Molluscicides Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Chemical and Biological), By Form (Pellets, Powder, Liquids and Gels), By Application (Agricultural and Non-Agricultural), By Region and Competition 2018-2028

Market Overview

Global Molluscicides Market has valued at USD 758.68 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to project impressive growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 8.54% through 2028. Molluscicides are chemical agents specifically formulated for the control and eradication of mollusks, such as snails and slugs. They encompass substances like metaldehyde, iron phosphate, methiocarb, sodium chloride, copper sulfate, and copper hydroxides. By targeting the nervous and digestive systems of mollusks, they induce paralysis and eventual mortality. Molluscicides find wide-ranging applications in the agricultural sector, including farming, gardening, horticulture, agricultural research, and pest control. These agents effectively reduce mollusk populations and mitigate their adverse effects on crops, gardens, and structures. 

The market growth is being propelled by the implementation of supportive government policies aimed at educating farmers and promoting the adoption of pest control solutions, including molluscicides. These initiatives are crucial in addressing agricultural challenges, enhancing food security, and boosting productivity. Moreover, the aquaculture industry extensively employs molluscicides to ensure the healthy development of farmed species and control mollusk populations in lakes, ponds, and other aquaculture facilities, thereby contributing to market expansion. Furthermore, the adoption of molluscicides in integrated pest management (IPM) practices, which offer a holistic and sustainable approach to pest control, is driving market growth. Other factors such as the increasing incidence of plant diseases, growing demand for natural and environmentally-friendly molluscicides, and rising concerns regarding food safety and quality are expected to further propel market growth.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Incidences of Plant Diseases

The rising incidences of plant diseases across the globe are expected to significantly fuel the demand for molluscicides. Mollusks, such as snails and slugs, can serve as carriers of various plant pathogens, which in turn can lead to the widespread occurrence of plant diseases. These diseases have the potential to devastate crops and pose a significant threat to global food security. The impact of these plant diseases goes beyond just reducing the yield and quality of crops. They also result in increased costs associated with crop management, creating an economic burden for farmers. In this context, molluscicides, with their specific action against mollusks, are seen as a potent tool in the fight against plant diseases. By effectively controlling the mollusk population, molluscicides can help mitigate the risk of disease transmission to crops.

This becomes especially crucial in the face of changing climatic conditions, which often favor the proliferation of mollusks and subsequently increase the potential for disease spread. The need for effective control measures is further underscored by the anticipated growth of the global molluscicides market. Moreover, awareness campaigns initiated by government bodies and agricultural institutions worldwide play a vital role in emphasizing the importance of pest control for disease prevention and improved crop yield. These campaigns are expected to contribute to the increasing demand for molluscicides in the years to come, as they highlight the significance of implementing proactive measures to safeguard crops and enhance agricultural productivity.

Increasing Demand for Horticulture Across the Globe

The global horticulture sector is experiencing a significant surge in demand, driven by the growing population, shifting dietary patterns, and escalating urbanization. This burgeoning demand for horticultural products is anticipated to boost the use of molluscicides as farmers and horticulturists grapple with the challenge of mollusk infestations in their crops. Mollusks, including snails and slugs, are notorious pests in horticulture, causing substantial damage to a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. The application of molluscicides presents an effective strategy to protect these high-value crops, ensuring their quality and yield. In addition, the rise of urban gardening and landscaping is expected to further bolster the molluscicide market as these urban spaces often provide suitable habitats for mollusks. Hence, molluscicides are used not only to maintain the aesthetic value of these landscapes but also to prevent potential mollusk invasions that can pose a serious threat to biodiversity. Furthermore, the increasing emphasis on sustainable farming practices and the use of environmentally friendly pest control solutions, such as bio-molluscicides, is set to propel the molluscicide market. These factors, coupled with supportive government policies and the growing awareness about the benefits of molluscicides, are predicted to enhance the global molluscicide market in response to the escalating demand for horticulture.

Significant Growth in The Agriculture Industry

The agriculture industry has been witnessing remarkable growth in recent years, primarily driven by the increasing demand for food worldwide. In response to this trend, the use of molluscicide sides has become widespread in the cultivation of various crops including fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, and field crops. These molluscicide sides serve multiple purposes, such as safeguarding foliage and seeds from damage, reducing infestation, boosting production yield, preventing contaminations, and ensuring a successful harvest.

Moreover, molluscicides also play a crucial role in preventing the spread of plant diseases and promoting healthier growth. By adopting precision agriculture technology, farmers can precisely apply molluscicides based on site-specific pest monitoring and mapping. This innovative approach not only improves efficiency but also saves costs, optimizes resources, and prevents overutilization of molluscicide. As a result, the market for molluscicide sides is experiencing significant growth due to the numerous benefits it offers to the agriculture sector.

Extensive Research & Development (R&D) Activities

Molluscicides have witnessed significant advancements in recent years, driven by the goal of enhancing their efficacy, minimizing environmental pollution, and improving ease of use. These innovations have led to the development of bio-based molluscicides, utilizing plant extracts, essential oils, microbial agents, and biopesticides derived from bacteria or fungi. These bio-based solutions specifically target mollusks, promoting market growth. Additionally, the introduction of nanotechnology-based molluscicide formulations has revolutionized the industry. These formulations allow for the targeted release of active ingredients, maximizing efficacy while minimizing environmental exposure. This technological breakthrough has become a key driver for market growth.

Furthermore, the development of bio-rational molluscicides has provided a more sustainable approach. These innovative solutions are designed to target specific biological mechanisms of mollusks, resulting in lower impact on non-targeted organisms and ecosystems. This focus on ecological balance has further fueled the positive growth of the market. Overall, the continuous advancements in molluscicides, including bio-based solutions, nanotechnology-based formulations, and bio-rational approaches, are poised to shape the future of the industry by improving effectiveness, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

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Key Market Challenges

Regulatory Restrictions on The Use of Molluscicide Products

Snails and slugs are notorious for causing significant agricultural damage. As a result, farmers employ a range of control measures to combat these pesky creatures. While chemical control solutions are available, they are considered a last resort if other procedures prove to be insufficient. This is due to the high toxicity and disastrous consequences that hazardous pesticides can have on the ecosystem when they infiltrate food systems. For instance, the European Union (EU) has imposed restrictions on the usage of methiocarb slug pellets due to the risks they pose to grain-eating agricultural birds such as sparrows and finches. These restrictions are in place to protect the delicate balance of the ecosystem and ensure the well-being of these avian species.

Another principal slug pellet product utilized is metaldehyde, which is considered an emerging contaminant. It is increasingly being detected in watercourses, often surpassing the EU statutory drinking water limit of 0.1 μg L⁻¹ for pesticides. This raises concerns about the potential impact on water quality and the need for stricter regulations to prevent contamination. As farmers strive to find effective and environmentally friendly solutions to combat snails and slugs, the careful consideration of control measures becomes crucial. Balancing the need for pest management with the preservation of the ecosystem is paramount in ensuring sustainable agriculture practices.

Limited Applicability of Molluscicides

The limited applicability of molluscicides, stemming from their specific target organisms, is projected to decrease their global demand. Molluscicides are designed primarily for the eradication or control of mollusks, such as snails and slugs, limiting their efficacy against other pests. Consequently, farmers and pest control companies may opt for more comprehensive pest control solutions that can address a wider range of threats to crops and gardens. Additionally, the use of molluscicides in aquaculture, while effective for mollusk population control, doesn't extend to managing other aquatic pests or diseases that can impact farmed species. This limited scope of application may also lead to decreased uptake in this sector. Furthermore, the increasing prominence of environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives is expected to further diminish molluscicide demand. Many of these alternatives, such as biological control methods, offer broader applicability and align better with present-day environmental and sustainability goals. Therefore, while molluscicides will still hold importance in specific areas, their limited applicability is anticipated to curb global market growth.

Key Market Trends

Widespread Product Application in The Aquaculture Industry

The rising demand for molluscicides in the aquaculture industry is poised to significantly fuel the global molluscicide market. This surge in demand is largely attributable to the extensive application of these agents in promoting the healthy development of farmed species and controlling the mollusk population in aquaculture facilities such as lakes and ponds. Mollusks often pose a great threat to these facilities, as they cause substantial damage to aquatic organisms and infrastructure. The use of molluscicides helps to effectively mitigate these risks, ensuring the welfare of the farmed species and optimizing the productivity of the facilities. Moreover, the growing global emphasis on sustainable aquaculture, coupled with the increasing demand for high-quality seafood products, is further propelling the use of molluscicides in the industry. These trends are bolstered by the continuous advancements in molluscicide formulations, ensuring effective control with minimal impact on non-target species and the environment. All these factors are collectively fostering the integration of molluscicides in the aquaculture sector, thereby boosting the global demand for these products.

