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In a significant push toward sustainable floriculture, the ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (ICAR-DFR), Pune, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bayer Crop Science Ltd. to initiate collaborative bioefficacy trials on pesticide formulations aimed at controlling key pests in rose cultivation.

The agreement marks the launch of a joint research initiative titled “Evaluating the Toxicity of Spidoxamat 36 g/L + Abamectin 18 g/L OD Formulation Against Thrips and Mites Infesting Roses Under Open Field Conditions.” This two-year contract research project will be led by ICAR-DFR and will rigorously assess both pest control efficacy and ecological safety under real-world cultivation environments.

Dr. K. V. Prasad, Director of ICAR-DFR, signed the MoU on behalf of the institute, while Dr. Prafull Malthankar and Dr. Sangram Waghchaure represented Bayer Crop Science Ltd. The field trials will specifically evaluate the performance of Bayer’s proprietary formulation—a combination of Spidoxamat and Abamectin—against persistent pests like thrips and mites, which have been a longstanding challenge for commercial rose growers across India.

What sets this project apart is its dual emphasis: controlling pest populations while safeguarding beneficial arthropods and natural enemies within the floriculture ecosystem. This ecological balance is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of next-generation crop protection strategies, especially in high-value horticultural sectors like cut flowers.

“With the global floriculture market demanding cleaner, more sustainable growing practices, this collaboration aims to deliver scientifically validated insights into how targeted formulations can protect crop health without compromising biodiversity,” said Dr. Prasad.

Representatives from Bayer echoed the sentiment, citing the importance of data-driven innovation in developing integrated pest management (IPM) tools that are both effective and environmentally conscious.

As consumer and export markets become more sensitive to pesticide residues and sustainability certifications, such partnerships between public research institutions and agri-science companies are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian floriculture. This project is not just a scientific milestone—it’s a step forward in building resilient, knowledge-driven value chains for ornamental crops.