FMC Ushers in a New Era of Crop Protection with Groundbreaking Pheromone-Based Solutions for Row Crops
FMC Corporation a global leader in agricultural sciences and sustainable crop protection, has reached a significant milestone in its journey toward transforming pest management. The company has announced the registration of Sofero™ Fall, a novel pheromone-based product designed to combat the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Brazil—marking the first official approval of a product under its emerging Sofero™ brand.
This development is not only a major strategic win for FMC in the Latin American market, but it also symbolizes a paradigm shift in pest control—introducing growers to an entirely new, nature-inspired mechanism to protect key row crops like corn, cotton, rice, and soybeans.
A Strategic Leap Forward in Brazil
Brazil’s agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in the global food supply chain, producing massive volumes of soybeans, corn, sugarcane, and other crops. However, Brazilian growers consistently face one of the most persistent and economically damaging pests: the fall armyworm. This noctuid moth has a voracious appetite and can rapidly devastate crops at various stages of development. Traditional chemical insecticides, once highly effective against this pest, are increasingly challenged by rising resistance levels. This trend poses a threat to yields, food security, and grower profitability.
In response to this urgent need, FMC has introduced Sofero™ Fall, a game-changing pheromone-based product developed using the company’s proprietary technology. The product’s registration by Brazilian regulatory authorities signifies more than just another product release—it marks a turning point in sustainable pest control practices and a bold move toward rethinking how agriculture can be both productive and environmentally sound.
Harnessing Nature Through Advanced Pheromone Technology
Unlike conventional insecticides that rely on neurotoxic or biochemical disruption, Sofero™ Fall operates on an entirely different premise: communication interference. At the core of the product is a sophisticated use of mating disruption technology. Fall armyworms, like many insect species, rely on pheromones—chemical signals released by females to attract males for mating. By releasing synthetic analogs of these pheromones into the environment, Sofero™ Fall effectively confuses male moths and prevents them from locating mates.
This strategic disruption of the reproductive cycle curbs population growth before larvae can cause significant crop damage. It’s a preventative rather than reactive method, and that shift—from treatment to prevention—embodies the next generation of pest management.
“The registration of Sofero™ Fall in Brazil is a landmark achievement in our global crop protection strategy,” said Ronaldo Pereira, President of FMC Latin America. “Fall armyworm is a notorious pest that continues to evolve resistance against conventional chemistries. Brazilian growers urgently need innovative solutions that align with sustainable agricultural practices. Sofero™ Fall offers them a powerful tool that not only addresses resistance issues but also promotes healthier crop development from the earliest growth stages.”
Cutting-Edge Formulation and Delivery
One of the critical breakthroughs behind Sofero™ Fall is its sprayable formulation, which incorporates FMC’s proprietary microencapsulation technology. This technological advancement enhances the stability of the pheromone compounds and ensures a controlled, sustained release in the field. By maintaining efficacy over longer periods, growers benefit from extended protection and reduced need for frequent reapplication—translating into both economic and environmental efficiencies.
This ease of application is a key differentiator in the market. Traditionally, pheromone-based pest control solutions have required labor-intensive methods such as hanging dispensers in fields. In contrast, FMC’s sprayable formulation is compatible with existing spray equipment, simplifying integration into modern farm operations and minimizing disruption to growers’ routines.
“This level of technological innovation gives growers the flexibility and reliability they need,” added Pereira. “By delivering a longer-lasting effect in an easy-to-apply form, Sofero™ Fall bridges the gap between high-performance pest control and sustainability.”
Sofero™: A Global Platform for Pheromone Innovation
Sofero™ Fall is just the beginning. As the first offering under FMC’s new Sofero™ pheromone solutions brand, this product sets the stage for a comprehensive portfolio aimed at redefining pest management across key global markets.
The Sofero™ brand is positioned as a scalable, adaptable platform that will eventually include tailored pheromone-based solutions targeting various destructive pests affecting corn, cotton, soybeans, rice, and more. Each product will be strategically designed to be incorporated into integrated pest management (IPM) systems, alongside synthetic insecticides, biological control agents, and digital precision agriculture technologies.
FMC’s approach is not to replace traditional methods, but to enhance them by offering new modes of action that help delay resistance development and increase the longevity of existing pest control tools. This synergistic strategy is in direct response to the rising demand from growers and policymakers alike for solutions that support long-term crop health and environmental stewardship.
“We’re entering a new era where pest control is no longer just about elimination—it’s about smart, sustainable ecosystem management,” Pereira explained. “FMC is leading this transition with a commitment to science-backed, environmentally conscious innovation.”
Global Expansion and Regulatory Pipeline
With the launch of Sofero™ Fall in Brazil, FMC has laid the foundation for broader adoption of pheromone-based pest control solutions worldwide. Regulatory approval processes are already underway in several additional countries, with the registration of Sofero™ Frugi—another fall armyworm-targeting product—anticipated in Mexico by 2027.
As FMC continues to navigate these complex regulatory landscapes, it also invests heavily in field trials, product adaptation, and education initiatives designed to help growers transition to these new tools effectively.
In Brazil, FMC has partnered with local agronomists, research institutions, and grower cooperatives to demonstrate field performance, optimize application strategies, and gather real-world efficacy data. These partnerships are vital in ensuring that products like Sofero™ Fall deliver measurable outcomes and build grower confidence.
“Global agriculture is under immense pressure—from climate change to pesticide resistance, to increasing food demand,” said Pereira. “We believe pheromones have a major role to play in addressing these challenges. By investing in long-term R&D, regulatory approvals, and grower education, we’re not only launching a product—we’re introducing a vision for the future of agriculture.”
The Role of Pheromones in Sustainable Agriculture
The environmental and societal implications of pheromone-based crop protection are profound. Unlike many conventional pesticides, pheromones are highly specific to target species, reducing the risk of off-target effects on beneficial insects like pollinators and natural predators. They also leave no harmful residues, making them ideal for use in organic and low-residue crop production systems.
This aligns closely with global sustainability goals and the increasing demand from consumers, retailers, and regulators for more transparent, eco-friendly farming practices. FMC’s strategy with Sofero™ reflects its broader corporate mission: to enhance agricultural productivity while protecting the ecosystems that sustain life.
FMC’s Long-Term Vision
With over a century of innovation behind it, FMC continues to evolve into a forward-thinking agricultural solutions provider. The company’s investments in biologicals, digital agriculture, and precision chemistry underscore a holistic approach to crop protection that leverages science, sustainability, and scalability.
The launch of the Sofero™ pheromone platform is not just a product milestone—it’s a glimpse into FMC’s future. A future where preventative pest management plays a central role in crop care, where growers are empowered with cutting-edge technologies, and where sustainable farming becomes the global standard rather than the exception.
“We’re just getting started,” said Pereira. “With our global footprint, robust pipeline, and deep commitment to sustainable innovation, FMC is ready to lead the next chapter in crop protection. And with Sofero™, we are delivering more than a product—we’re delivering peace of mind, performance, and progress to farmers around the world.”
