Nematicides Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Type (Chemical {Fumigant}, Biological {Microbial [Bacillus sp]}, Biochemical), Form, Nematode Type (Root-knot, Cyst), Mode of Application (Seed Treatment), Crop Type - Global Forecast to 2031

Nematicides Market Size & Forecast

The Nematicides Market is projected to reach $3.97 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period of 2024–2031. In terms of volume, the nematicides market is projected to reach 201,413.3 tons by 2031, at a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period of 2024–2031. The growth of this market can be attributed to several factors, including the rising demand for organic foods, growing environmental concerns, and market players’ focus on product launches and acquisitions. However, the lack of awareness and low adoption of bionematicides and stringent and non-standardized regulations restrain the growth of this market. Moreover, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America and the growing adoption of biological seed treatments are expected to generate growth opportunities for the players operating in this market.

However, the limited availability of bionematicides is a challenge for market stakeholders. Additionally, the growing utilization of sustainable agricultural inputs is a major trend in the nematicides market.

Nematicides Market Growth Drivers

Growing Environmental Concerns Fuel the Growth of the Nematicides Market

The heavy use of synthetic agricultural inputs has raised environmental concerns due to the serious damage caused to freshwater flora and fauna. The extensive use of synthetic agricultural inputs directly affects the environment as residues of chemical pesticides/substances stay in the soil and cause soil pollution, contaminate surface and groundwater, or get released into the atmosphere through vitalization. These residues left in the soil emit methyl bromide and hydrogen cyanide into the environment, leading to hazardous effects such as depleting the ozone layer, thereby contributing to global warming and causing respiratory, neurological, and skin problems. Growing awareness about the adverse effects of agrochemicals on plant physiology, soil quality, animals, and human beings has boosted the use of sustainable farming practices and, thereby, the demand for biological chemicals.

Biological chemicals are natural products derived from microorganisms, plant extracts, beneficial insects, and organic matter. They are valuable tools for growers and are highly effective in managing pests and diseases without negatively impacting the environment. Additionally, their active and inert ingredients are generally considered safe. Besides the microbial content, the carrier media used to formulate biologicals consists of several organic materials, such as animal broth or organic waste, which are biodegradable.

Besides the impacts on human health, chemicals significantly damage the environment. There have been many cases around the world where the freshwater used for agriculture was polluted due to harmful pesticides, severely harming freshwater flora and fauna. Therefore, many environmental organizations, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), oppose pesticide use. A recent study conducted by researchers from the Public Health Institute, the California Department of Health Services, and the UC Berkeley School of Public Health found a six-fold increase in the risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) among children of women exposed to organochlorine pesticides.

Bionematicides are always safer and easier on the environment than chemical nematicide products. In direct contrast to chemicals that offer broad sweeping coverage (non-selective), negatively impacting insects, birds, and any other organisms that may come into contact with them, bionematicides are often formulated to only affect the target pest and closely related organisms (selective). Bionematicides contain natural organisms/products and are, therefore, less harmful to the environment and human health. Bionematicides have gained much significance in pest management and have since long been promoted as prospective alternatives to synthetic nematicides.

As a result, the global demand for bionematicides is expected to continue to rise as more farmers recognize the importance of environmental safety and sustainable farming methods.

Rising Demand for Organic Foods is Expected to Drive the Growth of the Nematicides Market

Organic farming refers to growing crops without using pesticides and synthetic (chemical) fertilizers. In organic cultivation, biological pesticides such as bionematicides are used to enhance crop production. Biologicals are naturally occurring compounds/agents derived from animals, plants, and microorganisms such as bacteria, cyanobacteria, and microalgae. These compounds can control agricultural pests and pathogens. Products such as genes or metabolites from these biocontrol agents can prevent crop damage. Biologicals are eco-friendly and host-specific, providing a key advantage over their traditional (chemical) counterparts. The use of chemical-free alternatives has gained momentum due to consumers’ rising awareness about the use of chemicals in food production and the health hazards of chemical residues in food. These factors are expected to boost organic farming, increasing the adoption of biologicals such as bionematicides as a safe alternative to chemicals used for crop protection.

