INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PHEROMONES MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

The integrated pest management pheromones market is projected to exhibit substantial growth, increasing from US$ 783.1 Mn in 2024 to an estimated US$ 1,306.1 Mn by 2031 this growth is anticipated to be driven by a notable CAGR of 7.6% during the period of 2024–2031. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) utilizes the use of pheromones as part of a holistic approach to control pest populations in a sustainable manner. Pheromones are chemicals produced and secreted by various organisms that trigger a specific reaction or behavior in members of the same species. In the context of IPM, pheromones are used to disrupt mating behaviors of agricultural insect pests.

The main advantage of using pheromones is that they are selective, only targeting a specific pest species and thus safe for other organisms like natural enemies. They are also non-toxic and easy to use. However, their effect is temporary and successive applications are required to maintain pest control throughout crop cycles.

Regional Analysis:

• North America is the largest region in theIntegrated Pest Management (IPM) Pheromones market. The U.S. accounts for the largest share due to high agricultural productivity and well-established agricultural practices focused on sustainability and safety. Farmers in the U.S. have adopted IPM techniques on a large scale due to stringent regulations regarding pesticide residue levels. Most fruit and vegetable growers rely on pheromone-based IPM programs to control key pests. Leading players have a major presence in the U.S. through their manufacturing and distribution networks, allowing for a reliable supply of pheromone lures and dispensers. In addition, competitive pricing of IPM pheromones has made the technology more accessible to American farmers of all sizes.
• Europe is the second largest market and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 7.4% from 2024 to 2031 due to the rising demand in countries such as Spain, Italy, and the U.K. The government bodies in the country are adopting several environmental quality objectives that are aimed at promoting biodiversity, which includes stringent regulations against pesticides. With rising export volumes, these nations are placing increasing emphasis on using eco-friendly techniques like IPM to meet stringent pesticide residue standards set by importing countries in Europe and North America. IPM pheromone manufacturers from abroad as well as domestic players have established local production centers in India and China to cater to the rising demand. This has made pheromone products more affordable and readily available. It has also aided technology transfer and human capacity building regarding IPM.
• Asia Pacific region, mainly India and China, has emerged as the fastest growing market for IPM pheromones globally. Rapid expansion of the agriculture industry, paired with the large agricultural land area under cultivation in these countries, is driving growth. Both India and China are major producers and consumers of staple crops worldwide.

Figure 1. Integrated Pest Management Pheromones Market Share (%), By Region, 2024

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Analyst’s Viewpoint:

The integrated pest management pheromones market shows promising growth opportunities over the next five years. The increasing acceptance of bio pesticides and environment-friendly pest control methods among farmers as well as regulatory approvals will drive demand. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region owing to the large agricultural industry and rising food production in countries like China and India.

Pheromone suppliers stand to benefit as there is growing adoption in high value crop segments such as fruits and vegetables globally. Industry players are investing in R&D to develop novel formulations that can attract target pests over longer distances and durations even in adverse weather conditions. This will help enhance the effectiveness of pheromone-based traps and lures.

However, high production costs and lack of awareness in many developing markets remain challenges. Local players offering low-cost counterfeit products can also impact sales. Suppliers need to focus on education and training programs to demonstrate the tangible benefits of integrated pest management using pheromones to end users.

Collaborations with distributors and pest control companies provide an opportunity to expand reach and leverage existing relationships in the agricultural sector. The commercialization of genetic modifications in pests may reduce the need for chemical pesticides over the long term.

Segment Analysis:

• Crop-Specific Formulations Drive Agricultural Industry Adoption: In terms of crop type, the integrated pest management pheromones market is segmented into fruit & nut crops, field crops, and vegetable crops. Among these segments, fruit & nut crops contributes the highest share of the market owning to steady demand from key crops such as citrus, apples, and cherries. The use of mating disruption techniques with pheromone formulations tailored to specific pests enhances crop protection in a sustainable manner. Leading fruit growers have widely adopted these approaches which help control key lepidopteran and coleopteran pests. Continuous R&D efforts to expand the portfolio of effective and pest-specific pheromone lures further boosts uptake.
• Dispenser Type Determined by Target Applications: In terms of dispenser type, the integrated pest management pheromones market is segmented into dispensers, traps, and sprays. Among these segments, dispensers contribute the highest share of the market. This is because most agricultural applications rely on controlled release of synthetic pheromones over long periods using dispensers such as pheromone balls, ropes, and ties. These effectively interface with pest behavior and help achieve year-long control. Meanwhile, traps see strong demand from monitoring programs, while sprays are primarily used for niche indoor applications. Development of advanced formulations suited to each dispenser type expands the potential of pheromone-based solutions.
• End-use Focus on Shapes & Product Demand: In terms of end use, the integrated pest management pheromones market is segmented into agriculture, horticulture, forestry, storage facilities, and others. Among these segments, agriculture contributes the highest share of the market driven by the need to protect high-value produce. Pheromone applications in key crops minimize pesticide usage consistently. Meanwhile, horticulture end-use gains from solutions are tailored for greenhouse and nursery cultivation. Similarly, forestry relies on pheromone mating disruption to control insects threatening commercial timber. Ongoing R&D to expand the end-use portfolio further fuels the product relevance and lifts the overall market value.

