Agriculture Bactericides Market

Market Overview

The global agriculture bactericides market size was valued at USD 10.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach a value of USD 16.1 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period (2023-2031). The increasing use of agricultural bactericides to improve crop growth and nutritional value by reducing insect infestations is the key market driver for the growth of the agriculture bactericides market.

Agricultural bactericides are a type of pesticide used to control and prevent bacterial infections in crops. Bacterial infections can substantially impact crop output, quality, and general plant health. Hence, bactericides are an important tool in modern agriculture. These compounds target and destroy dangerous microorganisms that might cause crop illnesses.

The market share of agricultural bactericides is also influenced by various variables, including the growing need for food security for a growing population, developments in farming practices and techniques, and the simplicity with which agricultural goods can be applied to crops. Increased demand for fruits and vegetables, growing acceptance of integrated pest management (IPM) approaches among farmers, and strong development possibilities in developing nations boost agriculture bactericides market share.

Market Dynamics

Global Agriculture Bactericides Market Drivers:

Disease Prevention and Control

Bacterial infections are a major risk to crop health and output. Effective disease management is critical for agricultural production and global food security. Agricultural bactericides are chemicals particularly developed to target and manage bacterial infections that might cause crop illnesses. 

Fire blight is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora that affects apple and pear plants. According to research, fire blight can cause significant economic losses in apple orchards by decreasing fruit quality and productivity. Agricultural bactericides can help control the spread of germs and lessen the impact on orchards when used preventively and strategically during the growing season. In Washington, bacteriophage products produced 58% relative disease control against fire blight by 2022. This improved over the previous years when control was less than 20%.

Bacterial spot is another prevalent disease in tomatoes caused by Xanthomonas spp. It affects the leaves and fruits, causing blemishes and decreasing marketable output. According to the FAO, global tomato output in 2022 will exceed 187 million tons, with more than 5.5 million ha harvested. Although output is predicted to grow, a lack of pest and pathogen-resistant cultivars and goods causes huge losses in the tomato industry. Bactericides containing copper compounds or other active substances are beneficial in controlling bacterial spots in tomatoes. These apps are frequently integrated into a larger disease management strategy. In conclusion, the necessity for disease prevention and management is a major driver of the agriculture bactericides market trend.

Global Agriculture Bactericides Market Restraints:

Environmental Impact

Resistance can lead to greater bactericide use, potentially resulting in higher residue levels in soil and water. Non-target organisms and natural habitats may suffer unexpected repercussions. Due to resistance development, increased and more frequent use of bactericides may result in higher residue levels in the soil. This could have an ecotoxicological impact on soil organisms and microbial communities. Long-term copper usage in vineyards raised copper levels in soils, impacting microbial populations, according to a study published in Environmental Pollution (2018). This has consequences for soil health and ecosystem function.

Bactericides may have unintended consequences for non-target species, such as beneficial insects, pollinators, and other wildlife, resulting in biodiversity shifts. Numerous studies, including those published in journals such as Environmental Science and Technology (2015), have highlighted the possible harm caused by pesticide usage to non-target organisms, underlining the necessity of understanding the broader ecological implications. As a result, sustainable and responsible use methods and continued research and innovation are required to avoid negative environmental effects while maintaining effective disease management in agriculture.

Global Agriculture Bactericides Market Opportunity:

Increasing Adoption of Biological Bactericides

Growing environmental sustainability consciousness and consumer desire for residue-free produce present an opportunity for increased use of biological bactericides. It is a naturally occurring bacteria that produces poisonous proteins for certain insect pests. Organic farming has regularly employed Bt-based treatments to manage pests such as caterpillars. According to USDA Economic Research Service research, the use of Bt crops has increased globally, with major uptake in nations such as the United States, India, and China, among others. This points to a good trend in using biological remedies in agriculture.

Trichoderma spp. are fungi that have biocontrol characteristics against soilborne diseases. Fungicides based on Trichoderma are used to address infections in various crops. A study published in the Phytopathology journal showed that Trichoderma-based formulations effectively prevented soilborne illnesses in crops such as tomatoes. This demonstrates the utility of biological fungicides in disease management. According to FiBL and IFOAM's "World of Organic Agriculture" study, global organic agricultural land rose by 15% between 2016 and 2018. This expansion reflects a broader movement toward sustainable and organic farming techniques, producing an atmosphere favorable to using biological bactericides. Regulatory actions that encourage the use of biopesticides also aid in their uptake. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has shortened the biopesticide registration procedure, boosting its market introduction.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

The global agriculture bactericides market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global agriculture bactericides market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period.Asia-Pacific is anticipated to occupy a substantial proportion due to the rising adoption of crop protection products to attain crop yields. Asia-Pacific's rapidly growing population and growing growers' preference for effective crop protection products are driving market expansion. Increased agricultural land availability in nations such as China and India contributes to the region's expanding demand for bactericides.

In addition, due to technological advancements, China, which accounts for 25% of the world population, is a crucial country for investments by global vendors. The country's Water Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan, commonly known as the Water Ten Plan, is another factor driving the region's market expansion during the projection period. India's domestic market for crop protection products is expected to be worth Rs 232.2 billion in 2020. This is a 10.3% gain over the previous year when the market was worth Rs 210.5 billion. Farmers have also become more informed and aware of the relevance of bactericides on crop yields. This is causing a surge in demand for agricultural bactericides.

