Analysis of Seed Treatment Agent Registration and Market Development in China: Microbial Nematicides Emerging as a Promising Research Focus

Release Date:

2023-06-26

Seed treatment technology, as an efficient crop protection approach, has become a key driver for reducing pesticide use while enhancing efficacy and promoting green agricultural development in China, thanks to its low input costs, high economic returns, minimal environmental impact, and significant social benefits. Seed treatments, serving as the delivery vehicles for these technologies, are receiving growing attention and recognition from growers. In recent years, the market share of seed treatments has steadily expanded both domestically and internationally, with a continuous increase in the number of registered products.

This paper systematically summarizes and analyzes the registration status of seed treatment products in China from June 2022 to May 2023, and discusses their key characteristics and trends from the perspectives of formulation type, product category, and active ingredients.

Number of new registrations, categories, dosage forms, and active ingredients

From June 1, 2022, to May 23, 2023, preliminary screening of ICAMA data revealed the addition of 220 seed‑treatment products, including 107 single‑component formulations and 113 mixtures. Among these, 151 were fungicides, 100 were insecticides, 21 were insecticide–fungicide combinations, 1 was a nematicide–fungicide combination, and 1 was a nematicide. Fungicides remained the dominant category among newly registered seed treatments, with insecticide–fungicide blends continuing to be the prevailing trend.

From the perspective of formulation types for newly registered seed treatments over the past year, suspension‑coated seed dressings account for the largest share, followed by suspension‑type seed treatment formulations.

Table 1: Newly Registered Seed Treatment Product Formulations and Their Quantities in China

June 1, 2022 to May 23, 2023

Preliminary statistics show that, in descending order by proportion, the newly approved active ingredients are as follows: imidacloprid—36; thiamethoxam—27; fludioxonil—21; tebuconazole—10; difenoconazole—9; mancozeb—9; metalaxyl—8; carbofuran—5; azoxystrobin—4; oxyma—4; silthiocarb—4; fipronil—3; triadimefon—3; imidacloprid–thiamethoxam—3; dinotefuran—2; chlorpyrifos—2, and so on. These data indicate that among the newly approved products, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and fludioxonil remain the key active ingredients.

Past data show that, among the top 15 registered active ingredients in 2021, the leading ones were fludioxonil, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, metalaxyl‑M, difenoconazole, thifluzamide, azoxystrobin, tebuconazole, pyraclostrobin, imidacloprid, dinotefuran, prochloraz, mancozeb, epoxiconazole, and cyproconazole. Comparing these figures, it is evident that the use of imidacloprid as a seed treatment agent has been expanding rapidly in 2022.

Overall, the number of registered seed treatment products has been increasing year by year, particularly for certain off‑patent formulations; however, compound formulations still dominate. At present, China leads in the number of patent applications for agrochemicals related to seed treatment technologies that combine fungicidal, insecticidal, and plant‑nutrient functions. In addition, microbial nematicides for seed treatments are emerging as a popular research area, and newly registered products include nematicide formulations that are all suspension‑type seed coatings.

Table 2: Nematicides among Newly Registered Seed Treatment Products in China

June 1, 2022 to May 23, 2023

According to estimates by the Society of Nematologists, plant-parasitic nematodes cause annual crop yield losses worldwide totaling US$100 billion. Meanwhile, the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) estimates that these nematodes account for 17% to 38% of global vegetable production losses each year. In recent years, as many chemical pesticides have been phased out or restricted due to toxicity concerns, natural nematicides have emerged as a safer and more effective solution for crop protection. Drawing on this context, we examine the bio‑nematicide products recently launched by multinational corporations that have experienced rapid growth in the global seed‑treatment market.

Multinational corporations are actively expanding their presence in the bio-nematicide sector.

Corteva: In 2019, Corteva and Stoller entered into an exclusive sales agreement for the bio-nematicide Rizotec. This product reduces the populations of nematode eggs and female nematodes in sugarcane fields, marking Corteva’s first foray into the bio-nematicide market.

In 2022, Corteva launched Lumialzam in Brazil, the company’s first bio‑nematicide for seed treatment in the country. Lumialza contains the bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain PTA‑4838), a naturally occurring organism that colonizes crop roots to establish a biological barrier against a range of harmful nematodes.

BASF: In 2019, Nufarm announced the acquisition of Trunemco™, BASF’s seed‑treatment nematode‑management solution—the first patented formulation combining microbial and biochemical active ingredients. Trunemco is a seed‑treatment product whose bioactive components activate the natural defense systems of soybeans, corn, and cotton, providing enhanced protection against nematodes. Meanwhile, the microbial component promotes root health and boosts seedling vigor. Field trials have demonstrated that crops treated with this product yield higher outputs while experiencing reduced nematode damage.

In 2021, BASF announced the launch of its first bio-nematicide in Brazil, marketed under the name Votivo Prime. Based on Bacillus firmus, it helps promote root growth and minimizes stress on rice, soybeans, corn, wheat, and cotton.

