Pheromone-based pest control supports healthier crops

Biological alternatives to synthetic pesticides are gaining traction as a means to reduce the environmental impact of farming without compromising yield.

One effective approach uses insect pheromones — natural compounds released in tiny amounts by insects to attract mates. When applied in fields, these compounds disrupt mating cycles and limit the emergence of new pest generations without affecting beneficial insects.

To make pheromone-based pest control widely accessible, scalable production methods are required. FMC has developed a biosolution-driven technology that combines yeast modification, fermentation and chemical processing to produce pheromones at industrial scale. This approach significantly lowers production costs and makes it possible to supply pheromones target a wide range of pests across crops such as corn, rice, fruit, cotton and vegetables.

Field trials in Brazil, Mexico, the USA, Spain, Hungary, China and Indonesia have demonstrated a strong effect on major pests, including fall armyworm. By reducing pest pressure and crop damage, pheromonebased tools support healthier crops throughout the growing season and help maintain yield quality and quantity.

Biosolution-enabled pheromone production increases availability for farmers globally

Because pheromones are species-specific, they leave bees and other beneficial insects unharmed. This supports biodiversity and provides farmers with an environmentally friendly pest control. With a scalable production method, pheromones are becoming a practical biosolution for integrated pest management across global farming systems.