2024 Overview of Globally Registered, Launched Pesticides and Analysis of High-value Product Varieties, 10+ Innovation Directions and Future Trends to Reshape Future of Agrochemical Industry

Editor’s note: In 2024, the global agrochemical industry has progressed remarkably in technological innovation, product diversification, and sustainability. In the face of increasingly complex agricultural challenges, multinational companies launched a series of innovative herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides through the exploration of novel modes of action, optimization of mixing technology, improvement of formulation performance, and implementation of precision development strategy. These new products not only exhibit outstanding performance in problem-solving, efficacy, and safety improvement but also provide strong support to the sustainable development of global agriculture. In the future, the pesticide industry is expected to continuously move forward in the direction of green, precise, mixture, intelligent, biological, and regulation-guided development, which will be a significant contribution to the accomplishment of global food security and environmental protection. 

This article presents a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the pesticide registrations/launches of global agrochemical giants in 2024, examining multiple dimensions such as innovation direction, product features, and future trends. This analysis gives insight into the innovation strategy and future trends of global agrochemical production.

1. Innovation Direction: Multi-field Breakthroughs to Tackle Challenges

1) Exploration of a new mode of action: Tackling the challenge of resistance 

With the worldwide growing resistance to pesticides, their development with new modes of action has become a top priority among pesticide manufacturers. In the field of insecticides, BASF’s innovative insecticide Cimegra^® (Broflanilide) and Efficon^® (Dimpropyridaz) demonstrated a new mode of action, respectively, against diamondback moth and sucking pests, without cross-resistance to the existing products, being deemed as an ideal tool for insecticide resistance management; Syngenta’s PLINAZOLIN^® technology (Isocycloseram) and Verdavis^® (Isocycloseram + Lambda-cyhalothrin) can control the most resistant and difficult-to-control insect pests, via unique mode of action. These new products provide new tools for pest management and pave the way for the sustainable development of the pesticide industry. 

In the field of herbicides, FMC’s novel herbicide Isoflex^® active (Bixlozone), classified as HRAC Group 13, which is granted registration in Brazil, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Australia, China, and India, has become a new herbicidal solution for application to various crops; Corteva’s novagraz™ (2,4-D + Florpyrauxifen-benzyl) has become the first herbicidal product for protection of both white clover and annual lespedeza while providing a broad-spectrum weed control solution, thus solving the long-standing problem existing in the livestock industry. The achievement of this kind of selective control effect stands for the beginning of a refined development of herbicides. 

2) Constant optimization of mixing technology: Overall improvement of product performance

Globally, prime companies have continued innovation in product mixing. This innovation is not only reflected in the selection and ratio of a mixture of active ingredients. Still, it is also reflected in the synergistic effect and the improvement of the overall performance of mixture products. Through mixing, not only is a synergistic effect achieved, but the emergence of resistance is put off.

In the fungicide sector, Syngenta launched its Miravis^® Duo (Pydiflumetofen+Difenoconazole) and Reflect^® Top (Difenoconazole+Isopyrazam), which, through the reasonable mix design, not only expands the control spectrum but also improves the long-lasting effect. In particular, Miravis^® Duo shows strong efficacy and long-lasting impact in the control of powdery mildew, anthracnose, and leaf spot, which significantly reduces the number of pesticide applications. Also, BASF expanded its product portfolio with Aramax™ Intrinsic^® (Pyraclostrobin+Triticonazole), Melyra^® (Mefentrifluconazole+Pyraclostrobin), Keyra^® (Fenpropimorph+Mefentrifluconazole). Through mixing of active ingredients of different modes of action, these products can improve the efficacy of control while reducing the risk of resistance. 

In the field of herbicides, innovative mixing technologies are appealing. Syngenta launched in Canada its novel cereal herbicide Axial^® Maxx (Pinoxaden + Fluroxypyr + Bromoxynil + Bicyclopyrone) against weed resistance; Bayer’s herbicide Vios™ FX (Fluroxypyr-meptyl + Thiencarbazone-methyl) is an effective product for control of a wide range of tough weeds, including resistant wild oat and foxtail, via mixing of ingredients of two kinds of mode of action; Corteva’s herbicide Resicore^® REV (Acetochlor + Mesotrione + Clopyralid mea salt), through the synergistic effect of three ingredients, can effectively control more than 75 kinds of tough weeds. In addition, the mixing technology takes into account the needs of product compatibility and ease of application, such as Bayer’s Vios™ FX, which provides a satisfactory tank-mix flexibility and enhanced user experience. 

