Market Trends of crop protection chemicals Industry
Unusual outbreaks of pests and diseases due to climate change are leading to higher application of pesticides
- The global average consumption of crop protection chemicals was recorded at 117.9 kg per hectare in 2022. The average per hectare consumption of pesticides in the world is increasing due to factors like expanding agriculture and intensive and monoculture farming practices. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events create more favorable conditions for pest proliferation and expansion into new areas, leading to increased usage of chemical pesticides.
- In 2022, fungicides saw the highest per-hectare consumption at 48.4 kg, reflecting the critical need to combat fungal diseases that pose a significant threat to crop production. These diseases impact cereals, fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals, leading to substantial economic losses of approximately USD 220.0 billion despite the extensive use of fungicides, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization.
- Herbicides were applied at the rate of 44.8 kg per hectare in 2022. Chemical herbicide usage has been escalating every year due to the growing adaptability, rapid reproduction, and herbicide resistance of weeds, causing them to outcompete crops and resulting in significant yield losses. Examples include glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth and common water hemp, as well as acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicide-resistant Kochia.
- Changing climatic conditions caused by global warming create favorable conditions for certain pests, posing a severe threat to crop production. In 2020, a locust outbreak adversely impacted 23 countries, with nine in wider East Africa, 11 in North Africa & the Middle East, and three in South Asia, resulting in an estimated USD 8.5 billion loss.
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Cypermethrin was the highest-priced pesticide, at USD 21.08 thousand per metric ton, in 2022
- Cypermethrin belongs to the class of pyrethroid insecticides, which are synthetic chemicals designed to mimic the natural insecticidal properties of pyrethrins derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Cypermethrin is used to effectively manage a wide range of pests, including aphids, beetles, caterpillars, leafhoppers, and whiteflies. Its mode of action involves disrupting the nervous systems of insects, leading to paralysis and, ultimately, their death. In 2022, cypermethrin was priced at USD 21.08 thousand per metric ton.
- Atrazine is an herbicide widely used for the control of broadleaf and grassy weeds like Echinocloa, Elusine spp., and Amaranthus viridis in maize and rice crops. The herbicide was valued at a price of USD 13.8 thousand in 2022. India is the world's largest importer of atrazine technical, with China being the largest exporter.
- Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide belonging to the chemical class of organophosphates. Malathion's mode of action involves inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme essential for proper nerve function in insects. It is the most affordable chemical among the three, priced at USD 12.5 thousand per metric ton in 2022.
- Mancozeb is a fungicide belonging to the chemical class of dithiocarbamates. It is commonly used to control fungal diseases like late blight, downy mildew, early blight, and anthracnose in crops like potatoes, tomatoes, grapes, and bananas. Mancozeb has a broad spectrum of activity compared to other fungicides and acts on multiple sites within the fungal cell, making it more effective. Mancozeb was priced at USD 7.8 thousand in 2022.
- Propineb and glyphosate are important fungicides and herbicides, priced at USD 3.5 thousand and USD 1.1 thousand per metric ton in 2022, respectively.
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OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Unusual outbreaks of pests and diseases due to climate change are leading to higher application of pesticides