The global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, a 24% increase over 2021 (Source: Population Reference Bureau). As the global population grows, the demand for food is also expected to increase, meaning that agriculture will become much more important in the future. Therefore, various modern agricultural practices are expected to be used to fulfill the growing food requirements of the global population.

Synthetic chemicals are widely used to enhance agricultural production. However, chemical residues in food can be harmful and may lead to diseases. As food safety has become a major concern, consumers increasingly prefer chemical residue-free produce. Organic food is grown using biological crop protection chemicals. Consuming organic food may reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, allergies, obesity, and many more conditions.

Furthermore, several organizations are raising awareness about the negative effects of chemicals in food and promoting organic farming worldwide. In addition, various governments around the globe are undertaking initiatives to promote organic foods and organic cultivation. Therefore, there has been a drastic increase in the global consumption of organic foods and the global land area under organic cultivation.

According to FIBL-IFOAM 2023, as of 2022, organic agriculture was practiced in 191 countries, with around 76 million hectares of agricultural land managed organically by 3.7 million organic farmers. The organic farming industry is governed by strict standards, and products bearing organic labels must be produced without toxic pesticides, synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, and genetic engineering.

The global organic foods market reached USD 137.1 billion in 2020 from USD 17.9 billion in 2000 (Source: FiBL‐IFOAM‐SOEL‐ Surveys, 2021). This increase in the demand for organic foods is driven by consumers’ increasing health & environmental awareness.

Bionematicides play an important role in organic farming as they are less toxic than synthetic chemical pesticides and have a lower risk of resistance development. They can improve plant growth and health by stimulating beneficial microbes in the soil. Hence, the utilization of bionematicides in organic farming is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

Thus, the rising demand for organic foods is expected to drive the growth of the nematicides market during the forecast period.

Nematicides Market Growth Trend

Growing Utilization of Sustainable Agricultural Inputs

Global agricultural systems are facing numerous unprecedented challenges due to rapid climate change. The manufacture and use of synthetic crop protection chemicals are considered one of the major contributors to climate change, which also affects water quality and quantity, soil, and land—elements essential for agriculture. Droughts, floods, pest infestations, and diseases are becoming more frequent and severe, threatening crop yields and food security. Advanced agricultural inputs are a handy tool for boosting crop production and ensuring sustainability.

According to the United Nations, the global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, with the growing need to feed the increasing population. However, the agriculture industry is currently facing challenges such as soil and environmental degradation. These challenges limit food production. Sustainable agricultural inputs are products that aim to reduce the environmental impact of farming, such as biofertilizers, biopesticides, and organic manure.

Consumers are becoming more aware of their health and food choices, demanding organically produced food. The demand for organic food has boosted organic farming, driving the utilization of sustainable agriculture inputs, such as bionematicides.

Sustainability is a critical issue in modern agriculture. Farmers and policymakers are increasingly looking for ways to reduce the environmental impacts of agricultural inputs. Hence, many agricultural input manufacturers are focused on developing sustainable products. For instance, in 2021, Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc (U.S.) announced submitting its next-generation nematicide, MBI-306, to regulatory authorities in the United States for approval. Further, in 2022, Corteva, Inc. (U.S.) launched its first bionematicide, Lumialza, containing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacteria (strain PTA-4838). This bionematicide controls nematodes by colonizing the root region to create a biological barrier against a wide range of harmful nematodes.

 Thus, the rising demand for organic food and the increase in organic farming have boosted the demand for sustainable agricultural inputs. As a result, market players are increasing their focus on the development of sustainable agricultural inputs.

Nematicides Market Growth Opportunity

Emerging Markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America Expected to Generate Growth Opportunities for Market Players

Asia-Pacific is expected to offer immense growth opportunities for the players operating in the nematicides market, as China and India use nematicides extensively. The market competitiveness of bionematicides has been increasing with the growing demand for organic foods in these countries. Nematicides are considered important in producing quality crops.

