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How Innovation in Crop Protection is Powering the Next Green Revolution

14 May 2025



An ever-green revolution implies the enhancement of productivity in perpetuity without associated ecological harm.”  - MS Swaminathan                                                                                                                    

The crop protection market, also referred to as the agri inputs industry, plays a vital role in modern agriculture by providing essential products like pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that safeguard crops from pests, weeds, and diseases. As a cornerstone of global food security, this industry helps farmers optimize yield and maintain crop quality. With key stakeholders including agri input manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, the crop protection industry is shaped by regulatory policies, sustainability concerns, and continuous innovation in agri input technologies.  

As the global population grows and the pressure to increase agricultural productivity intensifies, demand for effective and eco-friendly crop protection solutions is set to surge positioning the industry for sustained growth and transformation. 

RNAi Pesticides 

The RNAi pesticides are emerging as a game-changer in sustainable pest management, offering a targeted, eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. Leveraging RNA interference (RNAi) technology, these biopesticides silence specific pest genes, reducing crop damage while minimizing harm to beneficial organisms. As concerns over pest resistance, environmental impact, and food security grow, RNAi-based crop protection is gaining traction among farmers, governments, and agri-tech companies. Backed by innovations in biotechnology and precision agriculture, this market supports global efforts to cut chemical pesticide use and promote sustainable farming practices. Key players like Bayer, GreenLight Biosciences, Syngenta, and Corteva Agriscience are driving market growth through strategic partnerships and R&D, positioning RNAi as a vital component in the future of eco-friendly agriculture


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In April 2025, GreenLight Biosciences announced a significant breakthrough in developing RNAi-based Pesticides. Their lead candidate targets horseweed (Conyza canadensis), a major problem in no-till agriculture, especially for soybeans. This RNAi solution is designed to be used alongside conventional herbicides, enhancing efficacy and reducing both chemical load and costs for farmers. The RNA molecules are foliar applied, degrade quickly, and leave no harmful residue, offering a non-GMO, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional herbicides. 


US Agricultural Micronutrient 

The U.S. agricultural micronutrient is crucial for enhancing crop yield and supporting national food security. Micronutrients like zinc, boron, iron, and manganese play a vital role in plant health, even in small quantities. Key applications span cereals, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, and turf, with delivery methods including foliar spray, fertigation, soil application, and seed treatment. The market is further segmented into chelated and non-chelated micronutrients, with growing demand driven by precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices. Major players such as Mosaic, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Yara, and Brandt are expanding through partnerships and innovation, reinforcing the market’s dynamic growth and importance in modern agriculture. 


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In 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture continued its commitment to strengthening domestic fertilizer production, allocating substantial funding to boost local supply chains and reduce dependence on imports. Government support, combined with the push for sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, is accelerating the adoption of micronutrient-enriched fertilizers and innovative coating technologies that minimize environmental impact. 

Seed Treatment 

The seed treatment is evolving rapidly, driven by rising R&D in biological seed treatments, pelleting techniques, and precision farming. Seed treatment enhances seed protection, improves germination rates, and reduces farming costs making it increasingly attractive to farmers, seed manufacturers, and feed producers. Growing concerns over seed-borne diseases and the adoption of Agriculture 4.0 in regions like North America and Europe are accelerating demand. With investments surging in sustainable and cost-effective seed treatment solutions, the market is poised for significant growth globally. The seed treatment includes a diverse mix of public, private, and startup companies. Industry leaders like BASF, Bayer, and Syngenta drive innovation, while firms like Agrauxine, BioWorks, and startups such as Andes and Inari Agriculture advance biological and precision seed technologies—shaping the future of global crop protection. 


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Recently, Corteva Agriscience is launching Lumiante, a new fungicide seed treatment for soybeans, as part of its LumiGen portfolio for the 2025 growing season. Lumiante is designed to combat early-season diseases like Phytophthora and Pythium, offering soybean growers enhanced protection and yield potential. 


Fertigation and Chemigation 

The fertigation and chemigation is witnessing strong growth due to rising demand for efficient nutrient delivery, low water usage, and improved crop yield per hectare. As global food demand increases and arable land remains limited, these methods offer precision fertilization, minimizing nutrient loss and enhancing absorption near plant roots—making them essential for sustainable agriculture and high-efficiency farming. Fertigation, the technique of delivering fertilizers through irrigation, enhances crop yield, improves fertilizer efficiency, and minimizes waste by applying nutrients directly to the root zone in small, frequent doses. Compared to traditional methods, fertigation reduces fertilizer costs, prevents leaching, and mitigates soil erosion by using less water. In contrast, chemigationused for applying pesticides and fungicides requires stricter control due to chemical sensitivity. Leading players in the fertigation systems market include Netafim, Jain Irrigation Systems, Rain Bird Corporation, Rivulis, Valmont Industries, and The Toro Company, all driving innovation in precision agriculture and sustainable irrigation solutions


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In March 2025, Wonderplant Labs, as part of the ECONUTRI project, began testing an innovative closed-system fertigation setup. This project aims to enhance nutrient delivery efficiency and sustainability in controlled-environment agriculture, reflecting ongoing R&D efforts in the sector. 


Biological Control Agents 

The biological control agents are in their growth phase, driven by rising demand for organic food and sustainable agriculture. Increasing awareness of the harmful effects of chemical pesticides and the benefits of eco-friendly crop protection is accelerating adoption, especially in North America and Europe. Biological control agents offer safer, effective alternatives, making them key to organic farming practices. However, challenges such as limited shelf-life and farmer hesitancy still exist. Dominated by microbial-based products, key players include BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, Corteva, and Valent BioSciences, while integrated providers like Biobest, Koppert, and Marrone Bio lead in microbial-macrobiotic solutions shaping the future of sustainable crop protection


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In 2025, organizations like CABI have strengthened global partnerships to develop and deploy biological control agents, particularly in regions facing severe pest outbreaks.  CABI announced new collaborations in Chile to advance the development and field deployment of biological control agents for crop pest management. 

Agricultural Adjuvants 

The agricultural adjuvants are in a dynamic growth phase, driven by increasing R&D activities focused on developing green and sustainable adjuvant solutions. As the global agriculture industry shifts toward organic farming and eco-friendly inputs, adjuvants are playing a critical role in improving the efficiency of crop protection chemicals. These additives such as spreaders, stickers, drift control agents, compatibility agents, buffers, and antifoam agents are designed to enhance the performance of herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, fertilizers, and plant growth regulators (PGRs) across a wide range of crops, including cereals, oilseeds, pulses, fruits, and vegetables. Farmers are increasingly adopting adjuvant technology to improve pesticide efficiency, reduce chemical waste, and support precision farming practices. This trend is particularly strong in Europe, where regulatory focus on sustainability and environmental safety is accelerating the adoption of green agricultural adjuvants. The growing need to limit pesticide runoff and boost crop yield further positions adjuvants as essential tools in modern farming. 

The competitive landscape features both public and private players. Leading public companies in the agricultural adjuvants market include BASF SE, Corteva, Evonik Industries, Nouryon, Nufarm, Solvay, Nutrien, and Wilbur-Ellis. Key private players include Adjuvants Plus, Brandt, Helena Agri-Enterprises, Innvictis Crop Care, KALO, and Precision Laboratories. These companies are investing in innovative formulations and strategic partnerships to expand their market share and meet the growing demand for sustainable crop input solutions


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In a major agricultural adjuvant development for 2025, Clariant unveiled two next-gen solutions at CAC 2025. The company launched Synergen Soil, a soil adjuvant that improves water infiltration and root development, boosting overall crop health. Clariant also introduced Synergen Guard 100, a nano-emulsion tank-mix adjuvant tailored for biological crop protection, enhancing efficacy, and microbial compatibility. Formulated with renewable wax and optimized for sustainable agriculture, these innovations underscore the rising demand for eco-friendly adjuvants in modern farming. 

Synthetic Biology in Agriculture and Food 

The synthetic biology in agriculture and food is witnessing rapid growth, driven by rising global food security needs, growing demand for nutrient-rich foods, and increased R&D investments. In agriculture, synthetic biology is used to boost crop yields, enhance pest and disease resistance, and improve soil health. In the food sector, it enables nutritional enhancement, food safety, and process optimization. Key enabling technologies include gene synthesis, genome engineering, and bioinformatics. With shrinking arable land and year-round demand for fresh produce, synthetic biology offers scalable, sustainable solutions. Leading players like BASF, Bayer, Gingko Bioworks, Pivot Bio, and Amyris are advancing the market through partnerships, product innovation, and strategic collaborations, shaping the future of bioengineered agriculture and food systems. 


Illustration 7: Technologies Driving Synthetic Biology in Food & Agriculture  

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In 2025, a notable synthetic biology in agriculture and food breakthrough came from Northwestern University with the unveiling of PLANT-Dx, a CRISPR-based diagnostic tool that enables farmers to detect plant diseases before symptoms appear. This innovation, rooted in synthetic biology, allows for early intervention and has the potential to prevent catastrophic crop failures, especially in resource-limited regions. The technology integrates synthetic biology into agricultural monitoring and is seen as a step-change for global food security, though its widespread adoption will depend on cost, accessibility, and farmer training.  


Conclusion 

The future of modern agriculture is being reshaped by innovations across key verticals such as crop protection, RNAi pesticides, micronutrients, seed treatment, fertigation and chemigation, biological control agents, agricultural adjuvants, and synthetic biology. As global pressures mount around food security, climate change, and sustainable farming, these solutions offer scalable, eco-friendly, and precision-driven alternatives to traditional methods. From RNAi-based pest control and biological seed treatments to green adjuvants and synthetic biology-powered diagnostics, the agri-inputs landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation. 

Key players like BASF, Bayer, Corteva, Syngenta, and innovative startups are driving this change through strategic partnerships, R&D investment, and technology deployment. With ongoing government support, regulatory push for sustainability, and increasing consumer demand for organic and nutritious food, the market is set for long-term growth. Whether it's enhancing nutrient delivery through fertigation, boosting soil health with biological control agents, or ensuring early pest detection via CRISPR-enabled tools, these advancements are positioning agriculture for a more resilient, productive, and sustainable future.