3) Innovative formulation technology: Improvement of product performance and user experience

The innovation of formulation technology is particularly attractive, which is a means for prime companies to improve product performance and user experience. In this regard, ADAMA’s independently developed Asorbital^® formulation technology, which is a good example of ADAMA’s innovation capability, is applicable to a wide range of products, including Maxentis^®, Forapro^®, Maganic^®, and Avastel^®. The key advantage of this technology lies in its significant improvement of absorption and delivery of the product inside plants.

Syngenta launched its novel insecticide INZAK^® ZEON (Acetamiprid + Lambda-cyhalothrin) in Brazil, using the innovative ZEON^® microencapsulation technology, having realized continuous release of active ingredients through sustained-release technology, which has both rapid effect and long-lasting efficacy to meet the needs of sustainable agricultural development and effective control of sucking pests on soybean, corn, and cotton, etc. 

BASF launched its novel corn herbicide Surtain™ (Saflufenacil+ Pyroxasulfone) in Canada. This is a first-of-its-kind solid-encapsulated herbicidal technology that delivers residual endurance in the field to provide broad-spectrum control of key broadleaf and grassy weeds, including resistant biotypes. 

UPL’s herbicide BATALIUM^® is a successful and perfect mixture of four active ingredients (Flucarbazone-sodium + Fluroxypyr-meptyl + MCPA-2-ethylhexyl + Bromoxynil octanoate), which not only assures the synergy of the ingredients but also ensures the stability and convenience of the use of the product. 

Corteva’s herbicide Linear^® (Picloram + Triclopyr-butotyl + Aminopyralid) is made using a new formulation technology which can maintain a stable effect under different ways of application. In addition, the new formulation technology focuses on the reduction of toxicity and environmental impact. For instance, Corteva’s nematicide Salibro^® (Fluazaindolizine) has little effect on the soil ecosystem, which is a reflection of the trend of environment-friendly development. 

4) Regionalization strategy: Fulfilling specific market needs, taking into account local conditions

Prime companies have been developing and promoting products that consider the crop structure, diseases, pests, weeds, and climatic conditions in different regions.

In the Asian market, especially in India, several companies launched highly targeted products. BASF’s Efficon^® (Dimpropyridaz) targets specifically sucking pests in India; Corteva’s Salibro^® (Fluazaindolizine) filled the gap in the nematicide market in India; Syngenta’s Miravis^® Duo (Pydiflumetofen + Difenoconazole) launched in India, aims to control powdery mildew, anthracnose and leaf spot on crops such as tomato, chili, peanut and grape. Furthermore, Syngenta’s Reflect^® Top (Difenoconazole + Isopyrazam), launched in India, is a fungicide specially designed for rice to effectively control rice blasts over a long period. 

In the South American market, especially Brazil, product innovation is concentrated on major cash crops such as soybean and sugarcane. Corteva’s Linear^® (Picloram + Triclopyr-butotyl + Aminopyralid) specifically addresses the issue of weed control in sugarcane in Brazil; UPL launched in Brazil the unique herbicide Eximia (Asulam), which is specifically designed for application to sugarcane to combat the difficult-to-control weeds; UPL’s Prez (Acetamiprid + Bifenthrin) addresses the problem of deois flavopicta in a Brazilian ranch; ADAMA’s Gales^® (Imidacloprid + Bifenthrin) is specially designed for control of sugarcane weevil (Sphenophorus levis). These products are developed with full consideration of local planting needs and the occurrence of insect pests and diseases. 

In the European market, product innovation appears more environment-friendly and sustainable. ADAMA’s series of grain fungicides launched in Europe and Corteva’s proclova^® (Florpyrauxifen-benzyl + Amidosulfuro) in Germany have all reflected full consideration of reducing environmental impact. 

