in countries, including the U.S. and China. According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), corn production in China is estimated to record 274 million in the marketing year 2022/23.

This proliferating crop production has led to rising debates over the influence of plant-parasitic nematodes that substantially limit yield in field corn. In effect, bionematicides have evolved largely popular to limit crop damage and can be applied to a wide array of crops including corn, cotton soybeans, as well as several fruits and veggies. They specifically protect the corn produce from cysts, root knots, sting, and lance nematodes.

The bionematicides market is also growing with the increasing number of R&D programs for harnessing fungal as well as bacterial nematicides in the sustainable cultivation of corn. To illustrate, MBI-306, a novel bionematicide recently received regulatory approval from the EPA given its favorable results in corn field trials for controlling top yield-robbing pests and corn rootworms.

What does the future hold for the bionematicides industry?

In the forthcoming years, the demand for bionematicides will pick significant steam to alleviate the severe damages caused by root-knot nematodes on crops as they result in extensive financial losses globally. The limitations of agrochemicals as they pose threats to humans and the environment while combating these pests have amplified the development of new and highly effective biocontrol agents that adhere to biosafety regulations.

The rapid strides in biotechnology, the rise in research studies along with the growing regulatory support for innovations will play an ideal role in increasing bionematicides market share. Stating an instance, in May 2021, Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. disclosed that BIOSt Nematicide seed treatment helps in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions in corn and soybeans by more than 85% as opposed to conventional pesticides.

In September 2021, the government of São Paulo, Brazil, announced a partnership between the Canadian multinational Lallemand Plant Care and the Biological Institute (IB-APTA) for the development of new biotechnology. The newly introduced bionematicide helps in controlling the root-knot nematodes and cysts.