Provivi announces regulatory approval of Pherogen Dispenser SpoFr in Mexico to control Fall Armyworm

Provivi^® Inc, ("Provivi") an emerging biotechnology company using pheromones to protect crops from major damaging insects, today announced the first regulatory approval in Mexico of its Pherogen™ Dispenser SpoFr ("Pherogen™") mating disruption dispenser for the control of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in corn.

The approval to commercialize Pherogen™ by the regulatory authority COFEPRIS sets a milestone in pest control in Mexico. Provivi is now able to introduce a preventative, selective, and non-toxic tool as the new foundation of Integrated Pest Management in corn – benefitting farmers, the environment, and consumers.

Mexican culture is inseparable from corn, and Mexicans are custodians to over 50 local varieties. As most of the corn grown in Mexico is for human consumption, this crop is the key life-giver staple crop forming the basis of delicious tortillas and tamales. The fall armyworm is the main pest of corn in Mexico and is, therefore, the main pest in the country

“For Provivi, farmers are the cornerstone of our organization, and we are grateful and excited to be able to offer to farmers sustainable solutions improving their corn crops, business, and livelihoods”, stated Mr. Juan Manuel Lombana, VP Global Business, Provivi.

“By adopting the Pherogen™ solution, farmers in Mexico now have a tool enabling them to rethink the way to protect their crops from damaging insect pest populations, while at the same time improving the production of corn in Mexico and decrease the need for import of this staple crop”, Mr. Lombana added.

"This registration marks the beginning of a new era of effective, affordable, and environmentally benign protection against Fall Armyworm for farmers not only in Mexico but several other countries across the world, where we are currently developing and registering the product."

"After having tested Pherogen™ during the last 3 years with more than 150 farmers covering the main corn production regions of Mexico, we have solid results supporting our registration dossier. We are grateful for the collaboration with local authorities and their acceptance of our registration application – showing a vote of confidence to our data creation and regulatory capabilities", said Mrs. Simone Palma, Global Head of Regulatory Affairs, Provivi