Pheronym Inc. Is Making Advancements in Pheromone-Based Nematode Research

Pheronym Inc., a company started by former UF researcher Fatma Kaplan, Ph.D., has developed technology to create pheromones that can control the actions of nematodes, one of the most abundant creatures on Earth.

Over 20 years ago, Kaplan began researching ways to use pheromones, which are external chemical triggers that influence mating and other behaviors. According to Kaplan, there are both good and bad nematodes, with the good ones attacking other insect pests in the soil to kill them or keep them from mating.

Pheronym’s product, called Nemastim, uses nematode pheromones to make the good nematodes more aggressive and mobile so they attack more insect pests. These pests damage plants and also transmit diseases. The product is added to water and applied to crops through an existing irrigation system for easy application.

Read more: Pheronym Inc. Is Making Advancements in Pheromone-Based Nematode Research.