Andermatt Success in Hungary

Hungary’s agricultural landscape is evolving, with farmers increasingly turning to sustainable solutions in response to climate challenges and EU regulations. Andermatt’s innovative biological products, in partnership with Biocont magyarország kft (Biocont Hungary Ltd), are transforming pest control and crop resilience. 

Hungary’s agricultural sector is vital to its economy, characterized by rich, diverse landscapes that support extensive crop and livestock production. The fertile Great Plain region is particularly productive, yielding grains, vegetables, fruits, and key industrial crops like corn and wheat.

Locally, biological pest control is gaining ground, especially among forward-thinking farmers adapting to EU restrictions on synthetic pesticides. This shift aligns with global efforts to reduce chemical residues and favours eco-friendly alternatives, particularly in the fruit and vegetable sectors.

As pioneers in biological crop protection, Biocont Hungary Ltd, a member of the Biocont Group, has been instrumental in bringing Andermatt’s vision to Hungarian growers. Their experienced, passionate team is dedicated to helping farmers adopt biological solutions with confidence, offering expert advice and exceptional support.

Andermatt and Biocont Hungary started  their partnership in 2005 with the launch of Madex®, a granulovirus product targeting codling moth (Cydia pomonella), a key apple pest. Biocont’s expertise helped Madex® gain traction, fostering a gradual shift toward biological solutions among apple growers.

Andermatt R&D led to new granulovirus products including Madex® Pro in 2019 and Madex® Twin in 2023. Madex Twin® protects against both codling moth and oriental fruit moth , offering Hungarian farmers a cost-effecive, versatile solution for stone and pome fruits.

Fig 1:  NaturAlma organic apple orchard switched to Madex Twin, the first year after approval in Hungary. (Sept 2023)

As Hungary’s growers adapt to increasing climate extremes and rising pest pressure, the demand for microbe based biological solutions is increasing. 

In the scorching summer of 2024, favorable conditions allowed Helicoverpa armigera (bollworm) to migrate from North Africa to Central Europe, threatening vegetable crops. To tackle this challenge, Helicovex®—a residue-free baculovirus solution designed to target bollworms with precision and efficiency, was introduced.

Fig 2: Visiting Munka, a grower cooperative, in the eastern Part of Hungary where Helicovex® has successfully been implemented into IPM programs on row crops (2023)

Vegetable farmers, both organic and conventional, have achieved remarkable results and were able to protect their crops without compromising quality. Beyond vegetables, Helicovex® shows great promise for Hungary’s grain and seed maize, a critical yet price-sensitive crop.

Fig 3: Significant reduction in Helicoverpa larvae

Fig 4: Significant reduction in damaged cobs

With a concentrated formula (50–200 ml per hectare), Helicovex® is ideal for drone applications, ensuring efficient coverage, reduces labor costs, and accessibility in late-stage or tall crops.

The results achieved on recent tobacco trials in Hungary have been very positive, supporting and aligning with successes achieved on drone applications in other countries.  

While EU regulations remain strict on aerial applications, recent approvals in Switzerland signal a promising future for Andermatt’s innovative, low-risk solutions in European agriculture.

Another growing trend to mitigate climate extremes is the inclusion of beneficial soil microbes. Andermatt offers biostimulant products to enhance soil health by improving nutrient uptake, increasing resistance to environmental stressors and fostering robust root systems. 

Early biostimulant trial results, including the Andermatt products Rhizovital® C5 and T-Gro®, on field and registration trials are yielding positive results. By integrating these solutions into farming practices, Andermatt and Biocont Hungary Ltd believe they are empowering growers to maintain productivity under challenging conditions. 

Together they are committed to building resilient, sustainable, high-quality yields across diverse crop segments in Hungary.

Andermatt, in collaboration with Biocont Hungary Ltd., continues to pave the way for sustainable farming in Hungary. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, quality, and local expertise, the adoption of biological solutions is steadily growing, empowering farmers to meet modern agricultural challenges. By fostering eco-friendly practices and delivering effective, residue-free solutions, Andermatt is not only supporting Hungary’s growers but also contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for agriculture in Europe.

Fig 5: Biostimulant Cabbage Trials showing promising results despite the very hot and dry season. From left to right: Tóth Ágoston – R&D Manager, Biocont Hungary, Alina Piven – Area Manager, Andermatt Group and Attila Najat – Strategic Project Manager, Biocont Group. (Sept 2024, Budapest area)