Keeping crop protection effective now and in the future

More than ever, crop protection is subject to change. The number of active ingredients available on the market will continue to decline in the coming years. But one thing remains unchanged: the need for crop protection. "Agricultural and horticultural entrepreneurs need harvest security, crop quality, and a stable income. We want to continue to contribute to this," says Market Development & Biologicals Lead Dorus Rijkers.

Bayer will therefore focus on the coming years - in collaboration with the entire chain - focuses on a comprehensive approach for healthy crops: Bayer's Integrated Solutions (BIS). "We have one common goal: keeping crop protection effective now and in the future."

The state of affairs
Between August 2018 and now, nearly 250 active substances have been assessed for re-registration. Approximately 40% of these substances passed the re-registration and are therefore still available on the market. Of the synthetic (chemical) substances, only 25% remain. Of these, only four new synthetic active substances have been added in those seven years. These new substances are not in new resistance groups. This development in the product range will continue in the coming years.

Furthermore, we see that the extralegal requirements for vegetable, fruit, and ornamental products are pushing the boundaries of what is permissible. These requirements are imposed, for example, by retail chains, due to their sustainability policies or to differentiate their brand from competitors in the retail chain. Examples include lowering MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits) or minimizing the use of chemicals, in addition to the legal requirements. Various vegetable crops are coming under pressure because:

1. Resistance management is no longer adequate, leading to an increasing risk of fungicide and insecticide resistance.
2. Improper use of fertilizers, which are used as crop protection products, is increasing. These substances do not require an MRL, but the exposure risk to humans and the environment is also unknown.

There's still a great deal of ignorance among stakeholders in the supply chain regarding these two consequences. Through collaborations with stakeholders, we aim to manage awareness and expectations throughout the entire supply chain.

Bayer's Integrated Solutions
Growers are facing the challenges of crop protection regulations and rules. Bayer sees it as its mission to help growers continue to comply with these requirements, without sacrificing the effectiveness of their products. One of the keys to success is collaboration within a systems approach. Bayer has established a new working method for this purpose: Bayer's Integrated Solutions (BIS).

BIS doesn't just focus on Bayer's crop protection products. BIS also works towards an integrated "Total Healthy Crop Approach." The BIS methodology combines the following building blocks:

• Innovative, digital precision tools to optimize the deployment of our resources.
• Biological crop protection products (Biologicals by Bayer).
• Synthetic crop protection products at the right time, both with Bayer products and other products.
• Clear training and advice from Bayer's crop specialists for advisors, growers, and customers.

Bayer's Integrated Solutions: These projects are already underway

Caterpillar control through precision monitoring
Bayer is in an advanced stage of developing a precision monitoring technique for cabbage cultivation. Over the next few years, this technique, along with the supply chain, will be fine-tuned for optimal application. This will allow us to determine the optimal time for deploying, for example, XenTari to be determined during cultivation. XenTari is an effective product, but only when applied at the right time.

The younger the caterpillar, the more effective the product. The challenge during cultivation is that caterpillars should actually be detected when leaf damage is barely visible. Bayer's digital monitoring systems will help with this and can also contribute to saving one or more sprays.

New techniques are also being developed to monitor pests, eggs, and natural enemies. This will lead to the development of precision techniques such as spot application. This will also ensure that products remain available on the market for the long term by saving active ingredients per hectare.

Integrated solutions for diseases in onions
A much narrower fungicide range in onion cultivation and a revised Fandango label are making it increasingly difficult to effectively manage foliar diseases. Downy mildew, leaf spot, and fusarium, among other diseases, are causing significant problems. The better the start, the stronger the crop later in the growing season.

In recent years, Bayer has gained a lot of experience with the drug Serenade in onions. An intensive testing program was established in collaboration with growers, which has yielded a wealth of useful and actionable information. This year, practical research will again be conducted in various growing regions. The differences between pre-treatment and pre-treatment will also be carefully mapped.

In addition to applying Serenade at the start of cultivation, the recommendations for foliar disease control are also reviewed annually and adjusted as needed. Due in part to the limitations of Fandango applications, effectively managing resistance will be a major undertaking in the coming years, requiring all available chemical agents for effective foliar disease control.

Bayer's Integrated Solution program focuses intensively on fine-tuning these spray schedules for the grower.

Total approach to sclerotinia in beans
Bayer is collaborating with Bayer Vegetable Seeds (Seminis) to control sclerotinia (rat droppings disease) in beans. Using the BIS method, various methods are being tested to control sclerotinia (and also botrytis) during cultivation.

The 'ingredients' for this are the right genetics (Beans with intermediate resistance to sclerotinia; see also the interview with Arie Oppelaar, Field Vegetable Courier 2025.), Luna Privilege At the right time and with a strong presence for the organic fungicide Serenade. The ultimate goal is a system that meets the ambitions of supermarkets, even after the near-future disappearance of key active ingredients. But without compromising growers' income.

Dorus Rijkers: 'Keep crop protection realistic and substantiated'
For field vegetable cultivation, we are developing an integrated system that is applicable and effective for as many crops as possible. But it must also remain a realistic crop protection method. For many crops, it remains crucial to establish a solid preventative foundation with a synthetic product. This means applying it on time and not waiting until the disease (or pest) is fully present. Preventative use of chemicals and then controlling the young infestation with biological crop protection often yields the best and most consistent results. Both effectiveness and resistance management are crucial in this regard. Therefore, ensure that the approved products we have are used at the right time. The digital solutions we are currently developing will help with this, with spot-on applications or through (even) better or smarter timing.

Join us in maintaining an effective package of measures. Biostimulants and fertilizers can also help (in terms of abiotic stress tolerance and nutrition), but not as crop protection agents.

We invite you to join us for a viewing and discussion of our BIS trials, along with our Crop Advisors Stefan van Heist and Henko Klement.

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