Integrated Pest Management Pheromones Market - Drivers:

• Changing consumer preference towards bio pesticides:The agricultural industry has seen rising concern among consumers about the extensive use of chemical pesticides and its impact on the environment and human health. There is a growing preference for agricultural produce that has been grown using natural and organic methods with minimal or no use of synthetic chemicals. As consumers become more educated about the ill-effects of heavy metal residues and other toxins from chemical pesticides in foods, they are increasingly demanding pest management solutions that do not involve harmful chemicals. This change in consumer attitude has prompted farmers to seek out alternative pest control methods that align with sustainable agriculture practices.
• Pheromone-based techniques are considered as ideal bio pesticide options since pheromones are non-toxic compounds produced by plants, insects, and animals to communicate within their species. When used judiciously as part of an integrated pest management program, pheromones provide a species-specific, environment-friendly way to control undesirable insects and help maintain a balanced ecosystem. Their use enables farmers to grow fruits and vegetables without the need for chemical spraying while meeting consumer demand for chemical-residue free produce. Given that food safety and sustainability are growing concerns for both consumers and regulatory bodies, the adoption of natural and organic agricultural practices like pheromone usage is expected to rise significantly. Various government incentives and certification programs also encourage farmers to shift to bio pesticides including pheromones.
• Support from agricultural extension agencies and policymakers : Agricultural universities, extension services, and local administration bodies around the world have been actively promoting integrated pest management and other biological control techniques as an alternative to heavy reliance on agrochemicals. They are educating farmers about methods that minimize environmental degradation while maintaining crop productivity. Among bio pesticide options, pheromone traps and lures are widely recommended due to their target-specific mode of action, negligible non-target impacts, and comparative affordability against frequent chemical spraying. Development programs often provide farmers subsidies, training and infrastructure support to adopt sustainable practices. For instance, demonstration farms have been set up to showcase pheromone applications in integrated management of key horticultural and field crop pests.
• Additionally, stricter regulations are being introduced on chemical pesticide usage in many countries owing to rising pest resistance and residue issues. This is influencing farmers to shift to integrated strategies including augmented pheromone usage. Compliance with governmental pest management policies is also mandatory for farmers seeking domestic and export market access as well as organic and fair-trade certifications. Supported by enabling policies and promotion of alternatives to synthetic chemicals, the pheromone-based integrated pest management approach is gaining widespread acceptance globally.

Integrated Pest Management Pheromones Market- Opportunity:

• Scope in emerging economies for agricultural development: Scope for agricultural development in emerging economies through integrated pest management pheromones provides a huge opportunity for growth in this market. With rising populations in developing nations, the demand for food is increasing tremendously. However, conventional pest control methods that rely heavily on chemical pesticides are unsustainable and can damage the environment. They also have negative impacts on farmers through increased input costs. Pheromone-based approaches offer a safer, natural alternative to managing agricultural pests. Most small-scale farmers in developing countries cannot afford to lose their crops to voracious insect infestations. Integrating pheromone traps and lures into existing integrated pest management (IPM) programs can help farmers effectively monitor pest levels and only use insecticides when absolutely necessary. This reduces agricultural losses as well as costs to farmers. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the adoption of such bio control methods together with other sustainable practices could increase crop yields in major developing nations like India, China, and Brazil by 20-40% compared to 2005 levels by 2050.
• Growing demand for natural pest control products: Growing demand for natural pest control products could provide major opportunities for the integrated pest management (IPM) pheromones market in the coming years. Consumers and farmers alike are increasingly concerned about the environmental and health impacts of synthetic pesticides and seeking more eco-friendly alternatives. Pheromones are a natural way to control agricultural and household pests as they do not directly harm insects but simply disrupt their mating or other behavioral processes. As people strive to make agricultural practices more sustainable and reduce agricultural runoff into waterways, the use of pheromones in IPM programs is likely to rise substantially. Many government organizations now actively promote IPM techniques and natural pest control methods over traditional chemical pesticides. For instance, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations recommends pheromone use as part of environmentally sound pest management practices that avoid ecological disruption. They have found that pheromone traps and lures can achieve effective control of many insect pests on a wide variety of crops.

