Molluscicide - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The demand for molluscicide is driven by increasing snail infestation and rising crop losses

• Globally, the use of molluscicide is expanding in various application modes. Foliar holds the major share value, accounting for 53.7% of the total molluscicide market in 2022. Demand for molluscicides in this segment is driven by increased snail infestation, particularly during the winter and rainy periods, and a need to improve yields and reduce losses due to snails and slugs.
• The demand for molluscicide chemicals in soil treatment methods is expected to register a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period (2023-2029) due to the effectiveness of the soil treatment method for molluscicides. The main molluscicide products used for the treatment of soil are metaldehyde, iron phosphate, methiocarb, sodium ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and niclosamide.
• The chemigation segment in the molluscicide market is expected to grow at 4.6% CAGR from 2023 to 2029. The growth of this segment can be attributed to an increased area under drip irrigation systems, as well as a growing trend of the use of chemicals against snails or slugs using water management on these crops.
• The fumigation method's market value is expected to increase by USD 7.1 million during the forecast period (2023-2029). The market growth is expected to be stimulated by a growing awareness of the economic losses from mollusk damage in farmers and agricultural professionals, as well as the rising adoption of fumigation.
• Therefore, factors such as rising snail infestation, the growing area under irrigation, and increasing crop losses are driving the demand for molluscicide. The global molluscicide market is expected to grow at 4.9% CAGR during the forecast period from 2023 to 2029.

South America dominated the global molluscicide market

• Crop damage caused by slugs and snails can lead to a significant loss in crop yield as well as a negative economic impact on farmers. Consequently, the demand for effective molluscicides that are capable of targeting snails and protecting crops from damage is increasing.
• South America dominated the global molluscicide market, accounting for a market share of 36.4% in 2022. Some of the major snails that affect agriculture in South American countries include the giant African snail (Achatina fulica) and the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata). These invasive species are known for their voracious appetite and ability to rapidly reproduce, posing a serious threat to various crops. The yield losses caused by these snails can be substantial, with crops like rice, corn, and vegetables being particularly vulnerable. The snails feed on young seedlings, foliage, and even mature plants, leading to reduced crop quality and quantity.
• Asia-Pacific accounted for the second-largest market share of 26.0% in 2022. Snail farming failed in Asia because snails were destroying the growing rice crops, which caused them severe economic consequences as rice farms were considered their most significant source of food and farm income. The golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, had been introduced to several Asian countries, where it unexpectedly developed into a pest for rice crops. Most farmers have resorted to chemical control, which includes the use of molluscicides, and have also resorted to integrated snail management practices.
• The increasing snail and slug infestations in major crops will drive the molluscicides market globally, which is anticipated to register a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period (2023-2029).

Global Molluscicide Market Trends

Increasing threat to crop production due to molluscicides is increasing the usage

• The global average consumption of molluscicides per hectare increased from 418.0 grams per hectare in 2017 to 425.5 grams per hectare in 2022. Asia-Pacific recorded the highest per-hectare consumption of molluscicides, with 152.69 grams per hectare in 2022. Golden apple snails are the major threat to rice production in Asia-Pacific countries as they cut the rice stem at the base, destroying the whole plant and leading to annual yield losses of up to 50%, especially in irrigated rice fields, according to the International Rice Research Institute.
• Europe is the second-largest per-hectare consumer, with 124.32 grams per hectare of molluscicides in 2022. South America is the third-largest per-hectare consumer of molluscicides, with 110.41 grams per hectare of land in 2022. The giant African snail (Achatina fulica) and the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) are invasive species known for their voracious appetite and ability to reproduce rapidly, posing a serious threat to various crops. The yield losses caused by these snails can be substantial, with crops like rice, corn, and vegetables being particularly vulnerable.
• North America consumed 37.2 grams of molluscicides per hectare of land, which is significantly less compared to other regions. However,Deroceras reticulatumis one of the most invasive slug species of maize and soybean in the United States. At later growth stages, corn and soybean defoliation by slugs can lead to delayed canopy development and subsequent lower yields. Such attacks call for the need for effective management, which includes the use of molluscicides.

Effectiveness of the metaldehyde in controlling snails and slugs in various crops like field crops and horticultural crops may increase the price of it

• Molluscicides are essential in agriculture and horticulture for effectively controlling mollusks like snails and slugs, which can cause significant damage to crop and ornamental plants. These pesticides play a vital role in protecting plant health, preventing yield losses, and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
• Metaldehyde is a molluscicide belonging to the chemical class of aldehydes. It is widely used to control snails and slugs, which are common pests in agricultural and horticultural crops. It was priced at USD 52.5 thousand per metric ton in 2022. Metaldehyde effectively controls a variety of snail and slug species, including common garden snails, grey field slugs, and black field slugs.
• These mollusks can cause significant damage to a wide range of crops, including vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants, and field crops. The mode of action of metaldehyde as a molluscicide involves inducing hyperactivity and loss of coordination in snails and slugs. When ingested, metaldehyde disrupts their nervous systems, leading to increased movement and a loss of their ability to feed properly. This eventually results in the pests becoming dehydrated and succumbing to the effects of metaldehyde.
• Ferric phosphate is a molluscicide used to control snails and slugs in agricultural and horticultural settings. It is also known as iron phosphate and is a naturally occurring compound. It was priced at USD 52.0 thousand per metric ton in 2022.
• Ferric phosphate effectively controls a variety of snail and slug species, including common garden snails, grey field slugs, and black field slugs. These mollusks are common pests that can cause damage to crops, vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants, and various other cultivated plants.

Molluscicide Industry Overview

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