RNAi & Peptide-Based Pesticides Market

According to MarketsandMarkets, the global market for RNAi-based pesticides is estimated at USD XX million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD XXX.X million by 2030, at a high CAGR of 90%, while the Peptide-based pesticides market is estimated at USD XX.X million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD XXX.X million by 2030, at a double-digit CAGR of 66.8% during the forecast period. With growing consumer consciousness and regulatory requirements driving the need for sustainable agriculture, RNAi & Peptide-based pesticides present a viable substitute for their traditional chemical counterparts. Using cutting-edge biotechnological techniques, these biopesticides use RNA molecules and peptides to precisely target pests, reducing their negative environmental effects and enhancing ecosystem health. The market for RNAi and peptide-based pesticides is expected to develop significantly by 2030 due to a combination of factors, including legislative changes, evolving market demands, and technological advancements. Market participants have many opportunities to develop and grow, especially in creating biopesticides with high specificity, high efficacy, and low environmental effects. Commitment to sustainability, creativity, and cooperation will be necessary to fully realize the market's potential in revolutionizing pest management techniques in significant markets such as the US and Europe.

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Market Dynamics

Driver : Rise in resistance development in various pest and insect species drives the market for new pest control solutions

Conventional pest control methods, especially chemical pesticides, are under significant challenge from the increasing development of pest and bug species resistance. Recurring exposure to certain pesticides over time may cause pest populations to become resistant, decreasing the efficacy of the pesticides in containing infestations. For example, according to a study released in January 2023 by the College of Agriculture, China, several insect species—including the Colorado potato beetle and the diamondback moth—have grown resistant to widely used chemical insecticides like pyrethroids and neonicotinoids.

In response to this challenge, RNAi & Peptide-based pesticides have emerged as viable alternatives. RNA interference (RNAi) technology involves the use of small RNA molecules to disrupt the expression of specific genes in pests, effectively silencing essential functions and leading to their demise. This targeted approach reduces the likelihood of pests developing resistance as it does not rely on the same biochemical pathways targeted by traditional chemical pesticides. RNAi-based pesticides have been developed to target insect growth and development genes, making them less susceptible to resistance development.

Similarly, to interfere with important physiological functions of pests, peptide-based insecticides use naturally occurring peptides or proteins obtained from plants or microbes. These peptides offer an alternate method of pest control that is less likely to cause resistance by interfering with the feeding, growth, or reproduction of pests. An example of this is the development of peptide-based biopesticides that target specific receptors in insect nervous systems, leading to paralysis and death.

The emergence of resistance in pest and insect species highlights the demand for novel approaches to pest management, such as RNAi & peptide-based pesticides. These options provide targeted methods that disturb pest physiology through several pathways, potentially mitigating resistance issues and supporting more sustainable pest management strategies in agriculture.

Restraint : Stringent regulations make approval time-consuming and costly.

Gaining regulatory approval for RNAi & Peptide-based pesticides is a meticulous and resource-intensive process overseen by government regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Companies seeking approval must conduct extensive research to generate data on their products' safety, efficacy, and environmental impacts. This data is compiled into a registration dossier, which serves as the basis for regulatory review. Regulatory agencies then evaluate the dossier to ensure that the pesticide products meet stringent safety and efficacy standards, considering factors such as toxicity, environmental fate, and non-target organism impacts. In Europe, these pesticides are considered synthetic, posing significant hurdles, particularly for smaller companies. While crucial for safety and environmental protection, these regulations demand extensive and costly compliance efforts, prolonged approval timelines, and deep regulatory expertise. The regulatory scenario not only elevates the barriers to entry, limiting innovation and market competition, but also delays the adoption of these novel, environmentally safer alternatives. The process may also involve a public comment period to gather input from stakeholders. Ultimately, regulatory agencies decide to approve or reject the pesticides based on the results of their review. While this process is necessary for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of pesticide products, it becomes time-consuming and costly for companies seeking approval.

Opportunity : Untapped market potential compared to established chemical markets

Compared to the well-established chemical pesticides market, the RNAi & Peptide-based pesticide market holds considerable untapped potential. As the RNAi and peptide-based technologies are still relatively new and in the early stages of development and adoption, there is significant scope for growth and expansion. With ongoing research, development, and market adoption efforts, RNAi & Peptide-based pesticides can carve out a substantial share of the pest control market. Companies like Vestron, for instance, are spearheading the development of peptide-based insecticides by utilizing cutting-edge biotechnological techniques to provide efficient and ecologically friendly substitutes for conventional chemical pesticides. Also, the growing demand for organic and environmentally friendly agricultural products is creating a favourable condition for the adoption of RNAi & Peptide-based pesticides, further driving market growth. With the evolution of regulatory frameworks to accommodate these innovative pest control solutions and consumer preferences shifting towards more sustainable farming practices, the market for RNAi & Peptide-based pesticides is expected to continue expanding. Further, advancements in technology and production methods are improving the scalability and cost-effectiveness of these pesticides, making them increasingly attractive options for farmers seeking alternatives to conventional pesticides.

Many companies are raising funds for the development of these new technologies; overall funding of USD 600-700 million for RNAi-based pesticides and USD 400–500 million for peptide-based pesticides has been raised by companies in the US & Europe alone. This showcases a promising opportunity for RNAi & Peptide-based pesticides to disrupt conventional pesticide dominance, driven by growing environmental concerns, technological advancements, investor interest, and market differentiation. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, production scalability, and market awareness need to be tackled.