North America is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period. Market demand rises as agricultural output demand rises in this region. The factors driving market expansion in the region are rising demand for high-quality crops and increased awareness about using bactericides and biorational fungicides to prevent bacterial infections in crop yields. 

Furthermore, the agricultural bactericides market in the United States had the biggest market share, while the agricultural bactericides market in Canada was the fastest-growing market in North America. Pesticide regulations, particularly bactericides, have an impact on market dynamics. Compliance with environmental and safety requirements is critical for product acceptance and market access. According to the University of Florida, the EPA and USDA anticipate 25,533 kilograms of streptomycin and 18,005 kilograms of oxytetracycline will be used in apple, peach, orange, and pear orchards in 2021.

The European agricultural bactericides market is predicted to develop at the quickest CAGR during the forecast period, according to agriculture bactericides market insights. This is due to rising demand in the agricultural industry for higher crop yields. The availability of high disposable income is another driving force in the agriculture bactericides market region. The expanded usage of bactericides in line with cutting-edge agricultural techniques and the region's expanding demand for food security are driving market expansion.

Additionally, Germany's agricultural bactericides market had the biggest market share, while the market in the United Kingdom was the fastest-growing market in Europe. Furthermore, Europe has strict pesticide rules, including bactericides. Environmental sustainability, human health, and food safety are prioritized in the regulatory framework. Bactericide approval and registration are subject to stringent scrutiny. The European Commission has passed a regulation requiring a 50% reduction in the use of chemical pesticides by 2030. The law includes legally obligatory targets and annual reporting requirements for member states. The legislation is part of the European Union's Farm to Fork and Biodiversity policies.

Segmental Analysis

The global agriculture bactericides market is segmented based on type, form, crop type, and region.

By Type, the market is further segmented into Copper-Based Bactericides, Amide Bactericides, and Dithiocarbamate Bactericides.

Copper-based bactericides account for the largest market share. Copper-based bactericides are substances that incorporate copper ions as active components. Copper is antibacterial and efficient against a wide variety of bacterial infections. In 2022, the copper-based agricultural bactericides segment retained the dominant share, accounting for approximately 40% of the Agricultural Bactericides Market revenue. Furthermore, agriculture has used copper-based bactericides as foliar treatments to combat bacterial and fungal infections for many years. Copper-based bactericides are regarded as promising antibacterial agents due to their biocidal efficacy against various bacteria. As a result, copper-based crop bactericides are expected to be in high demand among producers for the foreseeable future.

Active compounds in amide bactericides are from the amide chemical group. These chemicals frequently inhibit bacterial activities necessary for survival and reproduction. Bactericides derived from amino acids are used to reduce bacterial infections in crops. They may have systemic qualities, which allow them to be absorbed by plants and give internal protection. Amide bactericides also control bacterial infections in crops like fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.

By form, the segment can be further bifurcated into Dry, Liquid.

Liquid forms occupy the maximum share of the market. The active bactericidal agents in liquid bactericides are suspended or dissolved in a liquid carrier. These formulations are either ready-to-use or may need to be diluted before use. The liquid segment dominated the market in 2022 and is expected to increase the most during the forecast period. There is strong anticipation that their usage will increase because of the convenience and ease of application provided by liquid crop bactericides. Crop bactericide markets are continuously expanding due to the simplicity of shipping and transportation accessible in solid packages. As a result, increased applications of liquid crop bactericides for agricultural bactericides benefit market growth.

Dry bactericides are bactericidal agent compositions that are solid or granular. Since these formulations are often dry and granular, they are simple to store, transport, and handle. Dry bactericides are frequently administered to crops by dusting or broadcasting. They can also be included in granular fertilizers or soil additives for targeted use. Furthermore, dry formulations are often more stable and have a longer shelf life, making them easier to store. Dry bactericides can be applied precisely with equipment that allows for precise distribution.

Based on crop type, the market is sub-segmented into Fruits and Vegetables, Cereals and Grains, Oilseeds and Pulses.

Fruits and vegetables hold the major market share. This sub-segment focuses on bactericides specifically designed to protect fruit and vegetable crops. These crops include many fruits (such as apples and citrus) and vegetables (such as tomatoes and peppers). The fruits and vegetables sector dominated the market in 2022 and is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period. Fruit and vegetable production is declining due to increased bacterial infestations. Hence, crop bactericides are required by fruit and vegetable farmers. Bactericide sales are expected to rise since fruits and vegetables have large profit margins. Growth firms continually seek efficient crop inputs to increase bactericide sales. This sub-segment enables the creation of bactericides that meet the distinct problems of bacterial diseases impacting these crops because of the variety of fruits and vegetables.

This sub-segment focuses on cereal and grain bactericides, which include staple crops such as wheat, rice, corn, and barley. Bacterial infections can cause severe yield losses in cereals and grains. Bactericides in this subsegment are designed to protect these critical food crops against bacterial diseases. Furthermore, cereals and grains are important components of the global food supply, and bacterial infections impacting these crops can have far-reaching economic and food security consequences.

Recent Developments

• November 2023- Bayer and Microsoft collaborated to integrate farm data to overcome the lack of data interoperability in agriculture.
• November 2023- Enhanced Sustainable Palm Oil Production in Lampung, Indonesia, is supported by BASF, The Estée Lauder Companies, RSPO, and Solidaridad.
• October 2023- BASF will construct a new crop protection product fermentation factory in Ludwigshafen.
• November 2023- Nufarm introduced revolutionary herbicide technology to assist farmers in combating difficult weeds in cereal crops.