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Biologicals in Focus: Interpreting Field Trial Data for Sustainable Crop Solutions

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Biologicals in Focus: Interpreting Field Trial Data for Sustainable Crop Solutions

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Biologicals are emerging as pivotal components in modern crop protection, offering environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional synthetic pesticides. The sector is growing rapidly as the global agricultural biologicals market was worth $11.73 billion in 2022 and is forecast to grow from $13.35 billion in 2023 to $33.69 billion by 2030.

Research into the biological control of soil-borne plant pathogens has been conducted for more than 80 years. However, despite their growing significance and long history, there is still a scarcity of registered biological and biocontrol agent products in the market. The identification of novel and effective biocontrol agents is critical for the development of commercial biocontrol agents in agriculture and requires rapid and robust screening methods suitable to evaluate high numbers of candidate biologicals. In particular, more studies on the practical aspects of large-scale production and formulation of biocontrol agents are needed to make biocontrol products stable, effective, and more secure.

This blog aims to provide a tactical analysis of trial data related to these agents, unraveling the complexities associated with their development, testing, and application.

Types of Biocontrols in Agriculture

Biocontrol agents in agriculture are not new. Farmers have always known about the benefits of natural predators of crop pests. However, biologicals encompass a diverse array of agents, each serving a unique role in crop protection. Predatory insects, such as ladybugs and parasitoid wasps, act as natural enemies to harmful pests. Microbial agents, including bacteria like Bacillus thuringiensis and fungi like Beauveria bassiana, offer targeted pest control.

Bacillus species have a long history in biocontrol and crop growth-promoting applications and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the most commercially successful biopesticide. Bt produces endotoxins, which can be applied as biopesticides as well as a source of genes for the development of insect-resistant transgenic plants.  Botanicals, such as neem oil and pyrethrin, represent plant-based solutions known for their environmental friendliness compared to synthetic alternatives. For example, neem oil can be sprayed onto foliage to kill or deter various leaf-chewing and sap-sucking insects such as aphids, beetles, cabbage white butterflies, leaf miners, whiteflies, mealybugs, and others. However, unlike pyrethrins (which work on contact with the insect), neem oil works by ingestion, so it is safer for beneficial insects like bees or ladybirds.

Issues and constraints in developing biocontrol agents in agriculture

Although there has been increased research into new microorganisms as potential biopesticides there are still only a few licensed products. This is because, despite the simplicity of the concept behind biological controls, there are significant challenges to the broader adoption. Challenges to the faster adoption of biologicals include a lack of awareness and education on how to deploy their diverse modes of action in integrated programs and misperceptions of cost and efficacy.

Developing a new biological control is a complex process and distinct from developing chemical crop protection products. Biological control agents account for less than 5% of the whole crop protection industry. and the production and licensing of biologicals are expensive when compared to chemical agents. Ensuring that biologicals reach the right area of the target pest at the right time and with sufficient density to be effective and long-lasting, represents one of the most challenging aspects of their use and development.

The development of a commercial biopesticide consists of the following phases:

  1. Development of a practical and stable formulation.
  2. Patent application.
  3. Registration of the active ingredient and its formulation. Many issues that arise during the formulation development and registration can be anticipated in the experimental phase by facilitating these issues which constitute an important obstacle to the commercial development of a biopesticide.
  4. Analyzing field trial outcomes to extract insights for sales and marketing, identifying potential crop markets and regional targets for product sales.
  5. Employing demonstration plots and trial summaries to demonstrate efficacy to potential customers.

Although biological controls offer a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides there are a number of challenges and risks. The introduction of non-native living species that could become invasive and cause environmental disruption through previously unknown or unintended consequences. There are many well-known examples of this for example the introduction of cane toads to Australia.

Biological controls have not always been successful, probably due to variations in environmental conditions. Trichoderma sp., for example, shows predatory behavior only under specific nutrient conditions. It has also been reported that the Trichoderma spp. does not attack R. solani in the presence of compost, which gives the availability of cellulose as a nutrient for the agent.

The whole process involves the creation of viable and stable formulations, patent applications, and the eventual registration of active ingredients and formulations. However, many challenges arise during formulation development and registration, hindering the commercialization of biopesticides. Anticipating and addressing these issues in the experimental phase becomes crucial for the successful development of biocontrol agents.

