Provivi and AgNova launch pheromone solution in Australia to tackle fall armyworm

Provivi, a California-based developer of pheromone-based crop protection technologies, and AgNova Technologies, a Melbourne-based agricultural inputs supplier, have entered a commercial agreement to introduce Pherogen SPOFR to the Australian market. The move marks another expansion for the pest-specific mating disruption product, designed to reduce populations of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), an invasive species that has become a growing concern for global agriculture.

First identified in Africa in 2016 after spreading from its native range in the Americas, fall armyworm has since migrated across Asia and into Australia. Its rapid spread is attributed to the moth’s ability to travel long distances, causing considerable damage to a wide range of crops. The pest’s presence has triggered rising demand for alternatives to traditional insecticides, as growers seek more targeted and environmentally responsible options.

Pherogen works by releasing synthetic female sex pheromones that interfere with the mating behavior of male moths, disrupting reproduction and gradually reducing pest numbers. The SPOFR variant, developed specifically for Spodoptera frugiperda, is already registered in several countries, including the US, Mexico, Kenya, and Thailand. The agreement with AgNova introduces the product to Australian farmers, who have faced increasing challenges in managing the pest since its detection in the country in 2020.

“We are excited to support Australian farmers with this proven technology,” said Corey Huck, Chief Executive of Provivi. “Pherogen has demonstrated success in multiple countries, and our partnership with AgNova reinforces our commitment to delivering effective, sustainable solutions to growers worldwide.”

AgNova Managing Director Stuart Lumber said the product would provide farmers with an important tool as pressure from the pest intensifies. “Fall armyworm has devastated crops globally, and Australian growers have felt its impact. Pherogen offers a sustainable, effective option that empowers growers to protect yields without relying solely on chemical insecticides,” he said.

The collaboration was facilitated by AgTech Centric, an Australian firm that helped initiate discussions between the two companies and supported the development of the local partnership.

The launch comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of broad-spectrum insecticides and growing interest in integrated pest management strategies. Pheromone-based products, while not new, are gaining traction as countries seek to limit environmental impact and reduce pesticide resistance.

Provivi, founded in 2013, has focused on using biotechnology to develop affordable pheromone solutions for farmers in both developed and emerging markets. Its partnership with AgNova reflects a wider trend in agri-input markets, where biologicals and targeted pest control tools are becoming key components of modern crop protection portfolios.