Growing Demand for Natural & Environmental-Friendly Molluscicides

The increasing demand for natural and environmentally-friendly molluscicides is expected to significantly propel the global demand for molluscicides. Conscious consumers are gradually shifting their preferences towards products that do not cause ecological harm, a trend that has not bypassed the realm of pest control. Accordingly, there is a growing interest in molluscicides that are derived from natural sources and do not harm non-target organisms or the environment. Natural molluscicides, like iron phosphates, are perceived as safer alternatives to synthetic products and are particularly appealing to organic farmers and gardeners who are committed to sustainable practices. Moreover, these products are effective against a variety of mollusks, including snails and slugs, without posing risks to humans, pets or wildlife. This versatility further increases their desirability. The rise in organic farming globally, in response to increasing concerns about food safety and quality, is expected to continue driving the demand for natural and environmentally-friendly molluscicides. This trend is further buoyed by supportive government policies promoting sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management strategies. With the mounting pressure to reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture and preserve biodiversity, the prospects for the natural and environmentally-friendly molluscicides market look promising.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

The global molluscicides market is categorized into chemical molluscicides and biological molluscicides based on type. In 2022, the chemical molluscicides segment held the largest revenue share in the market. The increasing demand for chemical molluscicides has led to a higher utilization of agrochemicals and their application in the cultivation of high-value horticultural crops. Prominent chemical molluscicides include methiocarb, metaldehyde, ferrous phosphate, and others such as metal salts and ferric sodium EDTA. Chemical molluscicides have been widely employed for several decades to control snails and slugs. Manufacturers prefer using efficient chemical molluscicides like copper and iron sulfate. Copper sulfate is particularly effective in controlling grey slug species, while iron sulfate is an environmentally friendly option favoured by certified organic growers for slug management.

On the other hand, the revenue of the biological molluscicides segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Increased awareness about the effectiveness of biological molluscicides for crop protection, coupled with a better understanding of the potential for more profitable opportunities with minimal loss, has resulted in the frequent use of slug and snail control agents.

Application Insights

Based on the Application, the global molluscicides market is categorized into agricultural and non-agricultural segments. The agricultural segment is projected to experience significant revenue growth throughout the forecast period. Mollusk species pose a severe threat to crops, leading to substantial agricultural losses. Damage caused by slugs and snails varies depending on the season and year. These destructive pests can cause extensive harm to cereal crops such as oats, wheat, oilseeds, and barley, as well as ornamental plants and vegetables. Mollusks feed on seeds and plants, both above and below the ground, impairing leaves, shoots, flowers, and roots, thereby reducing plant health and crop yields. Consequently, the utilization of molluscicides in agriculture is becoming increasingly widespread to safeguard crops from mollusk infestation, which is anticipated to drive the growth of the global molluscicides market during the forecast period.

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Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific market is projected to exhibit the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the global molluscicides market during the forecast period. The use of molluscicides is expanding in developing countries due to the ongoing expansion of major APAC economies and increasing awareness of their efficacy. Wet-rice cultivation is a prevalent agricultural practice in the APAC region.

In the global molluscicides market, the North America market is anticipated to capture a significant revenue share over the forecast period. The presence of vast agricultural land in the United States is driving the region's demand for molluscicides. North America is known to have a substantial population of snails, which can reproduce multiple times, resulting in the production of 200 to 500 eggs per month and causing substantial crop damage within a short span of time. Farmers are inclined to use molluscicides to combat the detrimental impact of slugs and snails, as their presence leads to a decline in agricultural yield. The increased planting area of crops and rising demand for agrochemicals to combat agricultural pests are driving the market expansion in North America.

Recent Developments

• In June 2020, ADAMA introduced its latest molluscicide, Gusto IRON, based on ferric phosphate. This innovative product is specifically designed for effective control of slug populations in the challenging growing conditions of the United Kingdom.
• In January 2020, BASF SE inaugurated a state-of-the-art plant protection facility in Singapore, further strengthening its manufacturing capabilities in the Asia Pacific region. This strategic move aims to meet the growing demand for high-quality agricultural products from local farmers in the region.
• In October 2020, American Vanguard Corporation successfully completed the acquisition of Agrinos (US), a renowned leader in biological agricultural inputs. This strategic partnership allows the company to expand and diversify its product portfolio in North America.

Key Market Players

• Bayer CropScience LLC
• BASF SE
• Lonza Group AG
• American Vanguard Corporation
• Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd
• Syngenta Group
• UPL Limited
• Marrone Bio Innovations Inc.
• PI Industries Ltd.
• De Sangosse SAS

In this report, the Global Molluscicides Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

·         Molluscicides Market, By Type:

o   Chemical

o   Biological

·         Molluscicides Market, By Form:

o   Pellets

o   Powder

o   Liquids

o   Gels

·         Molluscicides Market, By Application:

o   Agricultural

o   Non-Agricultural

·         Molluscicides Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Kuwait

§  Turkey

§  Egypt

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Molluscicides Market.

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Company Information

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