In an ambitious stride toward sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, Bionema Group Ltd, a distinguished Swansea University spin-out, has secured a substantial £650,000 grant from Innovate UK to pioneer the development of the world’s first systemic biological molluscicide. This scientific breakthrough aims to revolutionize pest control by targeting one of the most damaging agricultural pests in the UK—slugs and snails—that are responsible for more than £100 million in crop losses annually across cereals, potatoes, and oilseed rape crops. By advancing a novel, nature-inspired solution, Bionema is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in biocontrol strategies designed to meet the urgent demands of climate-smart farming.
Central to Bionema’s innovative approach is the utilization of Loline alkaloids, natural compounds derived from endophytic grasses that have been extensively studied for their insecticidal and insect-deterrent properties. Unlike conventional synthetic molluscicides, which typically act externally and pose significant environmental hazards, Bionema’s biological molluscicide operates systemically. This means that upon application, the Loline alkaloids are absorbed by the plants, effectively transforming crops into living bioreactors that repel and eliminate mollusc pests from within. This dual-mode action—active surface baiting alongside systemic crop protection—provides a robust and sustainable pest management strategy that minimizes chemical residues in the environment.
Traditional molluscicides, predominantly chemical-based, suffer from critical limitations including toxicity to non-target wildlife, considerable carbon emissions in their manufacture and use, and the risk of developing pest resistance. Bionema’s solution transcends these challenges by offering bio-based pellets that are non-toxic and biodegradable, inherently aligned with ecological conservation principles. Furthermore, the carbon-capturing capability of these pellets signifies a promising contribution to carbon sequestration efforts, reinforcing the project’s coherence with DEFRA’s Environmental Improvement Plan and the UK Sustainable Farming Incentive. This innovative approach underscores how novel agroecological technologies can simultaneously address pest control, environmental sustainability, and climate change mitigation.
The ongoing 18-month project, entitled “Net-Zero Slug Control: Developing the UK’s First Systemic Biological Molluscicide for Climate-Smart Farming,” represents a comprehensive collaboration between Bionema, Swansea University, Eurofins Agrotesting UK, and Applied Insect Science (APIS). Each partner contributes critical expertise: Swansea University lends advanced scientific research capabilities; Eurofins offers cutting-edge analytical chemistry and regulatory compliance proficiency; while APIS provides large-scale field validation essential for commercial deployment. Together, this consortium is meticulously optimizing formulation chemistry and validating efficacy through extensive UK-wide field trials, laying the groundwork for anticipated regulatory approval.
At the molecular level, Loline alkaloids function by interfering with mollusc neurological pathways. Research indicates that these alkaloids disrupt neurotransmitter functions, leading to paralysis and mortality in slugs and snails while exhibiting minimal toxicity to beneficial insect populations and vertebrates. The strategic delivery of Lolines via bait pellets enhances slug and snail attraction through olfactory cues, augmenting the active protection facet. Meanwhile, systemic uptake into the vascular tissues of crop plants offers an internal defense mechanism, guarding plants from feeding damage and facilitating sustained pest suppression. This integrated mode of action marks a paradigm shift in biopesticide technology.
The environmental footprint of Bionema’s systemic molluscicide contrasts sharply with that of synthetic chemicals. Conventional products often necessitate repeated applications, resulting in soil and water contamination and the disruption of ecosystem services. In contrast, Bionema’s product, being biodegradable, decomposes into benign compounds post-efficacy, thereby restoring soil health and minimizing bioaccumulation risks. Furthermore, by reducing chemical pesticide reliance, this innovation contributes to healthier agricultural soils, bolsters biodiversity, and supports the transition to regenerative farming practices aligned with international sustainability goals, including several UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Commercially, the implications are significant. The project is projected to generate economic value reaching £50 million within the UK and doubling to £100 million globally by 2035. This anticipation is underpinned by the urgent demand for effective, sustainable mollusc control tools capable of supporting crop yields and food security amidst evolving climatic pressures. Bionema’s mission to replace polluting chemical pesticides with biological alternatives is poised to resonate widely across farming communities, agri-business sectors, and policymakers striving to modernize pest management frameworks.
Dr. Minshad Ansari,Bionema’s Founder and CEO, articulates the profound significance of this funding: “Our systemic molluscicide will not only protect crops and boost yields but also contribute directly to carbon reduction, healthier soils, and more sustainable farming practices. It demonstrates how Welsh innovation can deliver solutions of global significance for food security and climate resilience.” This leadership vision encapsulates the dual focus on scientific excellence and societal impact, which is critical for translating laboratory discoveries into practical, scalable agricultural solutions.
The project further aligns with regional strategies such as Wales’ Net Zero Industry Launchpad initiative, underscoring the synergy between technological innovation and economic development. By fostering translational research ecosystems that integrate academia, industry, and regulatory bodies, the consortium model exemplified here advances innovation pipelines that can accelerate the delivery of climate-resilient agricultural technologies. It also positions Wales as a global leader in sustainability-driven agritech, catalyzing job creation and skills development within the green economy.
Complex formulation challenges include ensuring Lolines remain bioavailable, stable, and active throughout manufacturing, storage, and field application phases. Early-stage work is focusing on pellet matrix composition, Loline concentration optimization, and controlled release kinetics to maximize efficacy while safeguarding environmental safety. The integration of advanced analytical techniques, such as mass spectrometry and chromatographic profiling by Eurofins Agrotesting, facilitates detailed tracking of Loline distribution in plants and soil, thereby informing iterative improvements and regulatory submissions.
Regulatory pathways represent another critical frontier. Biological molluscicides, particularly systemic formulations, must undergo rigorous assessments to validate safety for human health, non-target organisms, and environmental integrity. Collaboration with regulatory experts embedded within the consortium ensures that data collection protocols adhere to UK and international standards, expediting market authorization. The holistic commitment to compliance, transparency, and environmental stewardship is vital for public acceptance and long-term adoption.
Bionema’s groundbreaking biological molluscicide exemplifies an integrative future for agriculture—one where cutting-edge science converges with planetary stewardship principles. By harnessing nature’s biochemical arsenal encoded within endophytic grasses, this innovation transcends traditional chemical pest control paradigms. The systemic delivery of Lolines offers a potent, sustainable tool to safeguard crops while actively contributing to the decarbonization of agricultural practices. As field trials progress and regulatory milestones approach, the agricultural sector anticipates an era where pest control is redefined by bio-based efficacy, ecological compatibility, and climate-smart resilience.
Subject of Research: Biocontrol and sustainable agriculture; systemic biological molluscicide development
Article Title: Bionema Secures £650,000 from Innovate UK to Develop First Systemic Biological Molluscicide for Climate-Smart Farming
News Publication Date: Not specified
Web References:
- Innovate UK: https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/
- Bionema Group: https://bionema.com/
Image Credits: Bionema Group Ltd.
Keywords: Pest control, Agricultural chemistry, Sustainable agriculture, Pesticides, Insecticides, Crops, Crop science, Farming, Horticulture