Challenge: Farmers' perception and acceptance

Despite their potential environmental benefits, public perception and acceptance pose significant challenges for RNAi and peptide-based pesticides. The farmers and growers’ community often expresses scepticism regarding the safety and long-term impacts of these innovative pest control solutions on human health and the environment. Concerns may arise due to the novel nature of RNAi technology and the use of genetically engineered organisms in peptide-based pesticides.

One of the primary reasons for low farmers' acceptance is the lack of understanding and awareness surrounding RNAi & Peptide-based pesticides. Many consumers are unfamiliar with these technologies and harbour concerns about their safety and the potential risks associated with them. Further, the perception of genetic modification in agriculture can trigger apprehensions among consumers, leading to resistance to the adoption of RNAi & Peptide-based pesticides.

Transparent communication and engagement with stakeholders are essential to address these challenges. It requires proactive efforts to educate consumers, policymakers, and regulatory authorities about the science behind RNAi & Peptide-based pesticides and their potential benefits and safety attributes. Providing clear and accessible information backed by robust scientific evidence will help alleviate concerns and dispel misconceptions surrounding these novel technologies.

RNAI & PEPTIDE-BASED PESTICIDES MARKET ECOSYSTEM

Key players within this market consist of reputable and financially robust crop protection product manufacturers and innovative Agri-input startup companies. These entities boast focused and extensive R&D expertise, developing diversified product portfolios, cutting-edge technologies, and robust regional sales and marketing networks. Prominent companies in the RNAi-based pesticides market are GreenLight Biosciences (US), RNAissance Ag (US), Trillium AG (US), Pebble Labs (US), and AgroSpheres (US). Major notable players active in the peptide-based pesticides market are- Vestaron Corporation (US), Innatrix, Inc. (US), Elemental Enzymes (US), Solasta Bio (UK), Micropep (France), Invaio Sciences (US), and Genvor Incorporated (US).

In the crop type segment, fruits & vegetables segment holds the largest market share in the RNAi & Peptide-based pesticides market.

The market is segmented by crop type, including fruits & vegetables, cereals & grains, oilseed & pulses, and other crop types. Among these, the fruits & vegetables segment holds the largest market share, reflecting the critical need for effective, residue-free pest control solutions in high-value crops. The fruits & vegetables segment is further expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the case of peptide-based pesticides market. The segment's dominance is attributed to the increasing consumer demand for fresh and healthy produce, coupled with the high economic value of these crops, incentivizing farmers to invest in advanced pest control technologies.

The North American region is expected to dominate the RNAi & Peptide-based pesticidesmarket during the forecast period.

The dominance & rapid growth of North America is fuelled by the region's substantial agricultural base and the increasing need to enhance crop yields. In North America, the US accounts for the largest share due to the US regulatory environment increasingly favouring sustainable agricultural practices, including RNAi & peptide-based pesticides, which are perceived as more environmentally friendly than traditional chemical pesticides. The market is further supported by strong adoption rates and the rising awareness of sustainable farming solutions. The emphasis on sustainability, increasing adoption of organic farming practices, and the ongoing development and commercialization efforts by key industry players will propel the market growth in the European region.

Key Market Players

The RNAi-based pesticides market is dominated by companies such as Syngenta AG (US), GreenLight Biosciences (US), RNAissance Ag (US), Trillium AG (US), Pebble Labs (US), and AgroSpheres (US). The major players in the peptide-based pesticides market include- Vestaron Corporation (US), Innatrix, Inc. (US), Elemental Enzymes (US), Solasta Bio (UK), Micropep (France), Invaio Sciences (US), and Genvor Incorporated (US). These market participants are emphasizing the research & development activities targeting specific crop types to improve their product portfolio and reach globally soon. Most of the companies have a robust presence in North America, South America, and Europe regions, and they are supported by manufacturing facilities and well-established distribution networks spanning these regions.

Recent Developments

• In February 2024, Vestaron introduced its newest product within the Spear family, Spear® RC. The insecticide, designed for cotton, soybean, rice, and other broad-acre crops, is aimed at controlling lepidopteran pests such as cotton bollworm, soybean looper, and armyworm.
• In November 2023, Renaissance BioScience signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with Certis Belchim, a global leader in the development of crop-protecting biocontrol agents. Under the JDA, the companies will collaboratively harness Renaissance's innovative yeast-based RNA interference (RNAi) platform technology to develop and commercialize an environmentally friendly biopesticide against an as yet unspecified target pest.   
• In September 2023, Vestaron had made strategic collaboration with Bioinsectis, a pioneer in the development of innovative biopesticides. Under this partnership, Vestaron and Bioinsectis planned to work on Bioinsectis' Cry-protein-based technologies to enhance the bioavailability of insecticidal peptides.
• In June 2022, AgroSpheres signed a multi-year collaboration with Bayer to create novel modalities of biologicals for use as crop protection products. The deal helped to reach one step closer to establishing AgroSpheres as a next-generation biosciences company.
• In May 2021, GreenLight Biosciences acquired portions of Bayer's intellectual property portfolio related to topical RNA applications. The acquisition included assets focused on Varroa mite control technology, which poses a significant threat to the honeybee population.

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