Integrated Pest Management Pheromones Market- Trends:

• Adoption of drone & IoT based precision spraying: The adoption of drone and Internet of Things (IoT) based precision spraying technologies is having a significant influence on the integrated pest management pheromones market. These advanced technologies allow for more targeted and precise application of pheromones compared to traditional spraying methods. Drones equipped with IoT sensors and guidance systems can identify the exact locations of pest infestations in fields and orchards. They then spray just the right amount of pheromones only in those areas rather than blanketing the entire crop field. This optimizes the use of pheromones and reduces overall costs for farmers. According to recent field trials conducted by Washington State University, drone-based precision spraying of pheromones resulted in pest control on par with conventional spraying methods but with only 20% of the pheromone material used. Similarly, IoT sensor networks deployed in fields can precisely monitor pest population dynamics and the spread of infestations over time. When integrated with drones, these IoT systems provide real-time pest surveillance data that guides more targeted drone spray missions.
• Miniaturization of pheromone dispensers: Miniaturization of pheromone dispensers is having a significant influence on the integrated pest management pheromones market. As pheromone dispensers get smaller in size, it allows for more targeted and precise application of pheromones which improves their effectiveness at controlling pest populations. The reduced size of new pheromone dispensers allows for more dispensers to be used per acre of farmland. Where previously it may have required one large dispenser, it can now be replaced by several smaller discreet dispensers. This provides for better coverage of a field or crop and ensures pheromones are released across the entire area. Several small dispensers can be strategically placed nearer to where pests are most active or in locations they are likely to travel. This enhances the ability of male pests to detect the pheromones and disrupt breeding and mating. The miniaturization is also enabling the development of new formats such as lattice dispensers. These are engineered with multiple microscopic pouches of pheromone that degrade at slightly different rates. This provides a longer period of confusion for males seeking females as pheromone concentrations vary spatially and temporally across a field. According to studies by Washington State University in 2021 on trials using lattice dispensers for codling moth, this new type of dispenser reduced fruit damage by up to 80% compared to conventional dispensers while also lasting over 120 days.

Integrated Pest Management Pheromones Market- Restraints:

High research and production costs constrain the market

• Developing effective pheromone lures and traps requires extensive field research to identify the precise chemical signal used by each target insect species. Once identified, the pheromone must then be synthesized and formulated into a commercially viable product.
• This research and product development process can cost millions of dollars per pheromone. It also takes 5-7 years on average to bring a new item to market. This high fixed cost is a barrier, especially for minor use crops. Only the major staple crops can support the investment required for new pheromone innovations.
• Additionally, pheromone production involves complex organic synthesis. Maintaining a high level of chirality (handedness) in the final active ingredient is important for maximum efficacy but adds to manufacturing challenges and expenses. Overall production costs must then be recouped over the product lifetime. This economic factor constrains the portfolio of pheromones that are commercially available.
• Counter Balance: By new innovations continue to improve product effectiveness while lowering production costs, which is expected to boost pheromone use and attract investment for improved research and development. The market is also being driven by the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which involves the use of pheromones for pest control.

Potential resistance issues pose a threat

• Prolonged and over-reliance on any single pest control method, including pheromone-based techniques, increases the risk of target insects developing resistance. Once resistance to a pheromone trait occurs, its usefulness can be rapidly compromised. While resistance has not been a major issue to date for most agricultural pheromone uses, it remains a potential long-term restraint on the market.
• Careful resistance management through IPM practices helps reduce selection pressure but does not remove the threat entirely. Development of resistance also drives the need for continual replenishment of the pheromone product line with novel chemistries, enhancing research needs and costs over the long run. This challenge of sustainability limits the lifespan of individual pheromone products.
• Counter Balance: The market is being driven by the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which involve the use of pheromones for pest control. IPM is a sustainable approach to managing pests that reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides and promotes the use of environment-friendly solutions.

Integrated Pest Management Pheromones Market - Key Developments:

• In 2022, Biobest made an acquisition of acquiring 60% stake of Biopartner. The idea behind the acquisition of was to strengthen Biobest’s presence in Poland.
• In 2021, Koppet is a company that specializes in sustainable solutions for crop protection and natural pollination. Koppet   took a step towards expanding its Horiver sticky trap. The idea was to expand by introducing four new traps. These traps, namely, Horiver wet, Horiver dry, Horiver disc, and Horiver delta, help to trap pests such as leaf miners, asphids, whiteflies, and other harmful insects.

Figure 2. Integrated Pest Management Pheromones Market Share (%), by Product, 2024

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Top Companies in the Integrated Pest Management Pheromones Market

• Russell IPM
• Hercon Environmental Corporation
• SemiosBIO Technologies
• Shin-Etsu
• Sumi Agro France
• Syngenta Bioline Ltd.
• Trece, Inc., Active IPM
• AgrichemBio
• AgriSense-BCS Ltd.
• Laboratorio Agrochem, S.L.
• ATGC Biotech
• Atlas Agro

Definition: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest control strategy that combines the knowledge of pests and pest control methods to manage pest damage safely and economically. Pheromones are chemicals produced as messengers that affect the behavior of other individuals of insects or other animals. They are used in various IPM techniques such as mating disruption, mass trapping, and monitoring. There are two primary types of pheromones used for pest control - sex pheromones and aggregation pheromones. Sex pheromones, also known as sex attractants, lure males toward females for reproduction purposes. However, when high quantities of sex pheromone are released, it causes confusion and fails in mating. Aggregation pheromones bring both sexes together, usually to a nesting or feeding site. When released in area-wide quantities, they also disrupt pest behaviors and mating. The main advantage of using pheromones is that they are selective, only targeting a specific pest species and thus safe for other organisms like natural enemies.