To ensure that biological controls are effective and practical it is critical to understand how their efficacy may be compromised. For example, this will help identify the risk factors that will promote the selection of plant pathogen strains that are resistant to biological control and help provide more practical guidance on their use and application. This makes testing biocontrol agents in agriculture essential to fill the gaps in the knowledge base. Field trials for biocontrol agents will be critical in going forward and transitioning from synthetic crop protection products.

Typical agricultural field trials include key steps such as planning, trial management, data collection, and analysis. Companies need to follow the right practices to prove the efficacy of potential products and show their value to growers and potential investors. Thus, in addition to looking at the efficacy of the biocontrol itself, trials also include an assessment of the biocontrol agent versus a chemical control option. By using agricultural field trial software such as Agmatix to manage the trial efficiently and effectively, companies can increase their speed to market and demonstrate product efficacy to a skeptical audience.

Data Used in Biocontrol Trials

Biocontrol trials rely on various types of data to evaluate the efficacy of agents in real-world scenarios under field conditions. Trials of biological control agents are more complex than for traditional crop protection trials. In addition to a crop treated with the biocontrol agent efficacy trials for biocontrol agents typically include a combination of the following control treatments:

  • Non-treated control – plants are exposed to pests, but no pest management takes place.
  • Chemical control – plants are exposed to pests, and a typical chemical pesticide is applied to manage the pest; sometimes an “industry standard”.
  • Non-inoculated control – plants were not deliberately exposed to the pest; sometimes disease or damage still occurs because of natural pest pressure, or because disease or insects spread from other treatments in the trial.

Field trial data for biocontrol agents also includes insights into pest population dynamics and crop health metrics. In contrast, laboratory experiment data delves into factors like the mortality rates of target pests and the impact on non-target organisms.

Tools and Techniques for Data Collection

Data collection in agriculture biologicals research involves a spectrum of traditional and modern techniques. Traditional monitoring methods include insect traps, sampling, and visual inspections. However, advancements in agriculture field data collection tools have introduced sensor technologies and mobile data collection, revolutionizing the precision and efficiency of data collection. Traditional pen and paper data collection frequently suffers from errors and inconsistencies. On the contrary, mobile data collection, even in offline settings, ensures consistency in form completion and offers real-time visibility, enhancing the ability to quickly detect trends, outliers, or errors.

Methods of Data Analysis for Biocontrol Trials in Agriculture

Analyzing the vast datasets generated by biocontrol trials requires sophisticated methods due to the more complex nature of biocontrol agents in agriculture and their modes of action. Statistical approaches like regression analysis and ANOVA find application in field trials for biocontrol agents, while machine learning techniques, including predictive modeling and pattern recognition, contribute to a deeper understanding of trial outcomes. Appropriate software such as Agmatix agronomic analysis software can speed up the process and can also help researchers analyze their data across multiple datasets for deeper understanding.

Insights Gained from Trial Data Analysis

Data analysis yields critical insights into the efficacy of biocontrol agents. Comparative analyses reveal the relative performance of different agents, while the impact on various crop varieties is assessed. Determining optimal application strategies, including timing, frequency, dosage, and concentration, becomes possible through thorough data scrutiny. However, this can be made easier using a platform such as Agmatix field trials software.

Data Interpretation for Decision-Making

Effectively interpreting trial data is essential for making informed market readiness and suitability decisions.  Data analysis for biocontrol trials in agriculture offers a comprehensive understanding of the diverse environments and markets where the new biocontrol excels and can be pivotal for sales and marketing efforts. Armed with this knowledge, they can initiate the development of materials and utilize visual graphs showcasing efficacy data to illustrate the value proposition to potential customers.

Conclusion

While biocontrol agents in agriculture are gaining traction, the journey from development to market faces significant challenges. Improved management and data analytics can play a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges. As the sector continues to grow, the strategic use of data will be integral to not only developing and commercializing new biological products but also enhancing their efficiency and efficacy.

For those seeking to dive deeper into the realm of developing biological and biocontrol agents, Agmatix stands as a valuable ally. The platform offers robust solutions for data management, analysis, and collaboration, empowering stakeholders to navigate the complexities of bringing innovative bio-based products to market. Explore how Agmatix can be a catalyst in your journey toward sustainable and effective biocontrol solutions.

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