Sustainable crop protection formulations

What is sustainable agrochemicals? 

• Biological crop protection products: The use of natural enemies, microorganisms, or plant extracts for pest control. 
• Biostimulants: Substances or microorganisms that stimulate natural processes in plants to enhance growth, resilience, and nutrient uptake. 
• Integrated pest management (IPM): A strategy that combines various methods to effectively control pests and diseases and minimize the use of chemical agents (Dent, 2000). 
• Precision agriculture: The use of technologies for the targeted and needs-based application of crop protection products and fertilizers, thereby conserving resources and reducing environmental impacts. 
• Green chemistry: The design and application of chemical products and processes that are less harmful to human health and the environment. 

What advantages does sustainable agrochemicals offer?

Advantages for the environment: 

• Reduction of environmental pollution: Sustainable approaches minimize the input of harmful synthetic substances into soil, water, and air. This contributes to the protection of water quality, the preservation of healthy soils, and the reduction of air pollution (Pretty, 2008). 
• Protection of biodiversity: By reducing the use of chemical pesticides and promoting natural pest control, the diversity of plants and animals in their habitats is protected. This is crucial for the stability of ecosystems and the preservation of important ecosystem services such as pollination (MEA, 2005). 
• Promotion of healthy ecosystems: Sustainable practices support natural processes in the soil and vegetation, leading to more resilient and stable ecosystems and thus also to healthy and stronger crops (Poore et al., 2018). 

Advantages for farmers & others:

• Long-term soil health and fertility: The focus on biological and organic methods contributes to the improvement of soil structure, nutrient availability, and microbial activity, which secures long-term soil fertility (IPBES, 2019). 
• Increased resilience to pests and diseases: Healthy plants, promoted by biostimulants and resistant varieties, are often less susceptible to pests and diseases, reducing the need for direct interventions. 
• Potentially lower dependence on synthetic agents: By establishing natural control mechanisms and strengthening plant health, the necessity for expensive and environmentally harmful synthetic pesticides can decrease. 
• Positive image and market advantages: Products from more sustainable agriculture are enjoying increasing popularity among environmentally conscious consumers and can lead to better market prices. 

Advantages for manufacturers:

• Innovation potential and new markets: The demand for sustainable solutions opens up new business areas and innovation opportunities in the development and distribution of environmentally friendly products. 
• Contribution to a more sustainable value chain: Companies can achieve their sustainability goals and improve their image by offering and promoting sustainable products (IPBES, 2019). 
• Compliance with regulatory requirements: In the face of stricter environmental regulations, sustainable products and solutions are becoming increasingly important. 
• Long-term growth potential: The market for sustainable agrochemicals is expected to continue growing. 

How do sustainable agrochemicals differ from conventional ones? 

Formulation and composition: 

• Conventional agrochemicals: Frequently contain synthetic active ingredients based on chemical synthesis processes. These can include persistent organic pollutants (POPs) or be poorly biodegradable in the environment. The formulations may contain solvents and additives that can also pose environmental or health risks (Aktar et al., 2009). 
• Sustainable agrochemicals: Increasingly rely on biological active ingredients (e.g., microorganisms, plant extracts, natural enemies), biochemical active ingredients (e.g., pheromones), or mineral substances. The formulations aim to minimize the use of harmful solvents and promote biodegradability. The principle of Green chemistry plays an important role here in the development of more environmentally friendly synthesis processes and ingredients. 

Mode of action: 

• Conventional agrochemicals: Often act directly and broadly against a spectrum of pests, diseases, or weeds. This can lead to resistance in target organisms and also affect beneficial organisms (Gould, 1991). 
• Sustainable agrochemicals: Can act in various ways: Direct Control: Biological agents can directly kill pests or inhibit their growth. 
• Strengthening plant defences: Biostimulants activate the natural defense mechanisms of plants. 
• Targeted disruption: Pheromones confuse pests and prevent mating. 
• Physical barriers: Some sustainable products form physical barriers against pests or diseases. 

Environmental impacts: 

• Conventional agrochemicals: Can lead to soil and water pollution, harm biodiversity (e.g., through impacts on insects, birds, and aquatic organisms), negatively affect soil microorganisms, and contribute to the development of pesticide resistance. 
• Sustainable agrochemicals: Are generally more biodegradable, have lower impacts on non-target organisms, and contribute less to the development of resistance. They promote soil health and support natural ecosystem functions. 

Certification and regulatory aspects: 

• Sustainable agrochemicals: Often adhere to specific certification standards (e.g., for organic farming) and may be subject to stricter regulatory requirements regarding their environmental and health compatibility. Here, it is recommended to deepen knowledge in the area of "Regulatory application crop protection," as it plays an important role. 

What challenges exist in the implementation of sustainable agrochemicals? 

Challenges for farmers: 

• Knowledge gaps and need for advice: The application of biological and other sustainable methods often requires specific knowledge about ecology, pest-beneficial organism interactions, and the correct application of the products. There is a need for comprehensive advice and training. 
• Potentially higher initial costs: Some biological crop protection products or biostimulants can be more expensive to purchase than conventional products. The long-term economic viability therefore needs to be carefully considered. 
• Mode of action and effectiveness: The effect of biological agents can sometimes be slower or more dependent on environmental factors than the fast-acting synthetic alternatives. Farmers may need more patience and have to adapt their cultivation strategies. 
• Availability and market access: Not all sustainable products are easily available everywhere, and the distribution structures may not yet be as established as for conventional agents. 

Challenges for manufacturers and distributors: 

• Research and development costs: The development of new, effective, and environmentally friendly products requires intensive research and development as well as significant investments. 
• Complex approval processes: The approval of biological crop protection products can be complex and time-consuming, as the regulatory frameworks are often not yet fully tailored to these products. 
• Production scaling and security: The large-scale production of biological agents with consistent quality can pose a technological challenge. 
• Market education and acceptance: Efforts are needed to convince farmers of the benefits of sustainable products and to create sufficient market demand. 

Challenges at the systemic level: 

• Missing or insufficient political support: The framework conditions and funding programs for sustainable agriculture and the use of sustainable agrochemicals are not yet sufficient in some regions. 
• Resistance from established players: The transition to sustainable systems can face resistance from companies heavily involved in the production and distribution of conventional products. 
• Lack of standardisation and quality control: Missing uniform standards for sustainable products can lead to confusion and mistrust among users. 

IMCD offers solutions: 

Sustainable agrochemicals – A guidepost for the future of agriculture 

References 

1. Pisa, L. W., Goulson, D., Yang, E. C., Gibbons, D., Sánchez-Bayo, F., Van Dyck, H., ... & Potts, S. G. (2017). An update of the worldwide integrated assessment of the risks of systemic insecticides to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24(4), 2491-2522. 
2. United Nations (1992): Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 3-14 June 1992. 
3. Dent, D. (2000): Insect Pest Management. 2nd ed. CABI Publishing. 
4. Pretty, J. (2008): Agricultural sustainability: concepts, principles and evidence. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological 1 Sciences, 363(1491), 447-465. 
5. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) (2005): Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Synthesis. Island Press. 
6. IPBES (2019): Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. 
7. Poore, J., & Nemecek, T. (2018): Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers. Science, 360(6392), 987-992. 
8. Aktar, W., Sengupta, D., & Chowdhury, A. (2009): Impact of pesticides use in agriculture: their benefits and hazards. Interdisciplinary Toxicology, 2(1), 1-12 
9. Gould, F. (1991): The genetic manipulation of plants for insect resistance. Annual Review of Entomology, 36(1), 305-330. 

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