Biofungicide Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Microbial Species, Botanical), By Form (Powder, Aqueous Solution, Granules), By Mode of Application (Foliar Spray, Soil Treatment, Seed Treatment, Others), By Crop Type (Fruit & Vegetables, Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds, Others) And Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global biofungicides market has witnessed growth in recent years due to the increasing awareness about the harmful effects of chemical pesticides on the environment. As producers are looking for a natural alternative of chemical fungicide, bio fungicides provide a better alternative that can be used.

Biofungicides refer to chemical formulations of beneficial bacteria and fungi used to minimize the disease caused in plants.  Some of the common biofungicides used in the market are Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma harzianum, Streptomyces lydicus, and others. There are four common ways by which biofungicides control the growth of pathogens in the plant body. These four ways are Biofungicides use direct competition by growing a defensive barrier and shielding them against harmful fungi. They also use a method known as antibiosis where they produce antibiotic like chemicals, which are harmful to pathogens. They also feed on the harmful pathogens and boost the plants' immune system to defend against disease-causing pathogens.  

The use of chemical pesticides is harmful for the environment The government has also developed specific guidelines related to the quantity of toxic chemicals that can be used in the pesticides. Biofungicides provide a suitable alternative to chemical pesticides as they use natural microbes to control the growth of fungal diseases. These formulations are also safe to use and they leave low to no residues in the final food product compared to synthetic pesticides. Biofungicides are useful for chemical treatment of crops that take longer to harvest and need to be treated when the harvest approaches. Biofungicides are not harmful for the pollinators and hence they can be used for harvesting flowers as well.  Biofungicides are degradable and renewable resources and hence they don’t leave any harmful residue and are considered environmentally friendly.

The registration process of newer pesticides is slow and cumbersome and takes long time. This in turn increases the cost of the final product, making it an expensive alternative to chemical pesticides that are cheaper and readily available.    

In recent years, new technology is used for improving the application of pesticides on plants. Nano pesticides are usually applied in combination with nanomaterials to increase their reactivity. These nano biofungicides are then used as a powerful alternative against synthetic fungicides.  

Key Players Covered:

The key players operating in the global biofungicides market are BASF SE, Bayer AG, Syngenta AG, FMC Corporation, Nufarm, Novozymes, Marrone Bio Innovations, Koppert Biological Systems, Isagro S.P.A, T. Stanes & Company Limited, BioWorks, The Stockton Group, and others.

Biofungicdes are available in different forms such as aqueous solutions, powder and granules. These products can be directly applied into the soil by mixing the powder with the biofungicides. They can also be applied by mixing the seeds with the aqueous solutions and placing them on the soil.

As the demand for food security in the world is increasing, there has been an increase in the use of pesticides to improve the productivity of crops. Also, there is an increasing awareness among the consumers about the use of chemical fungicides and their harmful effects on health; hence, the demand for natural alternatives such as biofungicides is on rise. As per research conducted by organic trade association, the demand for organic food in the market is also increasing with sales of organic products estimated to be around 52.5 USD million as on 2018, the use of biofungicides as an alternative of chemical fungicides is also expected to rise. Governments are also taking initiatives and creating awareness among the farmers about the benefits of using biofungicides, which is also expected to boost the growth of the product in the market.

New product formulations are developed and launched in the market to suit the specific requirements of a particular crop or a specific region. For instance, Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (MBI) a company that provides products related to pest management launched a new formulation named – “Reegalia” biofungicide in 2016. This product is aimed for use in both conventional and organic crops and helps the plant fight pathogens by boosting their immune system.

Regional Analysis:

North America is witnessing significant growth in the global biofungicide market due to the increasing preference for organic food. As there is an increasing demand for natural pest management solutions the demand for the market is expected to increase in the region.

Segmentation   

Key Industry Developments

• In 2020, Syngeta in collaboration with Novozymes launched a new biofungicde in the market named as “Taegro” . This new product is used to protect crops against diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis.