Biological Innovations Help Overcome Crop Challenges
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Extreme climate conditions, land degradation and continued global population growth are some challenges that modern agriculture faces — factors that undermine crop development and reduce yields.
This has led to a clear realization: We need to be more efficient. Crops need to optimize water and nutrient use and be able to better tolerate abiotic and biotic stresses during the season.
Biological crop solutions are proving to be powerful tools in helping farmers overcome key challenges, while remaining productive and profitable. Here are some of the issues biologicals are well-suited to help address.
Drought conditions and optimizing water use
Periods of drought, which are becoming more frequent and severe, pose a serious risk to agricultural systems. Less access to water and reduced rainfall lead to water stress, resulting in yield losses.
With water supplies becoming increasingly scarce, it’s crucial to make the most of every drop. Biologicals can help plants make more efficient use of available water and give crops greater resiliency through periods of drought stress.
Temperature extremes
Extreme temperatures — both hot and cold — can severely disrupt crop physiology and reduce yields. According to the FAO, yields decrease by 4% to 10% for every 1°C rise in annual temperature. High temperatures can impair photosynthesis, reduce transpiration efficiency and damage root systems, ultimately lowering productivity.1 In some crops, high temperatures can disrupt nutrient transport, which affects fruit size and quality.
Cold stress is equally damaging. Low temperatures during critical growth stages — such as flowering or early fruit development — can delay growth, reduce pollination success and increase susceptibility to disease. In some crops, cold snaps can cause cellular damage or even plant death, especially when frost occurs unexpectedly.
Both extremes — heat waves and cold spells — are becoming more frequent and intense, making it essential for farmers to adopt resilient crop management strategies and technologies. Biologicals can help crops be more resilient in the face of weather uncertainties.
Disease and pest pressures
Biotic stressors, such as insects and diseases, pose a significant threat to yield. Biologicals work with plants’ natural processes to help protect them.
In the fight against pests, biologicals can be used to help control organisms like lepidopterans and nematodes at the egg stage, before they threaten crops. Since nematodes live in soil, biological options can be helpful in controlling these pests while still maintaining the balance of good organisms that keep soil healthy.
Biologicals work in a variety of ways to help protect plants against diseases. In some cases, biologicals help make plants less vulnerable to disease by making roots healthier, so it’s more difficult for soilborne fungi to take hold. Biologicals can also help stimulate plants’ natural defense mechanisms against disease. For example, biologicals can help plants produce more lignin, which helps fortify plant cells against intrusion of fungi. Biologicals can also stimulate production of phytoalexins, which are natural antimicrobial compounds that help fend off disease.
Enabling amazingly efficient crops
Today’s complex agricultural landscape requires farmers — and every crop they grow — to be efficient and resilient. This means making the most of every inch of soil, every drop of water and every ounce of nutrient.
So, how can we achieve highly efficient crops? Corteva Biologicals offers a range of solutions for managing diverse crop needs. We work with you to find the best solutions to help you overcome your crop challenges.
Want to learn more about these biological solutions and how they can help you tackle today’s agricultural challenges? Go to your country page to learn more about the solutions available to you and contact our local team!
References:
1 Yash P. Abrol and Keith T. Ingram, “Effects of higher day and night temperatures on growth and yields of some crop plants,” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Accessed July 9, 2025, https://www.fao.org/4/W5183E/w5183e08.htm.
Many factors contribute to crop performance and return on investment. Products are intended to complement sound agronomic practices. Results may vary.