Challenges and prospects for fungicidal control of wheat diseases

Publication date: 22/10/2018
Extent: 16 pages

Contributions by: R. J. Bryson and H-D. Brix, BASF SE, Germany

Chapter synopsis: As one of the world’s ‘big three’ cereal crops, wheat has a highly significant role to play in global food security, and therefore the prevention and management of diseases affecting wheat is of paramount importance. In this chapter, we consider the current status of global wheat production, the impact of crop loss on food security and the emergence of the current regulatory environment surrounding pesticides. We then discuss the current status of the global fungicide market, and some of the major issues in its future longevity: the development of resistance to active ingredients, the impact of legislation that may restrict or remove active ingredients from the market and the rising costs of developing new active ingredients. As a result, the highly risk-averse European regulatory environment is in danger of severely limiting innovation, and an integrated agronomic approach is necessary if we are to achieve global food security.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2018.0039.14