FMC announces registration of pheromone line in Brazil

FMC has revealed exclusively to AgroPages that it has submitted registration for a line of pheromones to Brazilian regulatory agencies. This biological technology reduces the possibility of mating for the Spodoptera pest by confusing the adults of this pest. According to FMC, the new products are expected to be commercially launched in the Brazilian market by 2025.

"This is a new generation of products, and FMC's first pheromone line will be for managing Spodoptera, the main pest in large-scale crops such as soybeans, corn, and cotton," highlights Sérgio Catalano, FMC's insecticide manager. According to him, initial trials with the solution showed extremely positive results in productivity and control.

"Among the benefits of this new technology are the reduction of insect populations, resistance management, increased production quality, and absence of residues as it is a biological product," he added.

Sérgio explains that pheromones are the chemical form of communication among insects, including for mating. "With biologically produced pheromones and spraying in the field, the male cannot find the female for mating, which reduces the generation of new pests that attack crops and cause significant losses to the producer," the specialist points out. As another tool for Integrated Pest Management (IPM), pheromone technology is important for increasing the efficiency of agricultural practices in the field.

"The use of chemical and biological pesticides is essential in any crop. Now, pheromones will act on behavioral management, meaning the product will affect the behavior and reproductive cycle of insects, reducing the population in the field and optimizing other forms of control," emphasizes Fábio Silva, FMC's research manager for Latin America.

He reinforces that in daily operations, the results of pheromone applications help streamline farm management. "By breaking the pest's cycle and reducing the number of new generations, we facilitate management. Moreover, the farmer can use this product in the spray tank like any other agricultural pesticide and with the possibility of mixing," says Fábio.

The pheromone line technology was researched by different researchers and FMC's team in Brazil, and chosen to deliver to local farmers a product that combats Spodoptera with its national characteristics as well as climate and soil. "We selected the best formulation to provide Brazilian farmers with a sustainable, innovative, and economically accessible solution," concludes the FMC manager.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)