Sumitomo Chemical: In 2021, Sumitomo Chemical launched Aveo, a bio‑nematicidal seed treatment based on the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain PTA‑4838, in Brazil—a novel biological solution for nematode control. Aveo delivers “high efficacy and safety in nematode management.” The strain colonizes plant roots, establishing a biological barrier that prevents nematodes from penetrating the root system. Nematodes are one of the major challenges affecting soybean yields across all regions of Brazil; Aveo offers broad‑spectrum protection and long‑lasting seed‑treatment activity, boosting soybean yields by approximately 5%.

IHARA: In 2023, IHARA announced the launch of its first bio‑nematicide, TRUNEMCO, in Brazil. Formulated with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBI600, this innovative product has been integrated into IHARA’s portfolio. Featuring an advanced suspension seed coating that is compatible with other formulations, TRUNEMCO delivers enhanced practicality and improved crop yields thanks to its low application rates. A cutting‑edge formulation specifically selected and developed to combat nematodes, TRUNEMCO also provides superior root protection, thereby promoting robust crop growth.

UPL: In 2023, UPL launched a new microbial nematicide called Nimaxxa, formulated from three bacterial strains: Bacillus subtilis strain CH4000, Paenibacillus polymyxa strains CH0273 and CH2970. Nimaxxa employs multiple modes of action through synergistic interactions among these bacteria; the two Bacillus species it contains exhibit strong competitive fitness in the soil and colonize crop root systems, feeding on root exudates.

Grain demand is driving the growth of China’s seed treatment market.

Prior to 2000, the development of seed treatments in China was very slow; by that year, only five such products had been registered. After 2000, the number of registered products gradually increased, with rapid growth beginning around 2010. In 2012, 35 new seed treatment products were registered, nearly doubling the number recorded in 2010. Since then, the total number of registered seed treatments has generally trended upward. Even in 2016, when the number of registrations declined significantly, nearly 70 seed treatment products remained on the market. Because seed treatments provide improved early‑stage nutrition, growers have recognized their benefits in enhancing crop establishment, early‑season growth, and the ability to withstand challenging environmental conditions.

The seed treatment market is experiencing rapid growth. Forecasts project that the global seed treatment market will reach US$13.5 billion by 2025. According to the United Nations, food production will need to increase by 50% by 2030 to meet rising demand, making more efficient seed treatments essential for boosting yields. The East Asia region’s seed treatment market is expected to grow rapidly from 2022 to 2029, driven primarily by the expansion of organic agriculture, environmental concerns associated with agrochemicals, the increasing area under cultivation, and the region’s growing population—factors that are all likely to boost the adoption of seed treatment products to enhance crop productivity.

The growth of China’s seed treatment market is primarily driven by the following factors:

First, global agriculture is placing increasing emphasis on safety and environmental protection, leading to gradual adjustments in both the formulation and application rates of pesticides. In recent years, China has advocated for reducing pesticide use. One key reason seed treatments have performed so well is their highly targeted mode of action. Unlike conventional field spraying, seed treatment applies the active ingredient directly to the crop seeds, significantly cutting down the overall amount of pesticide used. Although seed treatment products currently hold a relatively small market share, they have been growing steadily year after year.

Second, in recent years, global environmental changes have led to a surge in pest and disease outbreaks, significantly impacting agricultural production. Seed treatment technology, as an efficient crop protection method, boasts low input costs, minimal environmental pollution, excellent control efficacy, high pesticide utilization rates, and substantial economic benefits, making it an indispensable farming solution for farmers.

Third, with the advancement of precision seeding technologies and rising seed costs, single-seed sowing has become increasingly mature, making the establishment of a single seed per hill a fundamental requirement. Meanwhile, driven by factors such as seed prices, farmers’ seed‑related expenses are also on the rise, leading to greater emphasis on seedling emergence rates. Seed treatment, as a critical technical safeguard for achieving high emergence rates, is gradually gaining widespread acceptance among farmers.

Fourth, in response to the evolving landscape of global agricultural development, multinational agribusinesses have continuously adjusted their business strategies, expanding from offering single‑product services to integrating the entire value chain—spanning seeds, crop protection products, agronomic services, machinery, processing, and grain handling. As an indispensable component of seed processing and crop protection services, seed treatment serves as a critical link between seed companies and agrochemical firms.

Future Outlook

Globally, seed treatment accounts for roughly 20% of the pesticide market in the United States, more than 15% in Europe, and over 12% in Brazil. Although its share in China stands at only about 6.5%, driven by recent policies promoting reduced pesticide use and growing recognition of the value of seed treatments, China’s seed‑treatment market holds substantial future potential. Moreover, China boasts one of the most comprehensive chemical‑industry value chains worldwide, giving it a significant edge in product development. At the same time, the world’s leading multinational corporations regard China as a key growth market, thereby catalyzing industrial upgrading and fostering international collaboration.

Source: AgroPages (World Agrochemical Network)

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