Market Trends of south america insecticide Industry
Chile recorded the highest per capita consumption rate of insecticides in South America
- Insects can cause direct damage to crops by feeding on plant tissues such as leaves, stems, roots, or fruits. This feeding can result in reduced photosynthesis, stunted growth, deformities, or even plant death. These adverse effects can lead to substantial yield losses and affect the overall productivity of the crops.
- South America cultivates a wide range of crops, including major commodities such as soybeans, corn, coffee, wheat, sugarcane, bananas, and citrus fruits. The major pests in these crops include stink bugs, loopers, armyworms, aphids, and whiteflies.
- In South America, Chile is the largest consumer of insecticides, with a consumption of 1.6 kg/ha in 2022. Chile is a major exporter of agricultural products, particularly fruits and wine. Export markets often have stringent phytosanitary regulations and quality standards to prevent the spread of pests and ensure food safety. Insecticide use is crucial to comply with these requirements, safeguarding market access of Chilean produce in international markets.
- The southern regions of Brazil, including the states of Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Cerrado region in central Brazil, are known for extensive agricultural production of soybeans, corn, and cotton. They face major concerns with pests like the fall armyworm, rootworm, bollworm, and corn earworm, contributing to Brazil's rank as the second-highest consumer of insecticides in South America, with a consumption rate of 765.6 g/ha.
- South America exhibits a wide range of climatic conditions, from tropical rainforests to arid and semi-arid regions. These diverse agroecological conditions influence pest populations and dynamics. The use of insecticides is necessary to provide the best crop protection, which will further drive the insecticide market.
Cypermethrin is the highest-priced insecticide at USD 21.08 thousand per metric ton
- Cypermethrin belongs to the class of pyrethroid insecticides, which are non-synthetic chemicals designed to mimic the natural insecticidal properties of pyrethrins derived from chrysanthemums. In South America, cypermethrin is used to effectively manage a wide range of pests, including, but not limited to, aphids, beetles, caterpillars, leafhoppers, and whiteflies. The mode of action of cypermethrin 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.
- Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide belonging to the chemical class of neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids act on the nervous system of insects in a similar way to nicotine, causing overstimulation of nerve cells and ultimately leading to paralysis and death. This active ingredient was priced at USD 17.17 thousand per metric ton in 2022. In South America, imidacloprid is widely used to effectively manage various pests, including aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies, thrips, and certain beetle species.
- Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide belonging to the chemical class of organophosphates. It is widely used to control a variety of insect pests. In South America, malathion is used to effectively manage pests, such as aphids, spider mites, thrips, fruit flies, and leafhoppers in various crops. Malathion's mode of action involves inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme essential for proper nerve function in insects. By disrupting the nervous system, it causes overstimulation of nerve cells, leading to paralysis and, ultimately, death of the target pests. This is the most affordable chemical among the three, with a price of USD 12.5 thousand per metric ton in 2022.