We are excited to report that Pheronym was granted a patent in Brazil for Pherocoat™. This is in our second patent family to control plant parasitic nematodes. Last year, the US patent for Pherocoat was granted “Pheronym Granted Patent for Plant-Parasitic Nematode Biocontrol Breakthrough – EIN Presswire)”.
Pherocoat for Plant Parasitic Nematodes (PPNs): A Sustainable Solution to Combat $173 Billion in Annual Crop Losses.
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 in Brazil, which is a global leader in the adoption of biologicals. It highlights our commitment to providing nematode pheromone solutions to markets around the world. With our patents in place for both of our products, Nemastim™ and Pherocoat, we will now move towards commercialization of these impactful methods to manage agricultural pests by controlling nematode behavior in the global markets.
Pherocoat is a patented pheromone solution for the destructive nematodes (PPNs). PPNs are roundworms that feed on plant roots, sapping the plants’ energy and reducing yield. The pheromone mixture changes the behavior of the PPNs, redirecting them away and deterring them from the crop plants. The pheromone mixture will be used for seed treatments, in-furrow applications, or in irrigation water to protect plant roots from infection.
Pheronym’s first patented product, Nemastim, is also a pheromone product that works on other beneficial nematodes. Beneficial nematodes are microscopic roundworms used as biocontrol agents for soil insect pests. Nemastim, a pheromone mixture, makes these beneficial nematodes better biocontrol agents for managing insect pests by controlling nematode dispersal and infectivity behavior.
Since nematode pheromones are not commercially manufactured, Pheronym is the first to develop a scalable bio-manufacturing method to produce nematode pheromones. The company has successfully transitioned its bio-manufacturing from proof-of-concept to production by fermentation in bioreactors. Pheronym plans to scale its manufacturing processes further to bring Nemastim and Pherocoat products to the market within a year.