Executive Chair & Co-founder Invasive Species Control Corporation Davis, California
Microbial biopesticides comprise the largest and oldest category of biologicals used for pest and plant disease management with an estimated compounded annual growth rate of 10-20%. With modern genomics, molecular biology, fermentation, and formulation advances, microbials can offer growers effective tools for sustainable pest management. Their growth is also driven by consumer desire for chemical residue-free food, restrictions on chemical pesticides, resistance management, and mammalian and environmental safety. Emphasis on improving soil health and reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions provide microbials an even greater opportunity for impact in IPM programs. Microbiome characterization is showing the benefits to soil and plant health before and after treatment. Precision technology such as smart traps allows more timely applications. Barriers to adoption include a lack of grower awareness and education and efficacy testing that is not appropriate for their unique modes of action in integrated programs.
