In the varied ecosystems of global agriculture, differing climatic conditions, crop types, and farming practices across countries and regions create unique needs for pest and disease management. This puts immense pressure on the localization, effectiveness, and safety of pesticide formulation technologies. Essence Group, a leader in pesticide formulation innovation, follows the R&D principle of ″No application scenario, no pesticide.″ The company is dedicated to developing advanced formulation technologies, including a new generation of nanoscale loading technology (Nano 2.0) and second-generation functional-nutritional seed coating technologies, to deliver precise, efficient, and eco-friendly yield-enhancing solutions global agriculture.
In this exclusive interview, we spoke in-depth with Mr. Shi Weishan, General Manager of the Marketing & Technology Center at Essence Group. He emphasized that understanding and addressing the specific characteristics of agricultural application scenarios is essential for significantly increasing yields and incomes for growers. Currently focused on crops such as rice, wheat, soybean, and potatoes, Essence has turned many advanced technologies into solutions that boost yield and quality. Utilizing a global manufacturing and marketing network, these innovations effectively support diverse agricultural scenarios worldwide, helping growers tackle various challenges.
Interviewee: Shi Weishan, General Manager of the Marketing & Technology Center, Nanjing Essence Fine-Chemical Co., Ltd.
Essence Group has been deeply engaged in the agrochemical formulation sector for many years, achieving notable successes recognized by peers both domestically and internationally. Please briefly outline these achievements.
Since its founding in 2003, Essence has made multiple advancements through ongoing R&D innovation in agrochemical formulations:
Leading market position: In 2024, Essence's sales reached nearly CNY 1.5 billion, placing it 7th in China for pesticide formulation sales. Its products reach almost 100 countries and regions worldwide.
Outstanding R&D strength: The company has assembled an R&D team of nearly 100 people (including joint university programs), with over 70% holding master’s degrees. It has established several provincial-level research centers in collaboration with universities and research institutions, including the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute and the Microbial Pesticide Engineering Center.
Breakthroughs in formulation technology: In microencapsulation technology, Essence has developed several controlled-release formulations that enhance efficacy stability and control effectiveness. For classic formulations like suspension concentrates, it has introduced innovative self-dispersing technology, "Triple Anti-Hard Water Technology," and targeted adhesion technology, effectively addressing challenges such as nozzle clogging in aerial applications, high water hardness, and rainy conditions.
Focus on green technology: Essence is actively investing in the R&D of environmentally friendly products like nano-pesticides and seed coatings, positioning itself as a leader in the green pesticide sector.
Essence promotes the motto "No scenario, no pesticide." In light of the complex application scenarios both domestically and internationally, how does the company accurately identify grower pain points and deliver tailored solutions to enhance yields through technology?
Essence’s market reaches around the world. Faced with diverse geographical and climatic conditions, as well as complex and fluctuating pest and disease challenges, innovation in pesticide formulation technology—specifically designed for different application scenarios—becomes crucial for overcoming these obstacles.
Here is an example using Essence’s comprehensive snail control solution:
In global agricultural production, harmful snails like Pomacea canaliculata, Oncomelania hupensis, and Escargot pose significant threats. They not only directly damage crops and affect yields but can also spread diseases and disrupt ecological balance. However, traditional control methods often fail to address the pain points of diverse scenarios. For instance, the rapid reproduction of Pomacea canaliculata in paddy fields, leaf obstruction preventing spray from reaching targets in lotus root fields, and Oncomelania hupensis hiding in grass or soil cracks make them difficult to control.
To address these challenges, Essence has launched several precision solutions:
For Pomacea canaliculata in paddy fields and waterways, Essence uses underwater slow-release attractant granules combined with efficient ovicides, significantly improving eradication rates and persistence.
For broad-leaf crops with canopy cover, such as lotus root and water bamboo, Essence employs throw-type snailicide pods that quickly penetrate the water layer and disperse evenly.
For Oncomelania hupensis, Essence has developed penetrative slow-release granules suitable for aerial application, effectively solving the challenge of pesticide to reach hidden environments.
For Escargot control in orchards, Essence has established a three-dimensional control system of "aerial sniping + ground broadcasting + perimeter blocking," achieving all-weather, full-coverage management.
Essence’s research and development initiatives focus on scenario-based strategies that encompass formulation design, application technology, and innovative application methods. The company consistently enhances plant protection through technological advancements while also broadening these methodologies to include new areas of crop protection.
Nanotechnology is currently a hot topic in global pesticide formulation research and development. Essence is committed to redefining this technology and has developed "Nano 2.0 Technology." What are its development rationale, technical characteristics, and advantages?
Nano-pesticides are an important direction in agricultural technology, playing a vital role in enhancing efficiency, promoting green development, and controlling pollution. However, not all nano-formulations universally improve efficacy; their effectiveness is heavily influenced by crop type and application scenario, and in some cases, they may even underperform compared to traditional pesticides. Therefore, it’s essential to develop ″scenario-oriented nano-pesticides″ tailored for specific application conditions to more precisely and sustainably meet the needs of modern agriculture.
