PHERA · Project

Bio-Based Insect Pheromones Replace Chemical Pesticides in Large-Scale Row Crops

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Imagine instead of spraying toxic chemicals on corn or wheat fields, you confuse the bugs so they can't find a mate — and the pest population just collapses on its own. That's mating disruption: you release the same scent female insects use to attract males, flooding the field so males can't locate real females. It's been working in orchards and vineyards for 20 years, but was too expensive for big open fields. PHERA figured out how to brew these pheromones cheaply using fermentation — like making beer, but the output keeps pests away instead.

By the numbers

70%

Agricultural productivity increase needed by 2050

20 years

Proven track record of mating disruption in specialty crops

€640 million

Projected new ag-tech market for row crop mating disruption by 2027

300

New jobs projected by 2027

€2 billion

Long-term market potential

€6.4 million

EU project funding

Partner countries in consortium

Bio-based pheromones demonstrated at industrial scale

The business problem

What needed solving

Chemical insecticides are losing effectiveness as pests develop resistance, while regulators ban more products every year. Farmers growing row crops like corn and soy have few affordable, sustainable alternatives — biological pest control methods have been too expensive and impractical for large-scale open fields. The result: rising crop losses, shrinking toolkits, and growing pressure to produce 70% more food by 2050.

The solution

What was built

PHERA demonstrated industrial-scale fermentation production of three bio-based insect sex pheromones, proven in field trials for row crop pest control via mating disruption. The project also filed patent applications for its inventions.

Audience

Who needs this

Agrochemical companies seeking non-toxic pest control product linesLarge-scale row crop farmers and cooperativesIndustrial biotech firms with fermentation capacityAgricultural input distributors expanding biological product portfoliosIntegrated Pest Management (IPM) service providers

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Crop Protection & Agrochemicals

enterprise

Target: Agrochemical companies looking for non-toxic pest control product lines

If you are a crop protection company watching chemical insecticide registrations get tighter every year — PHERA developed industrially scalable, fermentation-based pheromone production that makes mating disruption affordable for row crops like corn, soy, and cotton. The project demonstrated full industrial-scale production of three bio-based pheromones. This opens an estimated €640 million market in row crop pest control by 2027.

Large-Scale Arable Farming

any

Target: Farm operations and cooperatives managing row crops (corn, soy, cereals)

If you are a large-scale farmer dealing with rising pest resistance and losing access to banned chemical insecticides — PHERA field-tested pheromone-based mating disruption that is non-toxic, doesn't affect soil or groundwater, and protects biodiversity. With 20 years of proven results in specialty crops, this is now scaled down in cost for row crops. The method prevents pest reproduction without killing beneficial insects.

Industrial Biotechnology

SME

Target: Fermentation and biotech companies seeking new high-value product lines

If you are a biotech firm with fermentation capacity looking for new revenue streams — PHERA proved that insect sex pheromones can be produced cost-efficiently through biological fermentation at full industrial scale. The consortium includes 5 SMEs and 6 industry partners across 8 countries, and patent applications have been filed. The long-term market potential exceeds €2 billion.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

How much cheaper are bio-based pheromones compared to synthetic ones?

The project objective identifies pheromone cost as the key barrier to wide adoption in row crops. PHERA demonstrated 'biological production of radically cheaper pheromones' through fermentation at full industrial scale. Specific per-unit cost reductions are not disclosed in the available project data.

Has this been tested at industrial production scale?

Yes. A key objective of PHERA was to demonstrate cost-efficient production of three bio-based pheromones at full industrial scale. The project ran as an Innovation Action (IA) with 6 industry partners, indicating real production demonstration rather than lab-only work.

What intellectual property exists and can I license it?

PHERA filed patent applications for relevant patentable inventions developed during the project. The coordinator is BioPhero APS, a Danish SME specializing in pheromone production. Licensing inquiries would need to go through the consortium, led by BioPhero.

Which crops and pests does this work for?

PHERA targets row crops — large-scale agriculture like corn, soy, and cereals. The project demonstrated three different bio-based pheromones, each targeting specific pest species. Mating disruption has 20 years of proven track record in specialty crops like orchards and vineyards.

Does this comply with EU pesticide regulations?

Mating disruption using pheromones is classified as a non-toxic, sustainable pest control method. It does not affect biodiversity, soil, or groundwater according to the project data. This positions it favorably under increasingly strict EU pesticide regulations that are phasing out chemical alternatives.

What is the market size for this technology?

According to the project data, PHERA targets a new ag-tech market for mating disruption in row crops worth €640 million by 2027, with long-term potential exceeding €2 billion. The project also projected creation of 300 new jobs by 2027.

How long until this is commercially available?

The project ran from March 2020 to August 2023 as an Innovation Action, which means it reached demonstration stage. Patent applications have been filed. Based on available project data, the technology has been validated at industrial scale, suggesting near-market readiness.

Consortium

Who built it

The PHERA consortium is heavily industry-driven: 6 out of 8 partners are industry players, with 5 being SMEs — this is a team built to commercialize, not just publish papers. Led by BioPhero APS, a Danish SME specializing in pheromone biotech, the consortium spans 8 countries including major agricultural markets (France, Spain, Germany, Netherlands). With zero universities and only one research organization, the focus was clearly on scaling production and field demonstration rather than basic science. The €6.4 million EU investment and 75% industry ratio signal strong commercial intent and a consortium designed to move technology to market.

BIOPHERO APSCoordinator · DK
RUSSELL IPM LTDparticipant · UK
NOVAGRICA HELLAS ANONIMI EMPORIKI EXAGOGIKI KAI SYMVOULEFTIKI ETAIRIA BIOLOGIKON KAI CHIMIKON PROIONTONparticipant · EL
BIOPROCESS PILOT FACILITY BVparticipant · NL

How to reach the team

BioPhero APS (Denmark) — Danish biotech SME specializing in fermentation-produced insect pheromones

Order a report on this consortium See BIOPHERO APS profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to the PHERA team to discuss licensing, supply partnerships, or integration into your crop protection portfolio? Contact SciTransfer for a facilitated connection.

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