Sustainable agriculture is gaining immense traction globally. This is mostly due to growing environmental concerns, rising food insecurity, and surging demand for organic and chemical-free food.
Farmers are constantly seeking solutions to enhance food productivity and reduce dependence on chemical inputs. One such solution is biocontrol agents. These biological agents allow farmers to manage pests and crop diseases and improve crop yield.
Biocontrol agents or biological control agents are becoming key to sustainable agriculture. These agents, including predators, pathogens, parasitoids, and competitors, help manage pest populations through natural ecological interactions.
Key biocontrol agent players across the world are investing heavily in research and development (R&D) to advance in eco-friendly bio-pesticides. They are employing advanced technologies to improve the effectiveness and scalability of biocontrol agents. Advancements in biocontrol technologies are expected to further encourage their adoption in sustainable agriculture.
What Are BioControl Agents?
Biological control agents are living organisms that help control pests and diseases in agriculture. They have become ideal eco-friendly alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides. These agents have the tendency to control pests without impacting human health and the environment.
Wondering about the benefits of biocontrol agents? Let me break it down for you. Biocontrol agents offer sustainable alternatives by
- Targeting specific pests and diseases
- Improving soil microbiome health
- Reducing the risk of pesticide resistance development
- Promoting biodiversity in agroecosystems
Innovations in BioControl Agents
- Genetic Enhancement
Companies are using genetic modifications to enhance the efficacy and specificity of biocontrol agents. For instance, they are employing CRISPR technology to create more robust and targeted biocontrol organisms.
BASF Agricultural Solutions is betting on biotechnology for microbial pest control. AgBiome used advanced genetic analysis to create next-generation microbial biocontrol agents. Similarly, Certis Biological is working on microbial pesticides using strain enhancement techniques.
- Microbial Consortia
Individual biocontrol agents have a narrow host range. This has directed biocontrol agent manufacturers towards microbial consortia. They are now combining multiple microbial agents for broader and more effective pest control.
Microbial consortia have the tendency to target different pests simultaneously. They can target different life stages of pests and adapt to varying environmental conditions. Synergistic interactions between various microbes can boost overall pest control efficacy.
- RNA Interference (RNAi) Technology
Many agricultural biotechnology companies are striving to develop RNAi-based biocontrol agents. This is because of their high specificity and minimal impact on non-target organisms.
RNA interference is a developing area of pest control technology. It involves silencing specific genes in pests, leading to their death. Companies like GreenLight Biosciences lead from the forefront in developing RNA-based solutions to target specific pests with minimal environmental impact.
- Semiochemicals
Semiochemicals offer a precise and targeted approach to pest control. They reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, making them perfect for usage in sustainable agriculture. Companies use these semiochemicals in various ways to enhance pest management strategies. For instance, pheromones and other semiochemicals are being used to disrupt pest mating behaviors or attract pests to traps.
- AI and Big Data for Precision Control
Some companies are taking a step further by using artificial intelligence and big data analytics to optimize biocontrol applications. For instance, Biome Makers employ AI to profile soil microbiomes and recommend tailored biocontrol agents for best results.
- Novel Delivery Systems
Effective application of biocontrol control is a challenge in biocontrol agents. As a result, companies now exploring novel delivery systems, including microencapsulation and seed coatings. For instance, players like UPL Ltd. and Novoenzymes are investing in encapsulated and bio-polymer based delivery systems to improve the resilience of BCAs.
Biocontrol agent innovations are no doubt making the road to sustainable agriculture smoother. There, however, are certain challenges, including regulatory approvals and scalability, for the industry. Companies are constantly working to address these challenges to make biocontrol agents mainstream in integrated pest control (IPM) strategies.
They are significantly increasing their R&D in biological pest management. Players are developing innovative biocontrol agents with better efficacy. As a result, the future of biocontrol technology in sustainable agriculture looks promising.
According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the global biocontrol agents market size is set to total US$ 9.84 billion in 2032. Overall demand for biocontrol agents will likely increase at 8.3% CAGR during the forecast period.
Sources:
Company: Azelis
Social Networking Site: ResearchGate
