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Evolution of the biocontrol active substances in the framework of the European Pesticide Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009
Author(s) -
Robin Diane C,
Marchand Patrice A
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.5199
Subject(s) - biological pest control , integrated pest management , pesticide , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , pest analysis , pest control , toxicology , ecology , botany
BACKGROUND The use of biocontrol agents (BCA) is growing strongly with a market of €1.9 billion worldwide and €542 million in Europe, and an estimated annual growth of between 15% and 20%. Biocontrol substances use natural mechanisms as part of integrated pest management. With the exception of macro‐organisms, substances or products comprising microorganisms, semiochemicals and natural substances depend on plant protection Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009. RESULTS When this regulation came into force, a number of BCA had already been approved. The total number of BCA rose during the period 2011–2018 to ∼ 60 substances in line with global growth in approved substances. This growth was not smooth or equal between biocontrol categories; the microorganisms category increased the most, with a doubling of the number of approved substances in use, followed by natural substances and semiochemicals. CONCLUSION This positive development has been influenced by many factors such as scientific advances and environmental characteristics. However, some obstacles remain that limit the development of BCA (market size, variability in effectiveness, etc.). Regulatory measures could be a key to enhancing the development of biocontrol registrations. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry