When it comes to using new products on their operations, farmers often have a healthy dose of skepticism — and for good reason. Farmers can’t afford to use additional inputs that don’t add to their ROI. 

And these days, one category of solutions is getting a lot of attention while raising more than a few eyebrows. That category is biologicals.  

What Are Biologicals? 

Biologicals are naturally derived, sustainable products that can be used alongside more traditional synthetic solutions. Biologicals are not necessarily organic-certified, but they can be. 

These biological solutions are made for a wide range of crops and fall into different categories, including biostimulants, biocontrol products and pheromones. Biostimulants are meant to enhance nutrient efficiency and mitigate crop stress for improved growth, development, quality and yield potential. Biocontrol products, like the name implies, offer natural pest-control solutions. Finally, pheromones offer more options for to manage targeted pests. 

It’s very likely you’ve heard about biologicals. They aren’t entirely new to agriculture. However, the category has been getting a lot of attention recently because these solutions are becoming more widely available — and with wider availability comes more products that work and, unfortunately, more products that might not do what they claim. 

  “The most important step you can take when considering biologicals is to make sure you’re working with a company you trust,” says Ryan Ridder, U.S. product manager, fungicides and biologicals, Corteva Agriscience. “If that manufacturer has been there for you in the past and brought you products that work, that’s a great place to start.” 

  Ridder says it’s understandable that there would be some confusion about biologicals. The seemingly sudden rush of product availability can naturally lead to uncertainty. 

“The good news is that many biological products are coming to market now because scientists have been researching and testing them for years to make sure they work,” Ridders says. “Corteva requires years of testing to ensure we pinpoint aspects like the right application timing and rates to get optimal results.” 

Ridder suggests farmers and ag retailers research biological solutions thoroughly and look to see where those products might fit gaps in their current management programs. He also cautions that biologicals are not meant to replace synthetic solutions, rather they’re meant to work in tandem with those more traditional products.

Biological Solutions to Consider 

Biologicals are certainly a hot topic right now, and Ridder says it’s clear they’ll be more than a flash in the pan.  

“Biologicals are going to help shape the future of farming, and it’s very exciting to be a part of it,” Ridder says. “With these solutions, farmers will have so many more options and new modes of action to keep their farms healthy and productive today and tomorrow.” 

Corteva has been working alongside some of the most prominent biological technology companies to bring a range of solutions to market over the next few years. Here are four of those solutions: 

For more information about biologicals from Corteva Agriscience, visit the biological solutions website on Corteva.us.

LEGALS:

^{™ ®} Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Bexfond^™, Hearken^™, Sosdia^™ Stress, Sosdia^™ Stress Plus and Utrisha^™ N are not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.  ©2022 Corteva.