Key Takeaways
- Innovative Pest Control: Oxitec Ltd (Profile) announces the full commercial approval of its Friendly™ fall armyworm solution in Paraguay, following its success in Brazil.
- Enhanced Food Security: The solution targets the invasive fall armyworm pest, aiming to secure food production and protect livelihoods in one of Latin America’s top food-producing countries.
- Sustainable Approach: This biological control method offers a safe, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pest management, aligning with long-term sustainability goals.
- Preparation for Deployment: Oxitec readies operational infrastructure and supply chains in anticipation of the growing season, signaling immediate availability for Paraguayan farmers.
Revolutionizing Crop Protection in Paraguay
Oxitec Ltd, a pioneer in developing insect-based biological solutions, has received full commercial approval for its Friendly™ fall armyworm solution in Paraguay, marking a significant milestone in the fight against one of agriculture’s most destructive pests. This approval in Paraguay, a key player in Latin American agriculture, follows the product’s successful introduction in Brazil in 2022.
Addressing a Global Threat
The fall armyworm, scientifically known as Spodoptera frugiperda, has caused widespread damage to essential crops like maize and cotton in Paraguay and beyond. With the capacity to slash crop yields by up to 50%, the pest not only threatens food security but also imposes substantial economic losses across continents. Traditional control methods, including insecticides and genetically modified crops, have seen diminishing returns due to the pest’s rapid development of resistance.
A Biologically Based Solution
Oxitec’s Friendly™ fall armyworm utilizes a groundbreaking approach by releasing male moths that carry a self-limiting gene, preventing female offspring from reaching maturity. This strategy, designed to complement existing agricultural tools, offers a new layer of defense against the armyworm while mitigating environmental impact and resistance buildup.
Ready for Action
With commercial approval secured, Oxitec is swiftly moving to implement the Friendly™ fall armyworm solution in Paraguay. The company is setting up necessary operational infrastructure and activating supply chains to ensure farmers have access to this innovative pest control method for the forthcoming growing seasons.
A Step Forward in International Collaboration
Grey Frandsen, CEO of Oxitec, expressed gratitude towards the Paraguayan government for their leadership in addressing the fall armyworm threat. He highlighted the significance of international cooperation in combatting agricultural challenges, noting that the approval in Paraguay reinforces the global commitment to sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.
The Friendly™ fall armyworm solution not only presents a new option for crop protection but also supports the efficacy of existing management tools by counteracting pest resistance. This strategic innovation represents a critical advancement in ensuring the long-term sustainability and security of food production in Paraguay and beyond.
Oxitec Latest News
Research Hub In Scotland (2024/02/14)
Oxitec Ltd has opened a new R&D hub in Scotland, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute, to develop a Friendly™ R. microplus solution. This innovative, biological solution aims to control the invasive Asian blue tick, which transmits diseases and causes severe economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide. The initiative underscores Oxitec’s commitment to providing biological strategies for pest control, emphasizing safety, efficacy, and sustainability.
Oxitec Completes Successful Pilot Season for Friendly Fall Armyworm (2024/04/14)
Oxitec Ltd. has completed the third trial season of its Friendly™ autumn armyworm, a biological treatment for the pest that kills maize and other crops. The fourth pilot season is underway in Brazil’s Mato Grosso state, using commercial corn. Oxitec is testing different product form factors, digital systems, and product dosage for widespread distribution and straightforward deployment in producers’ fields. The Friendly™ fall armyworm releases have been demonstrated to be a successful pest control tool and can help prevent the spread of resistance to transgenic corn types. The effective performance of Friendly™ autumn armyworm across various geographies and operational conditions remains confirmed by Oxitec’s pilot deployments.
Image provided by Oxitec
