Ask the Expert

As you face challenges in the crop protection, biologicals, and plant health markets, AgriBusiness Global DIRECT gets your questions answered from industry leaders. Here experts answer a few questions from the AgriBusiness Global community.

EAS Team
Eurofins Agroscience Services

ABG: What advancements are happening in phytopathology testing and diagnostics? How might these innovations address emerging agricultural challenges, such as climate change or evolving pest pressures?

Eurofins Agroscience Services: Recent advancements in phytopathology testing are addressing some of agriculture’s most pressing challenges, offering timely and effective solutions to safeguard plant health and secure yields.

These innovations include faster responses to emerging threats and complex pathogen-plant interactions, enabled by molecular and applied genetic technologies. Techniques such as metabolomics, combined with deeper insights into plant and pathogen genomes, are accelerating the development of diagnostic methods for new pest and disease species.

Improved test sensitivity and specificity are enhancing diagnostic accuracy, while early disease detection—supported by advanced lab methods—helps prevent widespread outbreaks by reducing turnaround times.

Although rapid in-field testing tools are gaining traction, laboratory-based diagnostics continue to offer superior reliability.

In addition, resistance bioassays are playing a crucial role in plant breeding programs, supporting the development of crop varieties with greater resilience.

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Mick Sadoudi
Business Development Director of Agriculture
gChem (formerly Gaylord Chemicals)

ABG: What are some of the biggest challenges growers face today that chemistry-based solutions are uniquely positioned to address?

Mick Sadoudi: Today’s growers face a complex set of challenges — from rising pest resistance and increased abiotic stress to mounting pressure to maintain yields amid tightening environmental and regulatory constraints.

Chemistry-based solutions remain essential in addressing these issues, with innovations ranging from new active ingredients with novel modes of action to advanced formulations and synergistic blends that enhance efficacy and extend product longevity.

At the same time, biologicals and beneficials are playing a growing role in helping crops tolerate stress more effectively.

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Li Zhonghua
Secretary-General
China Crop Protection Industry Association (CCPIA)

ABG: What two new developments are happening currently in China’s crop protection industry?

 Li Zhonghua: There are several new developments in China’s crop protection industry. The previous growth model reliant on scale expansion is changing. Enterprises are no longer solely focused on quantitative growth but are increasingly emphasizing quality.

Investment declined significantly in the first half of this year. However, more companies are focusing on novel pesticide creation and investment in innovation is rising. The state calls on all sectors to counter “involution” (excessive internal competition).

CCPIA will also advocate for rational competition among its member enterprises to ensure the healthy and sustainable development of the crop protection industry.

Another significant shift is the rapid application of new and advanced technologies within the sector. These include biotechnology, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and digital/intelligent control technologies.

In the future, high-tech will be extensively applied in the crop protection industry, potentially transforming current R&D and production models. This will enable the more precise discovery of new active ingredients, lead to unmanned production workshops, and better align with safety and environmental regulatory requirements.  •

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