Furthermore, Asia-Pacific has one of the largest arable land areas. According to the World Bank, India has the largest arable land in the world, followed by the U.S., China, Russia, and Brazil. With the government’s efforts to stimulate agricultural development, China is actively promoting the use of bionematicides. China and other developing countries in APAC are encouraging the use of bionematicides due to the adverse effects of chemical nematicides. As a part of China’s plan of ‘Action to Achieve Zero Growth of Pesticide Use by 2020,’ more efforts are being made to develop bionematicides. In 2020, China reduced the use of plant protection chemicals in eliminating weeds and pests by 20% and the use of non-organic fertilizers by 50%.

Moreover, in 2020, Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture published a record of two biological pesticides; one is based on garlic extract, which can control nematodes (soil pests that attack plant roots). In addition, in 2016, Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) cleared up the registration line of agrochemical products of biological origin for use either in conventional agriculture or organic agriculture to expand the use of biological products and reduce the use of agrochemicals with more toxicity.

Thus, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America hold opportunities for the players operating in the nematicides market.

Nematicides Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Type: In 2024, the Chemical Nematicides Segment to Dominate the Nematicides Market

Based on type, the nematicides market is segmented into chemical nematicides (organophosphates, carbamates, fumigants, and other chemical nematicides) and biological nematicides (microbial nematicides {bacillus species, paecilomyces lilacinus, and other microbial nematicides} and biochemical nematicides). In 2024, the chemical nematicides segment is expected to account for a larger share of 56.7% of the global nematicides market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the rising global food demand, the need for high crop yields, the increase in nematode infestation in crops, and the demonstrated efficacy of nematicides in controlling these pests.

However, the biological nematicides segment is slated to register a higher CAGR of 15.0% during the forecast period of 2024–2031. The growth of this segment is driven by the increasing adoption of organic farming practices, growing environmental and public health concerns related to the use of chemical nematicides, high demand for chemical residue-free agricultural products, the increasing use of integrated pest management technologies and sustainable agriculture methods, and government initiatives aimed at promoting the use of biological nematicide products.

By Form: In 2024, the Liquid Segment to Dominate the Nematicides Market

Based on form, the nematicides market is segmented into liquid and dry. In 2024, the liquid segment is expected to account for a larger share of 72.5% of the nematicides market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the benefits offered by liquid nematicides, such as ease of uniform application, superior performance, extended effectiveness, and their growing significance in modern irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.

Moreover, this segment is projected to register a higher CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period of 2024-2031 due to the lower dosage requirement of liquid nematicides compared to fumigant nematicides (typically requiring only a few kilograms of active ingredients per hectare) and their straightforward application without the need for specialized equipment.

By Nematode Type: In 2024, the Root-knot Nematodes Segment to Dominate the Nematicides Market

Based on nematode type, the global nematicides market is segmented into root-knot nematodes, cyst nematodes, lesion nematodes, and other nematodes. In 2024, the root-knot nematodes segment is expected to account for the largest share of 45.4% of the global nematicides market. The large market share of this segment is mainly attributed to the growing demand for nematicides to control root-knot nematodes due to the high prevalence of root-knot nematodes in crops worldwide.

Moreover, the segment is slated to register the highest CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period of 2024-2031. The growth of this segment is driven by advancements in nematicide formulations and increasing awareness about the benefits of using nematicides.

By Mode of Application: In 2024, the Soil Treatment Segment to Dominate the Nematicides Market

Based on mode of application, the nematicides market is segmented into soil treatment, seed treatment, fumigation, and other modes of application. In 2024, the soil treatment segment is expected to account for the largest share of 51.6% of the global nematicides market. The large share of this segment is mainly attributed to the benefits of soil treatment, such as preventing the spread of nematodes to non-infested areas and minimizing the risk of additional crop damage. Additionally, the easy availability of nematicide products designed for soil application further contributes to the segment’s large market share.

