Syngenta Biologicals and Provivi have announced a strategic collaboration to develop and commercialize pheromone-based biological solutions aimed at effectively and safely controlling major pests in rice and corn. These crops are vital food sources for around 3.5 billion people globally.

The partnership will target two of the most destructive pests in agriculture: the Yellow Stem Borer (YSB) in India and Indonesia, and the Fall Armyworm (FAW) in Thailand. The new pheromone solutions, named YSB Eco-Dispenser for India and Indonesia, and FAW Eco-Granules for Thailand, are set to be available to farmers starting in 2026. These innovative formulations, made from biodegradable materials, offer significant advancements, including enhanced efficacy, longer duration, and improved environmental sustainability.

Pheromones are natural signaling compounds that control pests by disrupting their mating behaviors, thereby preventing pest reproduction. Because they are non-toxic and species-specific, pheromones do not harm beneficial organisms, thus preserving the diversity of insects and pollinators. In integrated pest management programs, pheromones are highly effective, offering a mode of action that prevents pest proliferation rather than eliminating them, which supports biodiversity and the preservation of non-target species.

The YSB and FAW pests pose significant threats to agriculture, impacting farmers’ livelihoods and food security. YSB, the dominant pest of rice in Asia, can attack crops at various growth stages, causing symptoms such as “dead hearts” and “white ears,” which lead to lower yields. Meanwhile, FAW, a destructive caterpillar discovered in Thailand in 2018, has caused corn yields to plummet by up to 40%, with some farmers forced to destroy entire fields. This pest poses severe implications for Thailand’s corn production, which is crucial for both domestic and export markets.

Syngenta and Provivi have a history of collaboration, having previously introduced the pheromone-based NELVIUM® technology in Indonesia to combat rice stem borers. This expanded partnership aligns with Syngenta’s commitment to sustainability, emphasizing innovative solutions that enhance crop productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

Leaders’ Insights

Jonathan Brown, Global Head of Biologicals and Seedcare at Syngenta, stated, “Farmers need solutions that effectively address pest pressure while ensuring sustainability on their farms, particularly as pest threats evolve with climate change. We’re proud to work together with Provivi to deliver the next generation in pheromone-based biocontrols that target key pest challenges.”

Pedro Coelho, Chief Business Officer at Provivi, added, “Pheromone-based solutions are non-toxic and species-specific, and safeguard biodiversity by preserving beneficial insects and pollinators. We’re excited to work again with Syngenta to broaden the offer of pheromone-based solutions available to farmers in Asia.”

About Syngenta Crop Protection AG

Syngenta Crop Protection AG is a leader in agricultural innovation, providing breakthrough technologies that enable farmers to grow more productively and sustainably. With a robust portfolio of crop protection and digital solutions, Syngenta serves over 90 countries worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and is part of the Syngenta Group.

About Provivi®

Provivi® is a science-driven company that develops scalable and safer insect control technologies targeting destructive pests in agriculture globally. With Nobel prize-winning technologies, Provivi offers affordable, pheromone-based solutions that farmers can use for preventive pest control. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Provivi operates in Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, and Europe. For more information, visit www.provivi.com.