Market Trends of europe fungicide Industry
The increasing disease infestation and rising crop losses are leading to an increase in the consumption of fungicides
- Europe is experiencing an increase in the consumption of fungicides due to the rising economic losses associated with crop diseases. The consumption increased by 32.7% per hectare in 2022 from 2019. Fungicide use in the region is predicted to increase because of changes in climatic conditions, the development of fungicide resistance, and invasive fungal species.
- The fungal diseases affecting grains and cereals include rust, powdery mildew, smut, and fusarium head blight. These diseases pose a substantial threat to grains and cereals, as they may result in yield losses and reduce the quality of the harvested crops. For instance, wheat rust may cause crop losses of up to 100% in untreated susceptible wheat. Due to these factors, fungicides are extensively used in Europe to control and manage these diseases, ensuring higher yields and better crop quality.
- The region has witnessed a significant increase in the consumption of fungicides in Italy. The consumption of fungicides increased by 2.3 thousand g/ha in 2022 from the previous year. It was because of the rising occurrence of crop diseases, the expansion of agricultural production, and the desire to enhance crop yields and quality.
- Food production is required to sustain the future population. Growth in food production may be achieved with the use of more farmland and an increase in yield per hectare. One of the important means to bring about high yields per hectare is the use of plant protection products because products such as fungicides help protect plants from harmful diseases.
- Therefore, due to the increasing occurrence of crop diseases and to protect and increase yields of the crops, the consumption of fungicides is expected to increase.
Tebuconazole holds the highest price compared to other active ingredients of fungicide
- Tebuconazole, part of the triazole fungicide family, is an active ingredient known for its systemic nature, providing both curative and preventive control over plant diseases. Tebuconazole is used in several different popular fungicide products to protect plants, effectively countering fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Tebuconazole's systemic approach hinders spore spread and curbing growth, making it a popular choice against harmful fungi affecting crops like grapes, cherries, almonds, cereals, canola, and other crops. Its value in 2022 stood at USD 8.7 thousand per metric ton.
- Azoxystrobin, a widely used fungicide in agriculture, has the broadest spectrum of activity as an antifungal agent. It serves as a potent active ingredient and is extensively utilized across various crops, with a significant focus on wheat farming. It effectively controls important diseases such as leaf spots, rusts, powdery mildew, downy mildew, net blotch, and blight. Notably, Germany imports most of its azoxystrobin from India, and its market value in 2022 amounted to USD 4.4 thousand per metric ton.
- Metalaxyl is commonly applied to crops such as potatoes, grapes, and vegetables like lettuce and cucumbers. Metalaxyl effectively controls diseases such as late blight in potatoes and downy mildew in grapes and vegetables. Its application helps manage these fungal infections, contributing to healthier and more productive crop yields in European agriculture. Between 2018 and 2022, the price of metalaxyl experienced a notable rise, with an increase of USD 235.7 per metric ton. Currently, it stands at USD 4.4 thousand per metric ton.