Evolution of the biocontrol active substances in the framework of the European Pesticide Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009.

BACKGROUND: The use of biocontrol agents is growing strongly with a market of 1.9 billion euros worldwide and 542 million euros in Europe and an estimated annual growth of between 15 and 20%. Biocontrol substances are solutions which use natural mechanisms as part of integrated pest management. With the exception of macro-organisms, substances or products comprising micro-organisms, semiochemicals and natural substances depend on plant protection EC Commission Regulation No 1107/2009.

RESULTS: When this regulation came into force, a number of biocontrol agents had already been approved. The total number of biocontrol substances rose during the 2011-2018 period to approximately 60 substances in line with the global growth of approved substances. This growth was not smooth and equal between all biocontrol categories; microorganisms is the category which has increased the most, with a doubling of the 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 in place which limit the development of biocontrol agents (size of market, variability of effectiveness, etc.). Regulation measures could be a key to enhance the development of biocontrol's registrations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.