PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1725193
PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1725193
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Pathogen or Plant Disease Detection and Monitoring Market is accounted for $2.44 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $5.2 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period. Pathogen or plant disease detection and monitoring involve identifying and tracking harmful microorganisms that affect crops using advanced technologies. Traditional methods rely on physical symptoms, while modern approaches use AI, sensors, and remote imaging for early and precise diagnosis. Techniques like drones, spectral analysis, and machine learning enhance detection accuracy, minimizing crop losses. Continuous monitoring helps farmers take timely action, preventing disease spread. These systems improve agricultural sustainability by optimizing pesticide use and preserving crop health, ensuring food security and productivity.
Technological advancements
Ongoing innovations in biosensors, imaging systems, and AI algorithms are transforming how plant diseases are detected and monitored. Advanced diagnostic tools now offer real-time, on-site disease identification with high accuracy. Integration of IoT and wireless sensors allows continuous crop monitoring for early intervention. These technologies enhance decision-making for farmers and agricultural stakeholders. Improvements in data analytics enable better pattern recognition and disease forecasting. Remote sensing and satellite-based monitoring further broaden the scope of precision agriculture.
Limited infrastructure in developing regions
In many low-income regions, there is insufficient access to high-tech farming and diagnostic tools. Poor internet connectivity and lack of trained personnel hinder the deployment of digital agriculture solutions. Smallholder farmers often rely on manual inspection, which is time-consuming and error-prone. Inadequate government funding and minimal awareness further limit market penetration. The absence of supportive regulatory frameworks delays the integration of modern technologies. This lack of infrastructure significantly reduces the adoption rate of advanced monitoring systems.
Development of mobile-based diagnostics
The surge in smartphone usage among farmers is paving the way for app-based disease diagnosis tools. These mobile platforms utilize image recognition to identify symptoms and suggest control measures. Integration with cloud-based systems allows users to access expert consultations and localized recommendations. The simplicity and affordability of mobile diagnostics make them suitable for widespread use. Several startups are focusing on user-friendly interfaces and offline functionalities to suit rural conditions. This trend has the potential to democratize access to plant health insights. It also opens avenues for real-time disease surveillance and early alerts at the grassroots level.
Resistance to technology adoption
Despite the benefits, many farmers remain skeptical of adopting new technologies due to lack of familiarity. Traditional agricultural practices are deeply rooted and hard to replace without hands-on training. Fear of device malfunction or misdiagnosis often discourages usage of modern tools. Some farmers view these technologies as cost-prohibitive or irrelevant to small-scale operations. Cultural resistance and language barriers further limit effective technology dissemination. Extension services in several areas are insufficient to facilitate smooth adoption.
The pandemic disrupted supply chains for agricultural diagnostic equipment, delaying implementation of field-based solutions. However, it also triggered increased awareness of food security and plant health. Remote diagnostics and contactless technologies gained traction due to reduced human mobility. COVID-19 prompted investments in automated disease surveillance systems to maintain crop productivity. Researchers accelerated the development of AI-driven platforms to detect plant pathogens from a distance. Digital platforms also emerged as vital communication tools between farmers and agronomists.
The lateral flow devices segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The lateral flow devices segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. Because these tests are widely favored for their speed, portability, and ease of use in field conditions. They provide on-the-spot diagnostics without the need for sophisticated lab infrastructure. These tests are cost-effective, making them ideal for resource-limited settings. Adoption is increasing in both commercial farms and smallholder systems. Advancements in reagent sensitivity are improving the accuracy of lateral flow kits. Their compatibility with mobile readers is expanding their role in integrated disease monitoring.
The molecular tests segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the molecular tests segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate due to their high specificity. These techniques can detect low levels of pathogens before visible symptoms appear. Improvements in sample collection and processing workflows are reducing turnaround times. The growing use of portable PCR devices is expanding accessibility beyond research labs. Increasing demand for precision farming is fueling investment in molecular platforms and government and academic collaborations are boosting field trials and validation of these tests.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to its large and diverse agricultural base. Countries like China, India, and Japan are investing heavily in agricultural biotech and precision farming. Government subsidies and tech-led initiatives are supporting widespread technology adoption. The region also faces high disease burden due to varied climatic conditions, increasing the need for diagnostics. Agritech startups in this region are playing a pivotal role in innovation and deployment. Farmers are becoming more receptive to digital solutions due to growing awareness. The combination of demand, innovation, and policy support ensures market leadership.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR due to strong investments in agri-genomics and digital agriculture. The region has a high concentration of research institutions and agri-biotech firms. Regulatory support for sustainable farming practices is also encouraging monitoring-based crop management. Precision farming practices are widespread, driving demand for accurate disease detection. The rising need for yield optimization and biosecurity measures fuels continuous growth.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Pathogen or Plant Disease Detection and Monitoring Market include Abingdon Health, Planet Labs PBC, Adia, Inc., BIOREBA AG, Creative Diagnostics, Drone Ag, Libelium Comunicaciones Distribuidas S.L., Dornegy, Ceres Imaging, FIXAR-AERO, LLC, Jeopardy Agriculture, GeoPard Agriculture, TwistDx Limited, NIPPON GENE CO., LTD, and Eurofins Scientific.
In March 2025, Eurofins Scientific launched the Eurofins PathoDetect System, a portable diagnostic platform for rapid, on-site detection of plant pathogens and microbial contaminants in crops, delivering results in under 15 minutes.
In February 2025, Creative Diagnostics introduced the AgriPath ELISA Kit 2.0, an upgraded enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system for precise detection of viral and bacterial pathogens in plants, tailored for large-scale farming operations.
In February 2025, Planet Labs PBC announced the Planet Disease Monitoring Suite, a satellite-based solution leveraging high-resolution imagery and AI to detect early signs of plant disease outbreaks across agricultural regions.
Note: Tables for North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East & Africa Regions are also represented in the same manner as above.