Bayer acquires exclusive license for new bioinsecticide for cereals

Bayer today announced an agreement to obtain an exclusive license for a new bioinsecticide developed by AlphaBio Control, a company based in the United Kingdom, planned to be launched in 2028. The bioinsecticide has the potential to combat coleoptera, the order in which beetles and ladybugs are contained, for example. The new product, which does not yet have an official name, is intended for use on cereal and rapeseed crops.

According to company statements, although many biological options are available for high-value vegetable crops, where their costs can be offset by price premiums borne by the consumer, extensive crops require solutions that can be applied in an economically advantageous manner. Bayer hopes to make large-scale use of the product possible by including it in its integrated pest management system.

"Farmers need innovative solutions as they continue to feed a growing population, face the impacts of climate change and meet more stringent safety and sustainability standards," said Benoit Hartmann, head of biologicals in Bayer's agricultural sciences division.

"We are delighted to grant Bayer exclusive rights to our latest bioinsecticide, which will significantly improve the choices available to arable crop farmers who want to reduce the environmental impact of food production," said Marta Ruiz, General Manager of AlphaBio Control .

Ralf Glaubitz, head of global asset management for seed growth and biologicals in Bayer's agricultural sciences division, highlighted the growing interest in biological crop protections. “With increasing demand from farmers and changing consumer preferences, we see great growth potential for biological crop protections like this,” Glaubitz said. Bayer said it is working to outpace the market and reach more than €1,5 billion in organic sales by 2035.