Rethinking Crop Protection Through Genomics and Bioinformatics

The agricultural sector is undergoing a profound transformation. As the demand for sustainable farming intensifies, the crop protection industry must rise to the challenge of reducing environmental impact without compromising efficacy. Biologicals, derived from microbes, plant extracts, and semiochemicals, are increasingly recognized as a viable and scalable solution.

However, bringing these innovations to market requires more than conventional R&D. It demands a systems-level approach that combines genomics, data science, and rigorous environmental validation to accelerate discovery and ensure real-world performance. At the forefront of this evolution is Battelle. By leveraging applied genomics, advanced bioinformatics, and AI-powered diagnostics, Battelle is redefining how biological crop protection products are discovered, developed, and deployed.

Why Biologicals Are Reshaping the Industry

Growers and regulators are increasingly seeking crop protection solutions that are:

• Safer, more targeted, and effective against evolving pest pressures
• Compatible with regenerative agriculture and global sustainability goals
• Designed to minimize residues, support biodiversity, and reduce resistance development

Meeting these expectations requires innovation beyond traditional development models. To keep pace with evolving demands, agrochemical companies must adopt advanced technologies—such as genomics, bioinformatics, and AI—to accelerate discovery and improve precision. However, realizing the full potential of biologicals also depends on overcoming key development challenges: identifying effective strains, optimizing formulations, and rigorously validating safety.

Enabling Technologies for Biological Innovation

A convergence of scientific disciplines is helping to address these challenges. Among them, applied genomics and bioinformatics stand out as especially powerful tools for accelerating the development of biological crop protection products.

Genomic Discovery

High-throughput sequencing technologies allow researchers to rapidly identify beneficial microbes, pest targets, and plant traits. When combined with epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling, these tools provide a deeper understanding of how crops respond to biological treatments—informing formulation strategies and application timing.

Battelle’s in-house and field-deployable sequencing platforms support rapid data generation, enabling agile decision-making across R&D pipelines.

Smart Bioinformatics

Custom bioinformatics pipelines transform raw genomic data into actionable insights. These tools support:

• Microbial identification and resistance prediction
• Predictive modeling of biocontrol efficacy and specificity
• Data-driven optimization of product performance based on field trials

Battelle’s software development and database solutions are tailored for computational efficiency and field applicability, helping reduce development timelines and increase the likelihood of regulatory and commercial success.

Biosafety and Environmental Validation

Ensuring that biologicals are safe and environmentally compatible is essential. This requires advanced facilities and expertise in:

• Handling pathogenic samples under biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) conditions
• Assessing biodegradation pathways and ecological impact through metagenomics and genotyping

Pathogen Surveillance with Metagenomics

In addition to supporting product development, Battelle’s metagenomics tools can be used for pathogen surveillance—monitoring fields, water sources, and diseased plants to identify emerging threats. These insights can inform formulation strategies and help agronomists respond proactively to protect crop health.

Battelle’s environmental modeling and risk assessment capabilities further support partners in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

AI-Powered Plant Genomics

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the identification and application of plant traits in crop protection. By combining AI, machine learning, and computer vision, researchers can:

• Screen large populations for pest resistance or stress tolerance
• Diagnose plant diseases in real time using image and genomic data
• Enable precision agriculture through targeted treatment recommendations

Battelle’s DARPA-supported work in rice and corn has demonstrated the potential of AI-enhanced plant genomics to accelerate trait discovery and improve disease surveillance. These tools offer scalable models for integrating AI into biological R&D.

Connecting Innovation to Field Performance

The integration of genomics, bioinformatics, and AI is not just a scientific advancement—it’s a practical enabler of better outcomes in the field. When applied effectively, these tools can help agrochemical companies:

1. Bring biologicals to market faster
2. Improve product consistency and efficacy
3. Reduce regulatory uncertainty
4. Deliver solutions that align with grower and environmental needs

Innovation Beyond Crop Protection

Biologicals are just one part of a broader innovation ecosystem. Cross-disciplinary expertise is increasingly essential to support the full agricultural value chain. Battelle’s capabilities also extend to:

• Advanced formulation science for controlled-release and encapsulated delivery systems
• Environmental modeling and risk assessment for regulatory submissions
• AI-driven phenotyping and trait prediction for seed and trait developers
• Precision analytics for soil health, carbon sequestration, and sustainability metrics

These services help partners move from discovery to deployment with greater agility and impact.

Why Battelle

Battelle is more than a research partner—we are an innovation engine. Our multidisciplinary teams, cutting-edge infrastructure, and proven track record in biologicals position us to help agrochemical companies:

• Lead in a competitive, sustainability-driven market
• De-risk R&D investments with data-backed insights
• Build differentiated, high-performance biological portfolios

Partnering for Impact - A Complete Solution for Sustainable Agriculture

Battelle supports agrochemical companies with comprehensive services that include:

• Microbial discovery and characterization
• Plant extract analysis and optimization
• Semiochemical development
• AI-enhanced plant genomics and diagnostics
• Bioinformatics software development
• Formulation development for biological crop protection products
• Field trial design and data analysis
• Regulatory support for biopesticide registration
• Environmental modeling and stewardship
• Full product development support —from R&D through product safety testing (PST), dossier preparation, submission, and ongoing maintenance

This end-to-end approach helps partners reduce development risk, accelerate time-to-market, and ensure long-term product viability in a dynamic regulatory and environmental landscape.

Our multidisciplinary teams and infrastructure are designed to integrate seamlessly into your R&D workflows—helping you lead in a market where innovation and sustainability are inseparable.

Battelle is shaping the future of crop protection—where science meets sustainability.