Top 3 Tips for Integrating Biopesticides Into Crop Protection Programs
7 March 2025 
The trend of growers using integrated pest management to lower MRLs on produce is growing. Certis Biologicals is a leader in integrating biopesticides into conventional crop protection programs. Gregory Rogers, Technical Marketing Manager at Certis Biologicals, shares his top three tips for companies looking to integrate biological solutions into their portfolios.
1. Educating the Grower
In presenting any biological solution, your company will need to help the grower fully understand the following:
Mode of Action & Resistance Management: Biologicals offer unique and diverse modes of action, making them powerful tools for managing resistance when integrated into conventional programs. Growers must learn about rotating and tank-mixing with compatible chemistries that enhance long-term efficacy.
Application Timing & Environmental Conditions: Many biopesticides work preventatively, requiring application at the right crop stage and under optimal conditions for best performance. It’s important to supplement product use with general best practices and for growers to consider factors like humidity, temperature, and UV exposure.
Compatibility & Flexibility: Today’s biopesticides are designed to be highly compatible with conventional chemistries, allowing for seamless integration into existing spray programs. Many offer benefits like low REI and PHI, adding operational flexibility.
Gregory Rogers, Technical Marketing Manager, Certis Biologicals
Return on Investment (ROI): Modern biologicals are backed by robust field data showing their effectiveness in reducing disease and pest pressure, ultimately protecting yields and crop quality while meeting consumer and regulatory demands for sustainability.
2. Strategizing the Development and Scaling of Biologicals
Bringing biological solutions to market requires a strategic approach to address critical challenges in development and commercialization. From optimizing microbial strains to ensuring regulatory compliance and grower adoption, success depends on overcoming key hurdles in the following areas:
Strain Optimization: Advancing promising microbial strains to market by overcoming hurdles in stability, efficacy, and scalability
Manufacturing & Formulation Stability: Scaling biological production demands advanced fermentation capabilities and formulation expertise to ensure long shelf life, consistent viability, and easy handling for growers. In-house manufacturing and investment in formulation technology are key to overcoming this.
Regulatory Hurdles & Regulatory Expertise: Companies must navigate complex and evolving regulatory landscapes.
Field Testing & Product Validation: Conducting extensive efficacy trials and determining optimal application strategies to secure registration, ensuring growers receive proven and effective solutions.
Education & Market Perception: The industry continues to educate growers on the proven performance of biologicals. Companies must actively engage with growers, distributors, and researchers to demonstrate how biologicals fit into modern crop protection programs, driving adoption at scale.
3. Successful Registration and Commercialization
Successful registration and commercialization of biologicals require a proactive approach to regulatory planning, scientific validation, and strategic partnerships. Your company can do so by:
Early & Region-Specific Regulatory Planning: Each country has unique requirements for biological registrations. Engaging with regulatory bodies early and tailoring data packages to regional standards is essential.
Strong Field Data & Scientific Validation: Regulatory approvals increasingly demand robust efficacy, environmental, and safety data. Companies should invest in trials that demonstrate product performance under diverse conditions.
Strategic Partnerships & Local Expertise: Collaborating with in-country partners, research institutions, and distributors can streamline regulatory navigation and accelerate market entry.
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