However, the seed treatment segment is slated to register the highest CAGR of 10.6% during the forecast period of 2024-2031. The growth of this segment is driven by the growing demand for nematicides to control nematode infestation in seeds. Furthermore, advancements in seed treatment technologies and the growing awareness regarding the benefits offered by seed treatment are expected to drive the growth of this segment during the forecast period 2024–2031.

By Crop Type: In 2024, the Cereals & Grains Segment to Dominate the Nematicides Market

Based on crop type, the nematicides market is segmented into cereals & grains (maize/corn, wheat, and other cereals & grains), fruits & vegetables, oilseeds & pulses, and other crops. In 2024, the cereals & grains segment is expected to account for the largest share of 41.8% of the global nematicides market. The large share of this segment is mainly attributed to rising disposable incomes and the increasing demand for ready-to-eat cereal products such as cornflakes and muesli. In addition, major cereal-based snack manufacturers are adopting contact farming strategies through backward integration to ensure quality, quantity, and price benefits. These factors are expected to drive the utilization of nematicides in the cultivation of cereals and grains, supporting the growth of this segment.

However, the fruits & vegetables segment is slated to register the highest CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period of 2024-2031. The growth of this segment is driven by the increase in fruit and vegetable production globally, the rising prevalence of nematode infestations impacting fruit and vegetable crops, and the growing demand for chemical-free organic fruits and vegetables.

Geographical Analysis

North America: The Dominating Regional Market for Nematicides

Based on geography, the nematicides market is divided into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of 34.6% of the global nematicides market. The North America nematicides market is estimated to be worth USD 735.2 million in 2024.  North America’s large share is attributed to the rise in the demand for crops with the growing population, decreasing arable land area, the presence of major market players, the increasing adoption of precision farming techniques, the rising awareness about nematicide usage to get high-quality and high-yield crops, the growing demand for bio nematicides due to growing organic farming and the demand for organic food, and the adoption of innovative products and technologies in the agricultural industry.

However, Europe is slated to register the highest CAGR of 16.8% during the forecast period of 2024-2031. The growth of this regional market is driven by the rising population, decreasing arable land, advances in farming practices and technology, increasing government initiatives to boost organic farming, the rising adoption of bionematicides, and growing investments in R&D activities.

Nematicides Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the global nematicides market are American Vanguard Corporation (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), Bayer AG (Germany), Biobest Group NV (Belgium), Corteva, Inc. (U.S.), FMC Corporation (U.S.), Gowan Company, LLC. (U.S.), Nufarm Limited (Australia), Pro Farm Group Inc. (U.S.), Syngenta AG (Switzerland), Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan), and UPL Limited (India).

Nematicides Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In September 2023, Bayer AG (Germany) launched Velum Rise, a fungicide/nematicide in Canada. This is used for in-furrow application in potatoes that combines the Group 7 active ingredients fluopyram and penflufen to deliver advanced protection against crop diseases and nematodes.

• In July 2023, Biobest Group NV (Belgium) completed the acquisition of BioWorks Inc. (U.S.), which offers biopesticide products.

• In March 2023, American Chemical Corporation (U.S.), a subsidiary of American Chemical Vanguard Corporation (U.S.), signed an agreement with NewLeaf Symbiotics, Inc. (U.S.) to bring biological solutions, including bio-stimulants and bio-protection products in golf, ornamental, controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), cannabis, and consumer markets in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This agreement broadens a partnership established in October 2022.
• In July 2022, Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (currently known as Pro Farm Group Inc.) (U.S.) merged with Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. (Argentina) to develop and commercialize sustainable agricultural solutions.
• In December 2021, BASF SE (Germany) launched Votivo Prime in Brazil. This is the company’s first bionematicide. This bionematicide is based on Bacillus Firmusbacterium, which develops the root system and reduces stress on rice, corn, soybeans, cotton, and wheat.

Nematicides Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the nematicides market report: