Biological crop protection and environmentally friendly products

What biological crop protection products exist? 

• Microorganisms: bacteria: Certain bacterial species, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), produce proteins that are toxic to specific insect groups. Other bacteria can protect plants from pathogens by competing for nutrients or producing antimicrobial substances (Lugtenberg & Kamilova, 2009). 
• Fungi: Some fungal species act as insecticides (entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana or Metarhizium anisopliae), while others can be used as antagonists against plant-pathogenic fungi (mycoparasitic fungi such as Trichoderma spp.) (Lacey et al., 2015). 
• Viruses: Insect-specific viruses (e.g., baculoviruses) can be used for the targeted control of certain insect pests. 
• Beneficial organisms (macroorganisms): Predatory Insects and Mites: Ladybugs and their larvae feed on aphids, predatory mites control spider mites, and parasitic wasps parasitize insect eggs or larvae. 
• Nematodes: Certain species of entomopathogenic nematodes penetrate insect larvae and release bacteria that lead to the death of the pest (Lacey et al., 2015). 
• Plant extracts and essential oils: Many plants produce natural substances with insecticidal, fungicidal, or herbicidal properties. Examples include neem oil, pyrethrum (from chrysanthemums), and various essential oils (e.g., from tea tree, thyme, or cloves). Their modes of action can be diverse, ranging from direct toxicity to repellency or growth inhibition. 
• Pheromones and other attractants: Pheromones are chemical messengers that insects use for communication (e.g., for finding mates). They can be used to attract pests into traps (monitoring or mass trapping) or to disrupt their mating (mating disruption technique). 
• Living plants as crop protection: The cultivation of companion plants or understory crops can repel pests or promote beneficial organisms. This is based on complex ecological interactions.

Biodegradable chemical agents 

Characteristics and aspects: 

• Faster degradation: These chemical active ingredients are designed to break down more rapidly into less harmful or harmless compounds through natural processes such as microbial activity, hydrolysis, or photolysis. 
• Lower persistence: Compared to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), biodegradable chemical agents remain in the environment for a shorter period, which is intended to reduce the risk of accumulation in the food chain and long-term damage (Fenner et al., 2013). 
• Formulation aspects: The formulation of these agents also plays a role. The use of biodegradable solvents and adjuvants contributes to environmental compatibility. 
• Selectivity: Similar to biological agents, modern chemical agents increasingly focus on a more selective action to spare non-target organisms as much as possible. 
• Integration into IPM: Biodegradable chemical agents can play a role in Integrated Pest Management strategies, especially when rapid intervention is required but environmental impact should be minimized at the same time. 

Also Good to know: 

• Specificity: Biological crop protection products are often more specific in their action than synthetic pesticides and therefore generally spare non-target organisms better. 
• Mode of action: Their mode of action can be slower than that of chemical agents and often requires a good understanding of pest biology and optimal application times. 
• Integration: Biological crop protection products are frequently used within the framework of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), in combination with other preventive and direct measures.

The role of green chemistry in agriculture 

Impacts on Manufacturers/Producers/Farmers: 

• Manufacturers: Green chemistry inspires innovative synthesis processes and the development of more environmentally friendly products, which can lead to new market opportunities. 
• Producers (farmers): Products developed according to the principles of Green chemistry can be safer to use and pose lower environmental risks. 
• All: The wider application of Green chemistry in agrochemicals contributes to more sustainable agriculture, protecting the environment and human health.

What environmentally friendly agricultural products exist?

• Biostimulants: As mentioned earlier, these substances or microorganisms stimulate the natural processes of plants. They can improve nutrient uptake, increase stress tolerance, and promote root growth. Examples include humic acids, fulvic acids, seaweed extracts, and certain bacteria and fungi species (du Jardin, 2015). 
• Biodegradable fertilizers: These fertilizers are based on organic materials (e.g., compost, manure, green manure) or are formulated so that their nutrients are released slowly and according to demand. This reduces leaching losses and the pollution of water bodies. Mineral fertilizers can also be formulated to be used more efficiently and cause less environmental impact (e.g., through coating).
• Agrochemical Adjuvants with Improved environmental compatibility: Adjuvants are added to crop protection products to improve their effectiveness. Environmentally friendly adjuvants are based on biodegradable or less toxic ingredients and help to reduce the environmental impact of the entire application. 
• Soil conditioners: Products such as biochar, lignin-based hydrogel, or special microorganism preparations can improve soil structure, water retention capacity, and nutrient availability, thus indirectly reducing the need for intensive crop protection measures. 
• Products for biological pest control: These include beneficial organisms, pheromones, nematodes, and microbial preparations, which were already described in more detail in the previous section. 

What innovative technologies exist in sustainable agrochemicals?

• Precision agriculture: GPS-based Systems: Enable the precise mapping of fields and the needs-based application of crop protection products and fertilizers. This reduces overall consumption and minimizes environmental impacts through overdosing. 
• Sensor technology and robotics: Sensors can detect plant diseases or pest infestations at an early stage, and robots can specifically treat individual plants, thereby reducing the large-scale use of pesticides (Gebbers & Adamchuk, 2010). 
• Variable rate application: Technologies that make it possible to adjust the application rate of crop protection products and fertilizers depending on the specific conditions within a field. 
• Nanotechnology: Nanoformulations: The encapsulation of active ingredients in nanoparticles can control their release, improve uptake by the plant, and reduce drift. This can increase efficiency and reduce the required amount of active ingredient (Kah & Hofmann, 2014). 
• Nanosensors: Can be used for real-time monitoring of plant diseases, pest infestations, or nutrient deficiencies, enabling early interventions. 
• Biotechnology: Genome Editing: Technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 enable the precise modification of the plant genome to, for example, increase resistance to pests and diseases or improve nutrient efficiency. This can reduce the need for direct crop protection measures. 
• Synthetic biology: The development of new biological active ingredients or the optimization of the production of existing biological crop protection products through genetic engineering methods. 
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data: Prediction Models: AI-powered models can analyze weather data, pest spread, and plant growth to predict optimal application times for crop protection measures and minimize the risk of infestation. 
• Image recognition: AI algorithms can analyze images of plants to detect diseases, pests, or nutrient deficiencies at an early stage. 
• Drone technology: Drones can be used for large-scale monitoring of fields to identify problem areas. They can also be used for the targeted application of crop protection products in hard-to-reach areas or in cases of specific infestation. 

How can sustainable agrochemicals contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions?

• Promoting Healthy Soils and Carbon Sequestration: Sustainable cultivation methods, supported by the use of biostimulants, biological fertilizers, and soil conditioners, promote soil health and organic matter. Healthy soils can absorb more carbon from the atmosphere and store it long-term (carbon sequestration). This reduces the atmospheric CO2 content (Lal, 2004). 
• Reducing the Use of Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilizers: The production and use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers are energy-intensive and lead to the release of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas (Roberston et al., 2009). Sustainable approaches that rely on biological nitrogen fixation (e.g., through legumes and certain microorganisms) and more efficient nutrient utilization can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and thus the associated emissions. 
• Optimizing Pesticide Application: Precision agriculture technologies enable a more targeted and needs-based application of crop protection products. This not only reduces overall consumption but also the energy consumption for application (e.g., through fewer tractor passes). 
• Promoting Plant Resilience: Healthy and resilient plants, supported by biostimulants and biological crop protection, are less susceptible to pests and diseases. This can reduce the need for more intensive and potentially energy-intensive control measures. 
• Potential for Bio-based Products: The development of crop protection products and other agrochemicals based on renewable raw materials (biomass) can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels in production and thus improve the CO2 balance. 

This is how we at IMCD help you master the challenge!

• Knowledge Gaps and Information Needs: Many users still have limited knowledge about the availability, application, and effectiveness of sustainable alternatives. Through well-founded advice, training sessions, meetings, and informational materials, we help to share this knowledge and strengthen confidence in sustainable solutions. We rely on technical expertise as well as constructive exchange with Research & Development. 
• Complexity of application: The application of biological and other sustainable agents often requires a deeper understanding of agroecological relationships and a more precise approach. Together with our suppliers, we offer detailed application guidelines, technical support, and, where applicable, application technologies to ensure successful implementation. 
• Availability and logistics: Access to a wide range of high-quality sustainable products is crucial. By building a reliable network of manufacturers and efficient logistics, we ensure that our customers receive the required products on time and in the desired quality. 
• Regulatory uncertainties and complexity: The constantly evolving legal frameworks can be opaque for producers and users. Therefore, take advantage of our expertise in this area to comprehensively inform yourself and your customers and to provide support with approval issues. This creates trust and security on the path to further sustainability. 
• Quality standards and assurance: The effectiveness of biological products can vary. For this reason, we work with selected and renowned manufacturers and ensure that the products meet your standards in order to guarantee the reliability of the products offered. Certifications also play a significant role for us. 

Sustainable agrochemicals – A guidepost for the future of agriculture

References 

1. Fenner, K., Scheringer, M., Hungerbühler, K., & Faxneld, S. (2013): Persistence of pesticides in the environment: a comparative analysis of 122 contemporary substances. Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 15(11), 2244-2253. 
2. Lugtenberg, B., & Kamilova, F. (2009): Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Annual Review of Microbiology, 63, 541-556. 
3. Lacey, L. A., Grzywacz, D., Shapiro-Ilan, D. I., Frutos, R., Brownbridge, M., & Goettel, M. S. (2015): Insect pathogens as biological control agents: back to the future. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 132, 3-41. 
4. Anastas, P. T., & Warner, J. C. (1998): Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice. Oxford University Press. 
5. du Jardin, P. (2015): Plant biostimulants: definition, concept, main categories and regulation. Scientia Horticulturae, 196, 3-14. 
6. Gebbers, R., & Adamchuk, V. I. (2010): Precision agriculture and site-specific crop management. Annual Review of Plant Biology, 61, 255-275. 
7. Kah, M., & Hofmann, T. (2014): Nanopesticides: state of the art, environmental fate and potential risks. Environmental Pollution, 185, 1-22. 
8. Lal, R. (2004): Soil carbon sequestration impacts on global climate change and food security. Science, 304(5677), 1623-1627. 
9. Robertson, G. P., & Vitousek, P. M. (2009): Nitrogen in agriculture: balancing the cost to the environment with human needs. Science, 324(5932), 1295-1299.

Our IMCD Germany expert 

Ousama Chouafi