Provivi, specialists in pheromone-based insect control, partnered with the CABI BioProtection Portal to enhance expertise in crop protection.
Moreover, Provivi uses modern science to help farmers protect crops in a naturally effective and sustainable way. Their mission is to apply state-of-the-art technologies to create scalable, safer insect control technology.
Provivi, based in Santa Monica, California, was created in 2013 by Nobel Laureate Dr. Frances Arnold and co-founders Pedro Coelho and Peter Meinhold.
Pheromone crop protection works by using chemicals as signals. Insects produce a unique chemical called a pheromone, signaling danger, marking territory, attracting a mate, or warning to stay away. These harnessed signals protect crops while leaving biodiversity unharmed and posing no danger to other species.
The Kenyan Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) granted Provivi’s biocontrol product registration in Kenya – PherogenTM Dispenser SpoFr – to fight fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) late last year. PherogenTM Dispenser SpoFr will change the way farmers in Kenya manage fall armyworm (FAW). One application at the beginning of the crop cycle will provide season-long control.
CABI has previously collaborated with Provivi with much success to support trials with smallholder farmers in Kenya. Making this technology accessible to all farmers is integral to Provivi’s mission in the country.
Provivi has a presence in over ten countries, helping growers worldwide promote more sustainable agriculture. The spray version of Pherogen™ received its registration approval in Brazil in late 2020. Since then, the Brazilian team has focused on supporting growers to experience the innovative technology of sustainable pest control.
In Brazil, chemical pesticides have been the primary tool farmers have used to control infestations. Now, Provivi, mimicking solutions developed by nature, delivers cutting-edge science for growers. Pherogen™ Spray FAW, a bio-based crop protection, serves as a foundation for integrated pest management in cotton, corn, soybean, and other essential crops.
How Provivi and CABI BioProtection Portal will collaborate
The CABI BioProtection Portal is a ground-breaking resource providing users with the latest information on their country’s biological control and biopesticide products. Data, sourced and approved by national governments, is accessible in over 25 countries, with more additions expected soon.
The portal, accessible on multiple devices and in local languages, serves as an information hub. It aids growers and agricultural advisors in identifying, sourcing, and correctly applying biocontrols and biopesticides for their specific crop-pest problems.
Biocontrol products and biopesticides are highly beneficial in farming. They assist growers in meeting the demands of modern consumers seeking healthier and safer food. Additionally, they aid in meeting market or export standards and reducing environmental pressure.
“We pride ourselves in providing exceptional services in agriculture, and now we can accelerate the accessibility of our products through this exciting partnership,” said Wanessa Marques Silva as Head of Marketing, Africa at Provivi. “Our commitment has always been to provide the latest, most effective pheromone-based technologies for insect control. With the help of CABI’s innovative platform, people that would otherwise be unaware of these solutions can now have peace of mind that there are natural products that strive for the betterment of farmers and the environment.”
Dr Ulrich Kuhlmann, Executive Director, Global Operations at CABI, said, “We are delighted to welcome Provivi as a Partner to the CABI BioProtection Portal, particularly after our previous successful collaboration. Provivi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on pheromones. This will benefit portal users by providing information about available products in their country for integration into biological pest management programs.”
For more information about the CABI BioProtection Portal and opportunities to collaborate, visit https://bioprotectionportal.com.
For more information about Provivi, visit https://www.provivi.com/en/.
