Fungal Disease Biocontrol Market

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Fungal Disease Biocontrol Market is accounted for $1.3 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $4.0 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 16.6% during the forecast period. Fungal disease biocontrol is the strategic use of living organism’s primarily beneficial fungi, bacteria, or natural antagonists to suppress or eliminate pathogenic fungi affecting plants, animals, or ecosystems. This environmentally sustainable approach leverages competitive exclusion, parasitism, or induced resistance to reduce disease incidence without relying on chemical fungicides. Biocontrol agents are selected for their specificity, efficacy, and minimal ecological disruption, making them integral to integrated pest management and long-term agricultural resilience.

According to FAO, up to 40% of global crop production is lost to pests and diseases each year, costing over $220 billion.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growing organic farming and sustainable agriculture trends

As regulatory bodies and consumers increasingly favor eco-friendly crop protection methods, demand for biological control agents has surged. These solutions offer reduced chemical residues and improved soil health, aligning with organic certification standards. Moreover, government subsidies and awareness campaigns supporting sustainable inputs have further accelerated adoption. This trend is expected to continue strengthening the market’s growth trajectory throughout the forecast period.

Restraint:

Slower action compared to chemical alternatives

This delayed efficacy can be a critical drawback in high-pressure disease environments where rapid intervention is essential. Additionally, inconsistent field performance due to environmental variability may deter adoption among large-scale growers. While ongoing research aims to enhance formulation stability and speed of action, the perceived lag in results remains a significant restraint impacting market penetration, particularly in regions with intensive farming systems.

Opportunity:

Development of multi-mode action products

Multi-mode action formulations combine mechanisms such as antagonism, competition, and induced resistance, offering broader-spectrum protection and improved reliability. Furthermore, multi-functional agents reduce the risk of pathogen resistance and enhance compatibility with integrated pest management (IPM) programs. As research institutions and biotech firms invest in novel strains and synergistic blends, the market is poised to benefit from differentiated offerings that meet diverse crop protection needs.

Threat:

Competition from new chemical fungicides

The fungal disease biocontrol market faces competitive pressure from next-generation chemical fungicides that offer rapid action, broad-spectrum efficacy, and longer shelf life. These synthetic alternatives often come with advanced delivery systems and lower application costs, making them attractive to conventional growers. Moreover, aggressive marketing and distribution networks of agrochemical companies can overshadow biocontrol solutions. Unless biological agents demonstrate comparable performance and scalability, the threat from chemical innovations may hinder market growth, especially in regions with limited regulatory restrictions.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and delayed field trials, temporarily slowing the adoption of fungal biocontrol agents. However, the crisis also heightened awareness around sustainable food production and reduced chemical dependency. Lockdowns and labor shortages prompted growers to seek resilient, low-input solutions, indirectly supporting biocontrol uptake. Additionally, increased funding for agricultural biotechnology and renewed focus on food security post-pandemic have created favorable conditions for long-term market recovery.

The microbials segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The microbials segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period due to its proven efficacy and wide applicability across crops. Microbial agents such as Trichoderma, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas species are extensively used for their antagonistic properties and compatibility with organic farming. Their ability to colonize plant roots and suppress pathogens through multiple mechanisms makes them a preferred choice among growers. Moreover, advancements in formulation technologies and regulatory approvals have further strengthened their commercial viability, solidifying their dominance in the market.

The induced systemic resistance (ISR) segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the induced systemic resistance (ISR) segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate driven by its ability to enhance plant immunity against a broad range of fungal pathogens. ISR-based biocontrol agents activate the plant’s internal defense pathways, offering long-lasting protection without direct pathogen targeting. This mode of action is particularly valuable in integrated pest management systems. Furthermore, ISR products are gaining traction in high-value horticultural crops, where residue-free solutions are critical, contributing to their accelerated adoption and CAGR.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Europe region is expected to hold the largest market share propelled by stringent regulatory frameworks favoring biological inputs and widespread organic farming practices. Countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands have actively promoted biocontrol adoption through subsidies and research initiatives. Additionally, consumer demand for residue-free produce and environmental stewardship has driven market growth. The presence of key biocontrol manufacturers and collaborative R&D programs further reinforces Europe’s leadership position in the fungal disease biocontrol landscape.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR fueled by rising awareness of sustainable agriculture and increasing pressure to reduce chemical pesticide use. Emerging economies such as India, China, and Vietnam are witnessing rapid adoption of biocontrol agents due to government-led initiatives and expanding organic acreage. Moreover, the region’s diverse climatic conditions and crop profiles create a robust demand for tailored fungal biocontrol solutions. Strategic partnerships and local manufacturing are also contributing to accelerated market growth.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Fungal Disease Biocontrol Market include BASF SE, Bayer AG, Syngenta AG, Corteva Agriscience, Inc., FMC Corporation, UPL Limited, Valent Biosciences Corporation, Certis USA L.L.C., Koppert B.V., Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc., BIOWORKS, Inc., Andermatt Biocontrol AG, Novozymes A/S, Isagro S.p.A., and Nufarm Limited.

Key Developments:

In September 2025, Syngenta partnered with Lavie Bio to develop novel biological insecticidal solutions, targeting sustainable insect and disease management, leveraging innovative bio-technology platforms.

In September 2025, Corteva introduced Zorvec Entecta, a fungicide protecting grapes and potatoes from Downy Mildew and Late Blight, featuring stable rain fastness and systemic mobility. The product supports growers with sustainable disease control.

In January 2025, UPL acquired Corteva’s mancozeb business including the Dithane® fungicide, a trusted broad-spectrum fungicide effective against multiple fungal diseases with an improved Rainshield™ formulation for better disease control and environmental compliance.

Product Types Covered:
• Microbials
• Botanicals & Plant Extracts
• Minerals

Formulations Covered:
• Wet Formulations (Liquid)
• Dry Formulations

Mode of Actions Covered:
• Competition
• Parasitism & Predation
• Antibiosis
• Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR)

Applications Covered:
• Agriculture
• Horticulture & Ornamentals
• Turf & Landscape Management
• Post-Harvest Applications

Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan       
o China       
o India       
o Australia 
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific   
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:
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o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
o Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances