Biological Seed Treatment Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Type (Microbials and Botanicals), By Crop (Corn/Maize, Wheat, Soybean, Cotton, Vegetable Crops, and Others), By Function (Seed Production and Seed Enhancement), and Region Forecast 2019-2030

Biological Seed Treatment Market size was valued at US$ 1,103.7 million in 2023 to US$ 2,432.8 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 11.5% from 2024-2030. biological seed treatment is the application of naturally occurring microorganisms or biochemicals to seed before planting, for the protection of seeds and seedlings from pests, diseases, and adverse environmental conditions. All these methods combined offer protection against diseases by fighting or repelling soil- and seed-borne plant pathogens, protection against pests by preventing or reducing pest infestation, and growth promotion by bacterial or fungal growth promoters that enhance root development and nutrient uptake.

Furthermore, biological treatments contribute to an environment-friendly approach and reduce one's 'chemical footprint' by reducing the reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, hence leading to sustainable farming. The market is propelled owing to advancements in biotechnology, demand for higher yield and quality, growing demand for sustainable agriculture, and farmer education and training. For instance, Bacillus firmus strain isolated by BASF, one of the biggest chemical companies isolated the strain for use by their product, Poncho/VOTiVO, to protect against nema­todes influencing corn seed and increase root health. If applicable, the field trials return results of up to an 8-bushel per acre increase in corn yields, which makes a difference in crop performance through advanced microbial strains.

However, the market experiences certain restraints like regulatory challenges, cost competitiveness and availability, and market acceptance and stability. For instance, the first biological fungicide that passed the hurdle in seven years in the United States is CeraMax by Ceradis B.V. This seed-applied bio-fungicide on soybeans against a wide spectrum of fungal diseases was already used with proven efficacy in Europe. This example counts for clear huge delays that a company can suffer due to strict regulations.

Biological Seed Treatment Market Key Developments

• In Feb 2023, Bayers collaborated with Kimitec Sociedad Limitada, Spain. Both companies entered into a global strategic partnership for the discovery and commercialization of Biologicals. This includes crop protection products and biostimulants based on molecules derived from natural sources
• In Oct 2023, Syngenta Seedcare strengthened its focus on biologicals and extended its leadership in seed treatment with the opening of its first biologicals service centre at The Seedcare Institute in Maintal, Germany. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, the centre addresses growing farmer demand across the EU for biological seed treatment solutions.