5) Improvement of safety and environmental friendliness: Green development practices

With increased attention to environmental protection and food safety, the development of pesticides with low toxicity, low residue, and low environmental impact has become an inevitable choice. In general, product innovation in 2024 showed considerations for environmental friendliness, which is reflected in many aspects such as product design, formulation optimization, and application techniques.

Corteva’s novel nematicide Salibro^® (Fluazaindolizine) is designed with full environmental consideration, which has a low impact on the soil ecosystem and can coexist in harmony with beneficial soil organisms and large soil fauna; ADAMA’s herbicide EDAPTIS^® (Pinoxaden + Mesosulfuron-methyl) is formulated using refined rapeseed oil to form an oil dispersion formulation, which not only improves product performance but also reduces the environmental burden; several of Syngenta’s novel products lay stress on low-dosage and high-efficiency application, such as Miravis^® Duo (Pydiflumetofen + Difenoconazole) which has the potential to reduce the number of sprays due to its high efficiency, thus saving resources and reducing environmental impact.

BASF’s new products are focused on environmental friendliness, such as Cimegra^® (Broflanilide), launched in Australia, which stresses the product property of being free of cross-resistance with the existing products, being a benefit to sustainable applications. Bayer’s acaricide Interrupt 240 SC (Spiromesifen) is formulated in an environmentally friendly manner to reduce the environmental impact. Moreover, novel active ingredients have been developed with great attention to environmental friendliness, such as Sumitomo Chemical’s herbicide Epyrifenacil, which has attracted market attention due to its high efficiency and low toxicity.

6) Digital and intelligent integration: Opening up innovation boundaries

Digital technologies are reshaping the agrochemical product development model. From molecular design and formulation optimization to application planning, digital technologies have been improving the efficiency of innovation and expanding its boundaries. New R&D models such as significant data-based targeted discovery, AI-assisted formulation design, and intelligent efficacy evaluation are accelerating the digital transformation of the agrochemical industry.

Besides, prime companies are increasingly designing products in conjunction with digital solutions, such as smart spraying and precision application technologies. This trend suggests that pesticide development in the future will prioritize integration with digital farming technologies.

These innovative breakthroughs demonstrate the systematic progress in technological innovation in the agrochemical industry. Through multi-dimensional collaboration and innovation, the agrochemical industry is speedily moving forward towards a more efficient, safer, and more sustainable direction of development, providing solid technical support to the green growth of global agriculture.

2. Product Features: Efficient, Precise and Sustainable

1) Innovative herbicides: High efficiency, long-lasting, selective, and environment-friendliness

In 2024, all multinational companies launched a number of innovative herbicides, which performed outstandingly in terms of efficiency, durability, selectivity, and environmental friendliness, resulting in breakthroughs in agricultural weed management.

(1) High efficiency and durability, reducing the number of pesticide applications

In general, novel herbicides would go after rapid and long-lasting herbicidal effects to reduce the number of pesticide applications and improve agricultural production efficiency. For example, BASF launched its herbicide Voraxor^® (Saflufenacil + Trifludimoxazin), which is fit to a wide range of crops, showing the rapid and long-lasting effect of weed control; Corteva’s launch of herbicide Linear^® (Picloram + Triclopyr-butotyl + Aminopyralid) in Brazil provides a year-round weed management solution against tough weeds in sugarcane field; Bayer’s novel herbicide Vios™ FX (Fluroxypyr-meptyl + Thiencarbazone-methyl) is effective in tackling a wide range of tough weeds including resistant weeds, having demonstrated excellent weeding results; Syngenta’s novel cereal herbicide Axial^® Maxx (Pinoxaden + Fluroxypyr + Bromoxynil + bicyclopyrone) in India provides high-effective and broad-spectrum herbicidal effect, with control of resistant weeds. 

