Hybrid seed are developed artificially by crossing two or more plants of different species. Crossing two different varieties result in development of seed that carries one or more desired traits. Hybrid seeds are majorly used in commercial farming to increase crop yields and to develop disease and climate resistant plants. These seeds are developed by natural methods of cross breeding and they are not genetically modified. Hybrid seeds are majorly used in gardening and farming of flowers and vegetables such as roses, tomatoes, and sweet corn. The advantages of hybrid seeds over conventional seeds are increased yield, early maturity, high heat and cold tolerance, disease and pest resistance, better uniformity, and better fruit quality. High demand for fruits and vegetables from emerging economies is driving growth of the hybrid seeds market.

Hybrid seeds Market Taxonomy

On the basis of crop type, the hybrid seeds market is segmented into:

Cereals and Grains

Corn



Rice



Sorghum

Fruits and vegetables

Cabbage



Tomato



Eggplant



Chili



Okra



Cucumber

Oil Seeds

Mustard



Sunflower

Others

On the basis of duration, the hybrid seeds market is segmented into:

Short-term

Medium-term

Long-term

On the basis of seed treatment, the hybrid seeds market is segmented into:

Treated

Untreated

On the basis of acreage, the hybrid seeds market is segmented into:

Rice

Corn

Sorghum and Millet

Short term hybrid seed can be stored for 9 to 12 months, medium term hybrid seed can be stored for 12 to 36 months and long term can be stored up to 4 years and more kept under refrigeration. Hybrid seeds are treated with biological, physical, and chemical agents to develop healthy crops and prevent them from disuses caused by insects and pests. Hybrid seeds are mostly used for cultivating rice

Hybrid seeds Market Outlook

North America is the largest hybrid seeds market, owing to increasing demand for farming product.

Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest growing market over the forecast period. India and China are gaining significant traction in hybrid seed market, owing to increasing population with high demand for healthy food. Urbanization has resulted in loss of farmland, which is creating demand for food production food in less area.

In Latin America, Middle East, and Central Europe the hybrid seeds market is growing at a slow rate due to the lack of awareness regarding benefits of hybrid seeds.

Hybrid seeds Market Challenges

However, process involved in preparation of hybrid seed is expensive and complex, which is expected to restrain growth of the market. Furthermore, hybrid seeds are unable to survive in changing climatic conditions and they cannot reproduced once sowed in the field. Moreover, lack of awareness among customers and lack of biotic stress resistant hybrids are the major challenges for growth of the hybrid seed market.

Key Developments:

In January 2018, Bayer AG, had launched a hybrid rice seed with robust tolerance to Bacterial Leaf Blight (BLB) and Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) pests. Brown Plant Hopper pests are one of the most destructive pest particularly found in the rice growing areas of India.

In April 2018, BASF SE acquired Bayer's trades and assets, which includes Bayer’s global glufosinate-ammonium business; seeds businesses with traits, the R&D platform for hybrid wheat, research and breeding capabilities, a range of seed treatment products, and many other projects. This acquisition will help BASF SE to strengthen its market position in agriculture business.

In November 2018, Syngenta opened new research and development center in Antalya, Turkey for cucumber seeds to develop newest and most advanced breeding and seed technologies. Its is expected to increase the product portfolio of Syngenta in Middle East and Africa.

In February 2016, HM.CLAUSE, a subsidiary of Groupe Limagrain, acquired Genica Research Corporation, a company specialized in research of breeding and production of hybrid vegetable seeds. This acquisition will help Groupe Limagrain to boost the research and development activities for vegetable seeds.

Major players are adopting various organic and inorganic growth strategies to maintain leading position in market. For instance, AgrEvo, a joint venture of Hoechst AG and Schering AG is a market leader in hybrid vegetable seeds. Key players operating in hybrid seeds market include DOW Agro Sciences LLC, E.I Du Pont De Nemours and Company, Monsanto, Syngenta AG, KWS, Advanta Limited, Land O’ Lakes, Inc., Takii & Co. Ltd., Mahyco, and Bostadt India Limited.