Key Takeaways:
- Pheronym® has been granted its second US patent, focusing on biocontrol of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) with its product Pherocoat™.
- PPNs are a significant threat to global food security, causing an estimated $173 billion in annual economic losses.
- Pherocoat™ offers a natural, non-toxic alternative to traditional chemical nematicides, which are being phased out due to environmental concerns.
- Pheronym plans to commercialize its patented products, Nemastim™ and Pherocoat™, within the next year, using innovative bio-manufacturing processes.
Pheronym® announced the granting of its second US patent, which focuses on biocontrol of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) through its innovative product, Pherocoat™. This patent represents a significant advancement in the quest for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions to combat PPNs, which are responsible for massive economic losses in agriculture globally.
The Need for Sustainable Nematode Control
PPNs are microscopic roundworms that attack plant roots, severely reducing crop yields and posing a major threat to food security. The global economic impact of PPNs is staggering, with annual losses estimated at $173 billion. Traditionally, the most effective method of controlling these pests has been the use of synthetic nematicides. However, due to their environmental toxicity and increasing regulatory restrictions, there is an urgent need for natural, non-toxic alternatives.
“There is a real, pressing need for sustainable alternatives to manage PPNs, and this new patent for Pherocoat validates our technology for use against these destructive pests,“ said Fatma Kaplan, CEO of Pheronym. “Now with our patents in place for both of our products, Nemastim™ and Pherocoat, we will move towards commercialization of these impactful methods to manage agricultural pests by controlling nematode behavior.”
Pherocoat™: A Game-Changing Solution
Pheronym’s patented Pherocoat™ is a pheromone-based solution specifically designed to manage PPNs. The product works by altering the behavior of these nematodes, redirecting them away from crop roots and deterring them from causing damage. Pherocoat™ can be applied in various ways, including seed treatments, in-furrow applications, or through irrigation water, providing flexible and effective protection for crops.
In addition to Pherocoat™, Pheronym’s first patented product, Nemastim™, is another pheromone-based solution that enhances the efficacy of beneficial nematodes used as biocontrol agents against soil-dwelling insect pests. By controlling nematode dispersal and behavior, Nemastim™ makes these beneficial nematodes more effective in pest management.
Innovative Manufacturing and Commercialization Plans
Pheronym has pioneered a scalable bio-manufacturing method to produce nematode pheromones, which were previously unavailable in the market. The company has successfully transitioned from proof-of-concept to production in bioreactors and is now preparing to scale up its manufacturing processes to bring Nemastim™ and Pherocoat™ to market within the next year.
With these two patented products, Pheronym is set to revolutionize nematode management in agriculture, offering sustainable and effective alternatives to chemical nematicides. The commercialization of Nemastim™ and Pherocoat™ will not only address the pressing need for non-toxic pest control but also contribute to the broader movement towards more environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
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Pheronym’s Study Demonstrates Enhanced Pest Control in Agriculture (2024/03/01)
Pheronym®, a leading ag-biotech pest management company, has unveiled compelling results from its latest peer-reviewed study, demonstrating the effectiveness of its proprietary product, Nemastim™, in enhancing the pest control abilities of beneficial nematodes against pecan weevils. The research showcases a significant step forward in sustainable agriculture practices by improving nematodes’ dispersal, foraging, and infectivity, leading to increased pest control efficacy even at lower temperatures. This innovative approach offers a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pesticides.
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