(2) Selectivity and crop safety

Herbicide selectivity and crop safety are the key considerations in the course of product development. In order to improve the safety of specific crops, novel herbicides are made to achieve higher selectivity and better effect of crop protection by optimization of formulation and addition of safeners. For example, Corteva launched in the Spanish market its herbicide Hector^® (Nicosulfuron + Rimsulfuron + Dicamba + Isoxadifen) added with the safener ethyl bisbenzoxazolerate, which significantly enhances the selectivity of the product while effectively protecting corn from phytotoxicity. In addition, Corteva launched in Canada its herbicide Extinguish™ XL (Halauxifen-methyl + 2,4-D-2-ethylhexyl ester), which is specifically targeted at broadleaf weeds in wheat and barley fields, with a broad period of application and stable herbicidal activity to ensure the safety of crops throughout the entire growth cycle. 

(3) Resistance management

Resistance management is one of the key future directions in herbicide development. For example, Corteva’s novel herbicide Tolvera™ (Tolpyralate + Bromoxynil) can effectively control resistant weeds and provide growers with a reliable resistance management solution; FMC’s Isoflex^® active (Bixlozone) has been granted registration in several countries, where, with its unique mode of action, the product provides growers with a new resistance management tool capable of effective control of annual grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds. Furthermore, FMC launched its wheat herbicide Ambriva^® (Bixlozone + Metribuzin) in India that is specifically designed against Phalaris minor, which is resistant to a variety of chemical herbicides, thus offering Indian farmers an innovative solution to tackle the challenge of resistant weeds. 

(4) Environment friendliness 

Novel herbicides appear more environmentally friendly. For example, Corteva’s herbicidal Enversa™ (Acetochlor) was launched in the U.S. market using encapsulated acetochlor technology, which effectively controls weeds while ensuring crop safety and environment friendliness. In addition, Sumitomo Chemical’s herbicide Epyrifenacil, launched in the Argentinian market, reduces environmental impact due to its high efficiency and low toxicity. 

2) Novel insecticides: New mode of action, versatility and environment friendliness

In 2024, multinational companies launched several innovative insecticide products that exhibit excellent performance in mode of action, versatility, and environmental friendliness.

(1) New mode of action to tackle the challenge of resistance

In general, novel insecticides are developed with a unique mode of action to address the growing issue of resistance. BASF’s innovative insecticide Cimegra^® (Broflanilide) and Efficon^® (Dimpropyridaz) demonstrated a new mode of action against diamondback moth and sucking pests, without cross-resistance to the existing products, which is deemed as an ideal tool for insecticide resistance management. Syngenta’s PLINZOLIN technology (Isocycloseram) and Verdavis^® (Isocycloseram + Lambda-cyhalothrin) can also effectively tackle the challenge of resistance through its unique mode of action. 

(2) Multi-functional design to achieve enhanced efficiency and effect of control

Versatility becomes the focus of pesticide product design. For example, Syngenta’s Verdavis^® (Isocycloseram + Lambda-cyhalothrin) not only possesses the function of foliar spray but also contains a ″resistance-breaker,″ which can control the most resistant and difficult-to-control pests. Also, BASF’s Cimegra^® (Broflanilide) demonstrated high efficiency and long-lasting effect, making it an ideal tool for pesticide resistance management. 

(3) Highly-targeted insecticides, being environment friendly

Novel insecticides are developed with more emphasis on environmental friendliness while maintaining a high effect of control. For example, Corteva’s novel nematicide Salibro^® (Fluazaindolizine), launched in the Indian market, has a low impact on the soil ecosystem and is compatible with beneficial soil organisms. Syngenta’s novel insecticide INZAK^® ZEON launched in India (Acetamiprid + Lambda-cyhalothrin) is developed using the innovative ZEON^® microencapsulation technology, having achieved the continuous release of active ingredients through the sustained-release technique, which improves the effect of control while reducing environmental impact. BASF’s insecticidal Efficon^® (Dimpropyridaz) aims to control sucking pests in India, being effective against aphids, leafhoppers, and whitefly in different growth stages, with a fast-acting, systemic and long-lasting residual effect, which can quickly control the growth of pest populations to reduce pest damages. 

3) New-generation fungicides: Multi-ingredient mixtures, precision targeting, long-lasting and broad-spectrum

The new-generation fungicides fulfilled the needs of diverse and complex disease control of global agricultural production via targeted solutions, a mixture of multiple active ingredients, versatility, excellent durability, and applicability.

