Pest Control - Subtopic Landscape

A synthetic biology perspective

The subset of SynBio – Pest control related patents were further investigated to identify subtopics and assess trending areas. The topic model leverages a hybrid approach based on the optimised extractive summary for each publication. Using a combination of topic discovery via fine-tuned transformer based deep learning and ground truth cross referencing via keyword and classification codes. The process enables a patent to belong to more than one topic for accurate multi-classification trends, accounting for multiple invention embodiments. Please see the topic model page for further details regarding the topic model methodology to avoid duplication here.

Subtopic counts

The identified subtopics within the topic are shown in figure 1. The topics are ranked based on the total number of published applications since 2015. A patent application can be counted more than once as it can belong to multiple topics.

Some of the key subtopics identified where documents are classified include; genetic engineering (70.6%), biocides, pest repellants (47.7%), biocides, pest repellants from bacteria (29.8%) and nucleic acids such as iRNA & antisense (29.8%). Exemplified by GreenLight Biosciences, RNAi based crop protection has high potential and can reduce the need for chemical pesticides due to environmental concerns. The Bacillus subtopic includes Bacillus Thuringiensis which is the most commonly used biological pesticide worldwide. Recent studies have shown Bacillus Thuringiensis may also have potential as a biofertiliser.

The pest control subtopic publication year trends are shown in figure 2. Publication trends discussed below are based on EP A1/A2 applications, identified patents can belong to more than one subtopic due to multiple invention embodiments.

In figure 2 the fastest growing subtopics identified of note and based on compound annual growth rates during 2016-24 are Bacillus e.g. Bacillus thuringiensis (12.1%), biotic stress/ pathogen / disease resistance (12.1%), fungal (9.5%), biocides, pest repellants, regulators – from bacteria (9.1%) and biocides, pest repellants, etc. (7.3%).

Subtopic top 20 assignees distributions (published since 2015)

The patent portfolios of the top 20 assignees within the SynBio – pest control dataset are analysed in figure 3. The portfolios are restricted to publications during 2015-24, mapped to the subtopics identified, the counts represent total EPO publications.

The heatmap in figure 3 reveals the distribution of the top 20 assignees since 2015, publications can be assigned to more than one subtopic, reflecting multiple invention embodiments. MONSANTO is a leading assignee for the genetic engineering of plants (123 publications). The MONSANTO portfolio is diverse making use of bacteria as biocides and pest repellants (64 publications) and nucleic acids such as iRNA and antisense (64 publications). PIONEER HI BRED also has a diversified portfolio, similarly DOW AGROSCIENCES and SYNGENTA CROP PROTECTION are active across multiple subtopics identified. The genetic engineering of plants is a focus for many of the leading assignees identified.

The analysis does not account for earlier publications prior to 2015, which may have contributed to companies developing market share, etc. and potential licensing and acquisitions (subsidiaries). The analysis is an informative guide as some specific subtopics have strict content boundaries to enable differentiation, whilst others are broader to capture more generic areas.