FMC introduces pheromone-based crop protection in Côte d’Ivoire

FMC Corporation has obtained regulatory approval for its Sofero Frugi pheromone in Côte d’Ivoire, marking the first entry of the company’s sprayable pheromone technology into the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. The product is designed to help farmers control fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) infestations in corn, a pest that continues to threaten food security and yields across West Africa.

The technology uses pheromone signaling to disrupt the pest’s mating cycle, reducing populations without relying solely on conventional insecticides. According to FMC, Sofero Frugi releases a controlled plume of “false” signals that prevent males from locating females, offering a sustainable, prevention-oriented approach to pest management.

“The registration of Sofero Frugi in Côte d’Ivoire marks a significant milestone in FMC’s mission to deliver innovative and sustainable crop protection solutions to African agriculture,” said Sebastià Pons, vice president and president of FMC EMEA. He added that the pheromone technology extends mating disruption—traditionally used in high-value fruit and vegetable crops—to large-scale row crops such as corn.

FMC said Sofero Frugi complements its Coragen insect control product and Arc farm intelligence platform as part of an integrated pest management strategy. The pheromone is part of FMC’s broader Sofero portfolio, which includes solutions aimed at supporting long-term crop health and productivity through biological and low-impact technologies.