Syngenta Biologicals and Provivi have announced a new collaboration to develop pheromone-based biological solutions aimed at controlling two of Asia’s most destructive agricultural pests: the Yellow Stem Borer (YSB) and Fall Armyworm (FAW). These pests pose significant threats to corn and rice, essential crops that feed 3.5 billion people worldwide. This partnership will provide sustainable pest management options for growers in India, Indonesia, and Thailand, helping them farm more sustainably while preserving biodiversity.
Two new pheromone-based products, the YSB Eco-Dispenser and FAW Eco-Granules, are scheduled to be available to farmers by 2026. The YSB Eco-Dispenser will target rice crops in India and Indonesia, while the FAW Eco-Granules will focus on corn in Thailand. These products are made from biodegradable materials and offer several advancements, such as "enhanced efficacy, longer duration, and improved environmental sustainability." This new approach aims to prevent pest reproduction by disrupting mating behaviors, reducing the reliance on traditional pesticides and promoting biodiversity.
Pheromones are natural signaling compounds used to interfere with pests’ mating processes, making them highly effective and species-specific. This non-toxic method does not harm beneficial insects or pollinators, allowing them to thrive. Pheromones offer a preventative pest management solution rather than eliminating pests outright, supporting integrated pest management programs that emphasize sustainability and the preservation of non-target species.
The Yellow Stem Borer and Fall Armyworm are considered two of the most damaging pests in agriculture. YSB, which primarily targets rice, can attack plants at multiple growth stages, leading to symptoms such as “dead hearts” and “white ears,” both of which significantly reduce yield. Fall Armyworm, although a caterpillar, has had a severe impact on corn production in Thailand since its introduction in 2018. Yield losses in some cases have reached as high as 40%, forcing farmers to destroy entire fields.
This collaboration between Syngenta and Provivi builds on the success of NELVIUM?, a pheromone-based solution introduced in Indonesia to manage rice stem borer pests. The expansion of this partnership aligns with Syngenta’s commitment to enhancing crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact, a key aspect of their sustainability goals.