Essence’s next-generation nanoscale loading technology, known as ″Nano 2.0 Technology,″ fundamentally differs from traditional nanotechnology that relies on mechanical bead milling. Our approach involves the self-assembly of surfactant molecules to create a template, followed by a sol-gel reaction that forms a mesoporous structure around organosilicon precursors, paving the way for new developments in nano-pesticides. This process is akin to equipping the formulation with a nano-scale ″rocket engine,″ which not only enhances efficacy and stability but also sidesteps the drawbacks of traditional nanotechnologies, such as high energy consumption, low grinding efficiency, stringent standards for adjuvant formulation screening, and inconsistent stability of nano-particle size.
What progress has Essence made in the industrial promotion of Nano 2.0 Technology? In which agricultural scenarios has it been applied, and what results have been achieved?
Currently, the company is actively promoting the formulation of technical standards related to ″Nano 2.0.″ In terms of industrial promotion, Essence’s Nano 2.0 Technology has been widely applied in specific scenarios such as seed treatment and boring pests control.
Specific application results:
Seed treatment: Essence’s new generation nanotechnology has been applied in seed treatment for major crops like corn, rice, wheat, potato, and soybean. Nano-pesticides can better adhere to the seed surface, improving seed stress resistance and pest/disease control effectiveness.
B. xylophilus control: In regions such as Jiangsu, Anhui, and Sichuan, Essence’s nanotechnology is extensively used for controlling B. xylophilus, with the treated area already reaching 10,000 mu.
Jasmine borer control: Essence’s nanotechnology has also shown remarkable success in managing jasmine borers, having already treated an area of over 20,000 mu. This number is projected to exceed 100,000 mu within the next three years.
In 2024, Essence launched the Kingcia® brand, specifically targeting the seedling health segment. This brand has quickly gained traction within the industry. Please detail the technical features and advantages of this brand.
The Kingcia® brand is specifically designed to enhance crop quality and yield right from the beginning, focusing on seedling health management. Here are its core advantages:
First, in film-forming technology, we have developed unique, plastic-free, self-adaptive film-forming solutions that are tailored to the specific characteristics of different crop seeds and planting conditions. The film-forming materials can naturally degrade in the soil and are eco-friendly.
For instance, soybean seeds have a smooth surface and excellent water absorption. We use a low-adhesion, high-breathability film structure to ensure an even coating while preventing damage to the seed coat. This has led to the development of Longliang®, a new-generation product designed to combat soybean root rot. This technology can intelligently respond to changes in soil moisture, provide some resistance to drought, and prevent the leaching of active ingredients. Additionally, our fast-drying technology enhances seed treatment efficiency, saving both time and labor.
Second, in response to intensified global climate change—with more frequent stresses like drought, heat, salinity, and cold—Essence, after years of research, has introduced a novel small-molecule immune activator. When combined with seed treatment agents, this ingredient not only greatly improves the rapid drying performance and sowing flowability of treated seeds but also activates innate seed resistance. This helps defend against environmental stresses, stimulates germination and nutrient uptake, and invigorates seedlings.
In the Kazakhstan application, the wheat seedlings treated with the Kingcia® + Seed Coating" package exhibited significant growth-promoting effects under local adverse conditions of low temperature and heavy rainfall, compared to the farm's own treatment plan, laying a foundation for yield increase. The final yield measurement showed that the demonstration plot achieved a 3.9% increase in effective panicles and an 11% boost in barley yield compared to the control plot.
Third, Essence integrates cross-industry color technology to offer vibrant, customized seed treatment solutions. Tailored colors can be specified for different application scenarios, producing visually striking products that add value for customers.
What core values and strategies guide Essence Group’s market development as it expands globally?
Essence Group follows the principle of ″Enabling Customer Success,″ engaging deeply in global markets through R&D, plant protection technologies, and product offerings. We focus particularly on countries along the Belt and Road, committing to long‑term growth and relationship building. Using an end‑user‑focused ″Iron Triangle Service Model″ that integrates R&D, applications, and sales, we deliver comprehensive crop solutions and aim to be a trusted partner for our customers.
Formulation sales are not just product transactions or price competition; they are about understanding customer needs and solving practical problems. Over the years, Essence Group has built a strong crop solutions team that provides robust end‑user service support for formulation exports. While expanding overseas, we observed differences in plant protection standards between some countries and China. Consequently, we actively engage at customers’ fields and pesticide application sites, applying Chinese plant protection technology to resolve specific issues. This collaborative, on‑the‑ground approach fosters long‑term partnerships, making international formulation sales a natural outcome.
At the same time, to better meet market demands and customer needs, Essence is steadily advancing construction of a production base in Nigeria and proactively deploying technical service teams. These efforts further support Essence’s strategic framework and sustainable development.
Rendering of Essence’s Nigeria Factory in Africa (under construction)
From an industry-development perspective, how does Essence Group assess and respond to the challenges and opportunities of technological innovation? What initiatives will Essence pursue to continuously improve formulation development, maintain technological competitiveness, and realize the company’s vision?
Although technological innovation requires substantial investment, long development cycles, and entails market uncertainty as well as challenges to production and compliance, it remains the primary driver of product value, new market entry, and production efficiency.
Moving forward, Essence will emphasize differentiated technology development and broaden the global application of advanced technologies, focusing on several priorities. First, we will increase R&D investment to consolidate our technical advantage. Second, we will expand localized solutions to meet regional needs more effectively. Third, we will accelerate global market expansion to enhance the brand’s international presence. Through these initiatives, Essence is committed to adding meaningful value to the sustainable development of global agriculture.
Source: AgroNews