(1) Multi-ingredient mixture to increase broad-spectrum

The mixed application of multiple active ingredients has become the mainstream of fungicide development. By mixing a variety of highly effective active ingredients, the spectrum and effect of control of fungicides are greatly improved. BASF launched a variety of fungicide mixtures, such as Aramax™ Intrinsic^® (Pyraclostrobin + Triticonazole), Melyra ^® (Mefentrifluconazole + Pyraclostrobin), Keyra^® (Fenpropimorph + Mefentrifluconazole) and Belyan^® (Mefentrifluconazole + Pyraclostrobin + Fluxapyroxad). These products can significantly increase the spectrum and effect of control through reasonable mixing. 

Syngenta’s Miravis^® Duo in India (Pydiflumetofen + Difenoconazole) and Reflect^® Top (Difenoconazole + Isopyrazam) not only expand the control spectrum but also improve the durability through a reasonable design of the mixture. 

Corteva’s launch of the ternary soybean seed treating agent lumitreo™ (Oxythiapiprolin + Picoxystrobin + Ipconazole) in India not only enhances the product's control effect but also provides a powerful tool for resistance management. 

In addition, Sumitomo Chemical’s novel fungicide Pladius^® in Brazil consists of three active ingredients: Inpyrfluxam, Difenoconazole, and Picoxystrobin. This combination provides a high-effect solution for controlling cotton leaf spot. 

(2) Precision targeting, with provision of specific solutions 

Targeted solutions are highly appreciated among developed fungicides, as targeted solutions provide precise application to specific crops against specific diseases. For example, BASF’s Melyra^® (Mefentrifluconazole + Pyraclostrobin) targets at citrus disease control in Brazil, which is an advanced crop protection solution for this world’s largest citrus-producing country; BASF’s fungicide Keyra^® (Fenpropimorph + Mefentrifluconazole) provides a high effect of control of soybean leaf spot and rust; for soybean solutions, BASF also launched two fungicides, Belyan^® (Mefentrifluconazole + Pyraclostrobin + Fluxapyroxad) and Blavity^® (Fluxapyroxad + Prothioconazole), which further enriched BASF’s soybean crop solution portfolio. 

In the Chinese market, BASF launched its novel rice fungicide, Cevya^® (Mefentrifluconazole). This is the latest isopropanol triazole fungicide registered for rice in China in the past 20 years, and it is capable of effectively controlling rice false smut.

3. Green, Precise Mixture, Intelligent, Biological, and Regulation-guided Development Will Continue to be the Future of Pesticide Development

The future pesticide industry is envisaged to show a trend toward green, precise, mixture, intelligent, biological, and regulation-guided development. Concerning green development, with the worldwide growing emphasis on food safety and environmental protection, low-toxic, low-residue, and environment-friendly pesticides are expected to become mainstream, whilst the development of novel active ingredients and formulation technology will focus on precision spraying, with the help of digital technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence, the application of pesticides will become more precise, including the development of specialized products against specific pests, diseases or weeds, as well as the application of precision pesticide application and intelligent control system. Regarding the mixture, multi-functional, multi-target mixtures may dominate the market, whilst comprehensive control strategies will become popular with closer integration of biological control and chemical control; in terms of intelligent development, it is worth noting that intelligent and digital technology will be deeply integrated with the industry development, covering intelligent formula design and intelligent pesticide application, IoT-based early warning of pests and diseases as well as technological innovation, which will run through the whole process of pesticide application. With respect to biochemistry, biopesticides and emerging biological control technologies (such as RNAi technology and pheromone technology) are expected to be developed in parallel with chemical pesticides to provide new solutions in support of the sustainable development of agriculture; speaking of regulatory guidance, the concept of sustainable development will prevail through the whole life cycle of pesticide products, from raw material selection to production process, from application technology to packaging design, the regulatory policies will guide and promote research and development of safer and more environment-friendly substitutes to accelerate knock-out of high-toxic and high-risk pesticides. 

This article will be published in the magazine of 2024 Annual Review. Follow this magazine to read more articles/stories.

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