Bayer has signed an agreement with UK-based company AlphaBio Control to secure an exclusive license for a new biological insecticide. The new product will be the first available for arable crops, including oilseed rape and cereals. The new insecticide is targeted for initial launch in 2028 pending further development and registration. It expects the product to launch in Europe first.
It was discovered by AlphaBio, with who Bayer already distributes the biological insecticide FLiPPER, which is sold in several countries across Europe as well as in Israel and Ethiopia.
“Farmers need innovative new solutions as they seek to continue to feed a growing population, overcome the impacts of climate change, and meet enhanced safety and sustainability standards,” said Benoit Hartmann, head of biologics at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “Biocontrols are a perfect fit to our approach to scaling regenerative agriculture, and we’re excited to work to bring a new biological crop protection option to farmers that can be used for arable crops.”
Stem flea beetle protection
The new bioinsecticide has potential for use against coleoptera insects like the cabbage stem flea beetle, a pest insect that can damage oilseed rape crops throughout the growing season and even cause seedling death. The beetle is widespread in the UK and throughout much of Europe. Damage caused by adult feeding gives rise to ‘shot-holing’ symptoms which affect young plants and early leaves, resulting in stunted growth and poor plant health.
“We are delighted to license Bayer exclusive rights to our latest bioinsecticide which will significantly improve the choices available to arable farmers wishing to reduce the environmental impact of food production,” said Marta Ruiz, general manager for AlphaBio Control.
A first for arable crops
While many biological options are available for high-value vegetable and horticulture crops, where their cost can be offset by consumer-supported price premiums, arable crops require solutions that can be applied cost-effectively at larger scale in order to be competitive. Bayer claims its systems approach, which combines various solutions, will help to maximise the cost efficiencies of this new product by including it in a digitally supported integrated pest management system.
“With increasingly strong demand from farmers and changing consumer preferences, we see major growth potential for biological crop protections like this one,” said Ralf Glaubitz, head of global asset management for seed growth and biologics at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “We’re working to outgrow the market and achieve more than 1.5 billion euro in biological sales by 2035. That’s only going to happen if we innovate to solve the challenges that farmers face in all fields.”
The as-yet-unnamed biological insecticide will also be a supporting part of Bayer's commitment to help reduce the environmental impact of crop protection products by 30% by 2030 without negatively impacting crop yields and health.
