/

Pheronym

  • What it is:Pheronym is an ag-biotech company developing nematode pheromone-based products like Nemastim™ and PheroCoat™ for eco-friendly control of crop pests and plant-parasitic nematodes.
  • Best for:Commercial farmers using beneficial nematodes, Organic and regenerative agriculture operations, Pecan, nut, and orchard growers
  • Pricing:Starting from Custom quote
  • Rating:72/100Good
  • Expert's conclusion:Pheronym provides a strong option for all types of grower who want to work sustainably, for example, controlling nematodes and insects using pheromones as opposed to using chemicals.
Visit website
Reviewed byMaxim Manylov·Web3 Engineer & Serial Founder

What Is Pheronym and What Does It Do?

Pheronym is a biotechnology (biotech) firm developing novel platforms for use in sustainable agriculture. Pheronym’s use of nematode pheromones represents a new technology for the development of green solutions for the management of agricultural pests. As such, Pheronym is focused on creating green solutions for the management of agricultural pests, using products that do not contain pesticides.

Active
📍Davis, CA
📅Founded 2017
🏢Private
TARGET SEGMENTS
FarmersAgricultureAgri-business

What Are Pheronym's Key Business Metrics?

💵
<$5 Million
Revenue
📊
<$5M
Total Funding
📊
$242,000
Seed Funding
📊
1+
Funding Rounds
🏢
<25
Employees

How Credible and Trustworthy Is Pheronym?

72/100
Good

Early-stage, privately-funded ag-biotech start-up. Funding has been secured for commercialization of its pest biocontrol product; however, there are currently no publicly available metrics on the extent of this activity.

BREAKDOWN
Product Maturity65/100
Company Stability70/100
Security & Compliance75/100
User Reviews50/100
Transparency70/100
Support Quality65/100
TRUST SIGNALS
Seed funded by Sacramento AngelsBerkeley Lab commercialization partnerActive press releases and industry presentations

What is the history of Pheronym and its key milestones?

2017

Company Founded

Pheronym was founded as a biotech firm in Davis, California, focusing on the development of novel platforms for the management of agricultural pests, specifically the use of nematode pheromones for pest biocontrol.

2019

Seed Funding

Pheronym received a $242,000 seed funding round led by the Sacramento Angels investment group.

2021

Berkeley Fellowship

Pheronym was selected as one of the recipients of the Berkeley Fellowship Program to assist with the commercialization of the research conducted by the founder of Pheronym.

2021

Lab Scaling

Pheronym began scaling up its pest biocontrol product at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

2021

Board Addition

In 2021, Dr. Pam Marrone, an experienced bio-ag industry leader with expertise in scaling up ag-tech, was added to the Board of Directors of Pheronym.

Who Are the Key Executives Behind Pheronym?

Dr. Fatma Kaplan— Founder & CEO
The founder of Pheronym has extensive experience in the research and commercialization of nematode pheromones. The founder has also presented keynotes on entomology topics and has given numerous other presentations to various groups in the industry.
Dr. Pam Marrone— Board Member
Dr. Pam Marrone has over three decades of experience in the scaling up of ag-tech and has recently joined the Board of Directors of Pheronym.

What Are the Key Features of Pheronym?

✨
Nematode Pheromones
Pheronym has developed a novel platform based upon nematode pheromones for the development of green solutions to disperse and biocontrol agricultural pests.
👥
Sustainable Pest Management
Pheronym's green solutions enable the control of pests in an eco-friendly manner, without the use of chemical pesticides in agriculture.
✨
Bio-control Scaling
Pheronym has patented the extraction of pheromone from nematodes and has successfully scaled up this process for commercial production at national laboratories.
✨
Crop Protection
Pheronym targets agricultural pests using biological mechanisms to support sustainable farming practices.

What Technology Stack and Infrastructure Does Pheronym Use?

Technologies

PHP

AI/ML Capabilities

Biotech platform leveraging nematode pheromone discovery (AI usage not confirmed; categorized as Materials Discovery)

Limited technical details available; PHP from website tech stack detection

What Are the Best Use Cases for Pheronym?

Sustainable Farmers
Pheronym aims to reduce the amount of chemical pesticides used in agriculture by providing a nematode pheromone-based method for biocontrol and eco-friendly crop protection.
Organic Growers
Pheronym enables farmers to maintain their organic certification status while maintaining the effective biological control of pest populations in their fields.
Agri-business Operations
Pheronym will be working towards the commercialization of green pest control solutions that can be used by large-scale farming operations.
NOT FORHigh-Volume Commodity Farmers
Currently, Pheronym operates at a small scale for most broad-acre crops and will need to achieve full commercialization before these products become broadly available.
NOT FORUrban Gardeners
Due to the current stage of development of Pheronym's products, they have not yet reached a level of scalability that would make them available for general consumer application.

How Much Does Pheronym Cost and What Plans Are Available?

Pricing information with service tiers, costs, and details
☐Service$CostℹDetails🔗Source
Commercial ProductsCustom quoteSprayable nematode pheromone solutions like Nemastim™ for agricultural pest control. Pricing available through direct inquiry.Official website and news releases
Research & Development PartnershipsGrant-funded or customCollaborations for custom biocontrol solutions, supported by NSF grants and private investments.—
Commercial ProductsCustom quote
Sprayable nematode pheromone solutions like Nemastim™ for agricultural pest control. Pricing available through direct inquiry.
Official website and news releases
Research & Development PartnershipsGrant-funded or custom
Collaborations for custom biocontrol solutions, supported by NSF grants and private investments.

How Does Pheronym Compare to Competitors?

FeaturePheronymMarrone Bio InnovationsBecker UnderwoodCertis USA
Core FunctionalityNematode pheromones for insect & plant pest controlMicrobial biopesticidesBiological seed treatmentsBiopesticides & beneficial insects
Pricing (starting price)Custom quote$50-200/acre$20-100/acreCustom quote
Free Tier AvailabilityNoNoNoNo
Enterprise FeaturesField-tested with USDAEPA registered productsLarge-scale ag focusCrop-specific solutions
API Availability
Integration CountCompatible with IPM programsMultiple crop typesSeed treatment focusWide crop range
Support OptionsDirect company contactAg extension servicesTechnical supportField specialists
Security Certifications—EPA/FDA compliantEPA compliantEPA registered
Core Functionality
PheronymNematode pheromones for insect & plant pest control
Marrone Bio InnovationsMicrobial biopesticides
Becker UnderwoodBiological seed treatments
Certis USABiopesticides & beneficial insects
Pricing (starting price)
PheronymCustom quote
Marrone Bio Innovations$50-200/acre
Becker Underwood$20-100/acre
Certis USACustom quote
Free Tier Availability
PheronymNo
Marrone Bio InnovationsNo
Becker UnderwoodNo
Certis USANo
Enterprise Features
PheronymField-tested with USDA
Marrone Bio InnovationsEPA registered products
Becker UnderwoodLarge-scale ag focus
Certis USACrop-specific solutions
API Availability
Pheronym—
Marrone Bio Innovations—
Becker Underwood—
Certis USA—
Integration Count
PheronymCompatible with IPM programs
Marrone Bio InnovationsMultiple crop types
Becker UnderwoodSeed treatment focus
Certis USAWide crop range
Support Options
PheronymDirect company contact
Marrone Bio InnovationsAg extension services
Becker UnderwoodTechnical support
Certis USAField specialists
Security Certifications
Pheronym—
Marrone Bio InnovationsEPA/FDA compliant
Becker UnderwoodEPA compliant
Certis USAEPA registered

How Does Pheronym Compare to Competitors?

vs Marrone Bio Innovations

Pheronym produces nematode pheromones that enhance the biocontrol efficiency of nematodes, while Marrone produces a broad spectrum of microbially-based biopesticides. Pheronym has unique pheromone patents; however, it has less funding than Marrone ($2.17M vs Marrone's market position) and is an early-stage company.

Pheronym is best suited for nematode specific pest control applications; Marrone is best suited for various microbial pest control options.

vs Becker Underwood (Basf)

Pheronym is targeting nematodes that are enhanced by pheromones to kill pests, while Becker is focusing on biological seed treatments with a much larger market share than Pheronym. Pheronym can produce climate smart field efficacy even in cold weather.

Pheronym is primarily used for pest control applications for foliar and in field applications, while Becker is primarily used for seed protection.

vs Certis USA

Both companies are involved in biocontrol, and Pheronym's innovation is that their products contain nematode pheromones that have been tested in peer reviewed scientific journals (five papers); however, Certis has a broader portfolio of biopesticides. Pheronym has received grant funding for its research and development and is at an earlier stage of development than Certis.

Pheronym provides innovative nematode technologies, while Certis provides established product ranges.

vs Vestaron Corporation

Pheronym uses nematode pheromones to control pests, while Vestaron is developing peptide based insecticides. Both companies are developing sustainable biopesticides; however, Pheronym's technology is enhancing existing nematodes rather than providing new active ingredients.

Pheronym is working to enhance the effectiveness of its biocontrol partners, while Vestaron is producing stand-alone bioinsecticides.

What are the strengths and limitations of Pheronym?

Pros

  • Peer-reviewed efficacy – five published scientific studies show that Pheronym's Nemastim enhances the effectiveness of nematodes when compared to unenhanced nematodes against certain pests such as the pecan weevil.
  • Climate resilience – Pheronym's pheromones are effective in colder temperatures, which extends the geographic area where Pheronym's products can be applied.
  • Sustainable solution – Pheronym's technology reduces the use of chemical pesticides because it enhances the effectiveness of biological nematodes.
  • Patented technology – Pheronym holds three patents including a patent for a composition of matter of a nematode dispersant.
  • USDA validated – Pheronym's research was conducted by USDA-ARS scientists.
  • Cost-effective for farmers – Pheronym's technology is cost-effective for farmers because it does not require additional infrastructure to enhance the effectiveness of the farmer's existing nematodes.
  • Eco-friendly pheromones – Pheronym's pheromones target specific pests and are environmentally friendly because they do not harm the crop or other beneficial organisms.

Cons

  • Pheronym is currently in an early commercial stage – Pheronym has received grant funded support (Stage Grant-V) and has not yet penetrated a large portion of the market.
  • Pheronym is available for custom pricing only – Pheronym does not provide a transparent price structure and will only sell their products directly to customers who contact them.
  • Target market — Only nematode-compatible applications, not broad-spectrum
  • Funding — Approximately $2.17 million in funding, less than established competitors in the ag-biotech space
  • Deployment issues — Real-world variability can reduce effectiveness despite lab results
  • Regulatory barriers — Slower approval process for biopesticides compared to chemical pesticides
  • Scale challenges — Start-up capability could potentially be limited to small acreages of initial production

Who Is Pheronym Best For?

Best For

  • Commercial farmers using beneficial nematodes — Nemastim has demonstrated significant increases in efficacy, dispersal and foraging, based on five published, peer-reviewed articles.
  • Organic and regenerative agriculture operations — Climate smart pest control will allow growers to use less or no chemical pesticides.
  • Pecan, nut, and orchard growers — Has been validated against multiple types of crop pests including pecan weevils at lower temperature ranges (cooler).
  • IPM programs seeking biological enhancements — Can be used as part of an Integrated Pest Management program and enhance the effectiveness of current biological control programs.
  • Ag researchers and extension services — Supported by research conducted through the USDA-ARS and has been tested in a space environment.

Not Suitable For

  • Small-scale home gardeners — Pricing for commercial agriculture customers will be customized; customers should also look into purchasing nematodes directly.
  • Chemical pesticide reliant conventional farms — Biological controls require a transition to IPM practices; it will likely be best suited for progressive growers.
  • Row crop farmers (corn, soy) — Is focused on the use of beneficial nematodes for specialty crops and nematode pests; customers may want to consider using a broader range of bio-insecticides.
  • Budget-constrained operations — Price structure for Nemastim has yet to be determined, but price may be higher than commodity prices for nematodes.

Are There Usage Limits or Geographic Restrictions for Pheronym?

Target Pests
Compatible with beneficial nematodes; specific to nematode-susceptible insects like pecan weevils
Application Conditions
Effective in field trials including colder weather; optimal with proper nematode strains
Geographic Availability
US-based (California), field trials focus on US crops
Scale
Commercial deployment scaling from research/grant stage
Regulatory Status
Patented technology; EPA biopesticide registration process applicable
Compatibility
Enhances entomopathogenic nematodes; not standalone pesticide

Is Pheronym Secure and Compliant?

EPA Biopesticide ComplianceDevelops products for agricultural use following biopesticide regulatory pathways.
Peer-Reviewed ValidationFive independent studies including USDA-ARS research confirm safety and efficacy.
Sustainable Agriculture FocusReduces chemical pesticide use; climate-resilient formulation tested in field conditions.
Patented Formulations3 granted patents including nematode dispersant for biological pest control.
Targeted Pest ControlSpecies-specific pheromones minimize non-target effects on crops and beneficials.
USDA Research PartnershipCollaborative studies with USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists.

What Customer Support Options Does Pheronym Offer?

Channels
Direct contact via website (info@pheronym.com)Company contact availableProduct announcements and research updates
Hours
Business hours (Woodland, CA)
Response Time
Direct inquiry-based for commercial/agricultural customers
Satisfaction
Positive peer-reviewed research validation (5 studies)
Specialized
Field trial support and USDA researcher collaborations
Business Tier
Commercial ag focus with research partnership backing
Support Limitations
•Primary focus on B2B agricultural customers, not retail
•Early-stage company; support scales with commercial deployment
•Custom solutions require direct sales engagement

What APIs and Integrations Does Pheronym Support?

API Type
No public API available. Pheronym is a biotechnology company focused on pheromone-based pest control products, not software services.
Authentication
Not applicable - no developer API or integrations documented.
Webhooks
No webhooks supported.
SDKs
No official SDKs available.
Documentation
No API documentation found on official website or developer portals.
Sandbox
No sandbox or testing environment available.
SLA
No API uptime guarantees - product-based company.
Rate Limits
Not applicable.
Use Cases
N/A for API integrations; focuses on agricultural biopesticide applications.

What Are Common Questions About Pheronym?

Pheronym is an ag-biotechnology company that was formed in 2017 and specializes in developing pheromone-based solutions for sustainable agricultural pest control. These solutions utilize beneficial nematodes to attack insect pests and repel plant-parasitic nematodes from plants. The technology is friendly to bees and supports environmentally friendly farming methods.

Nemastim is a pheromone that stimulates the movement and efficacy of beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes to attack crop pests such as the pecan weevil. This stimulates greater movement and aggression of the nematodes even at lower temperatures below 10°C. Additionally, the efficacy of Nemastim has been confirmed in five peer reviewed articles.

A pheromone-based seed treatment called pherocoat is an insect repellent that sends a signal to parasitic nematodes (such as root knot nematodes) about the plant they have infested, so they do not continue to damage the crop. Sedentary nematodes can cause significant loss to various crops.

Yes, all Pheronym products are bee safe and utilize behavior modification of nematodes to provide targeted pest control. Pheronym’s products also help to promote soil health through the reduction of chemical pesticides, which promotes biodiversity within the soil. These approaches are both climate smart and sustainable.

Pheronym utilizes natural nematode pheromones to deliver targeted, eco-friendly pest management solutions that do not contain broad spectrum toxic chemicals. Additionally, Pheronym enhances the performance of beneficial nematodes while deterring the activity of harmful nematodes. These eco-friendly alternatives have been demonstrated through peer reviewed research to be effective in creating safer agroecosystems.

Pheronym has received $2.17 million in funding, including its most recent $1 million grant awarded last year. In addition to other investors, Pheronym has received funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Pheronym is currently classified as a Grant-V stage company and is headquartered in Woodland, CA.

There is no publicly available information regarding free trial periods for Pheronym products. However, Pheronym appears to be targeting large-scale commercial farmers. Interested parties should contact Pheronym via its website for product availability, potential partnership opportunities, or possible trial opportunities. Research studies published in peer-reviewed journals support the effectiveness of Pheronym products.

Pheronym products specifically target various species of nematodes and pests. Efficacy of Pheronym products may be influenced by crop type, soil conditions, and temperature. Most of Pheronym's products target soil dwelling pests. Pheronym is scaling its production capabilities for broader commercial distribution as a relatively small ag biotechnology company.

Is Pheronym Worth It?

Pheronym provides novel nematode pheromone technologies for sustainable pest management that are supported by five peer-reviewed research studies that demonstrate efficacy against both insects and plant parasitic nematodes. Pheronym is a small ag biotech company with $2.17 million in grants to date, which is focused on delivering environmentally friendly agriculture practices. While Pheronym has a strong science based platform that positions it well for delivery of value to niche agricultural applications, there is limited publicly available information regarding the scope of its commercial activities.

Recommended For

  • Organic and sustainable farmers interested in chemical-free methods for managing pests in their fields
  • Crop growers dealing with nematode or pecan weevil infestations
  • Biotech companies involved in research and development of biopesticides
  • Organizations that want to create bee-friendly and climate-smart products

!
Use With Caution

  • Large-scale row-crop farms – pheromone-based products are mostly limited to high-value crops
  • Growers operating under extreme climatic conditions – efficacy has been demonstrated, but pheromone sensitivity to temperatures can be an issue
  • Operations working with a budget – while some funding may be available through grants, there could be higher costs associated with initial investment

Not Recommended For

  • Growers looking to immediately replace chemical pesticides for broad-spectrum uses
  • All non-agriculture or above ground pest control applications
  • Companies looking for full commercialized off-the-shelf products
Expert's Conclusion

Pheronym provides a strong option for all types of grower who want to work sustainably, for example, controlling nematodes and insects using pheromones as opposed to using chemicals.

Best For
Organic and sustainable farmers interested in chemical-free methods for managing pests in their fieldsCrop growers dealing with nematode or pecan weevil infestationsBiotech companies involved in research and development of biopesticides

What do expert reviews and research say about Pheronym?

Key Findings

Pheronym develops pheromones to manage nematodes for agriculture. For example, the product Nemastim enhances the effectiveness of beneficial nematodes, and Pherocoat repels parasitic nematodes from plants. The company has five peer-reviewed studies demonstrating efficacy in managing pecan weevils at low temperatures. Founded in 2017, received $2.17 million in grants and is located in Woodland, California. Pheronym is committed to developing bee-friendly and climate smart biopesticides to help lower the amount of chemicals used.

Data Quality

Fair - solid info from official site, CB Insights, F6S, and press releases; limited details on pricing, full product availability, customers, or roadmap as private early-stage ag-biotech.

Risk Factors

!
Early-stage company ($2 Million in grants)
!
A narrow focus on nematodes may hinder wider adoption
!
There is very little publicly available information about the commercialization of the company’s products
!
The company’s technology is dependent upon approval from government regulatory agencies for use in agriculture
Last updated: February 2026

What Additional Information Is Available for Pheronym?

Scientific Validation

Pheronym’s technology is based on five peer-reviewed papers, including articles published in Scientific Reports and Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. Studies have shown that pheromones such as ascarosides cause nematodes to disperse and maintain their effectiveness even when exposed to temperatures below 10°C. The company was mentioned in Frost & Sullivan’s Global Crop Protection Market report.

Leadership

Founded by Dr. Fatma Kaplan (CEO and pheromone expert for nematodes with a Ph.D.) and Cameron Schiller (COO). Dr. Kaplan has written the majority of the company’s key publications and has spoken at events such as Pitch Perfect and Boost the EU Bioeconomy 2025.

Patents

Has a U.S. patent (granted in 2020) for Nematode dispersant composition and method that is related to biological pest control, dosage levels, and agricultural insects, specifically for pheromone applications on beetles and pest management.

Collaborations

Conducted cooperative research with the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Investors have included USDA NIFA, USDA ARS, and AgStart. The cooperative partnerships are intended to develop pheromone technology for use in row crops and seed treatment.

Recent News

Published fifth peer-reviewed study (February of 2024) to confirm Nemastim's efficacy in controlling pecan weevils. CEO believes that Nemastim has a cost-effective, sustainable approach to pest control that reduces reliance on chemical pesticides.

What Are the Best Alternatives to Pheronym?

  • •
    Provivi: Utilizes synthetic pheromones as mating disruptors to manage row crop pests through pheromone-based pest control. More applicable to managing aerial insects rather than Pheronym's nematode-based products used to target nematodes in the soil; achieved commercial success in high-value crops. Most ideal for large-scale farmers who are expanding their operations from smaller, niche pests.
  • •
    Syngenta Biologicals: Offers both beneficial nematodes and biopesticides that include nematode products; larger scale than Pheronym's, however, less innovative by focusing on behavior targeted at nematodes. Most suitable for farmers that want to utilize proven, integrated bio-solutions.
  • •
    Bioline Agrosciences: Supplies entomopathogenic nematodes for insect control without the use of pheromones. A long-established supplier of diverse biocontrol agents compared to Pheronym's efficacy-enhancing technology. Most suitable for existing nematode users that do not require a pheromone enhancement.
  • •
    Marrone Bio Innovations: A leading biocontrol company that offers nematicides such as Venerate for the control of plant-parasitic nematodes. More product options and EPA registered products than Pheronym's early stage offerings. Most ideal for organic certified farmers that need a broad-spectrum solution for soil pests.
  • •
    Certis Biologicals: Sells nematode products including NemAttack for pests such as weevils, and does so without the use of pheromones. Reliable supply chain versus Pheronym's R & D focus. Most suitable for farmers that want to immediately deploy into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.

Materials Discovery Performance Metrics

High behavioral modulation through pheromones
Nematode Control Efficacy
Biotechnological pheromone production methodology
Synthesis Approach
Nontoxic plant and environmental safety
Toxicity Profile

Computational Modeling & Simulation Features

Pheromone Structure-Activity Prediction

Analysis of pheromone compounds for behavioral control of plant parasitic nematodes

Behavioral Modeling

Computational frameworks for predicting nematode response to pheromone stimuli

Data Integration & Standards Compliance

Research Methodology
Laboratory-based pheromone characterization and synthesis
Scientific Foundation
Peer-reviewed research in nematode biology and chemical ecology
Data Sources
Internal research programs and scientific literature

Industry-Specific Materials Discovery Use Cases

Industry SectorPrimary Use CaseMaterials FocusKey Performance TargetApplication Status
Agriculture & Plant ProtectionNematode pest managementPheromone compounds for plant parasitic nematodesNontoxic behavioral control without chemical residuesDevelopment and commercialization

Supported ML Frameworks & Technologies

Biochemical AnalysisPheromone SynthesisAgricultural BiotechnologyNematode Biology Research

Compliance, Security & Reproducibility Certifications

Agricultural Biotech Safety StandardsNontoxic formulations for plant and environmental safety
Scientific Research MethodologyLaboratory-based validation and peer-reviewed research
Sustainability FocusAlternative to chemical pesticides for agricultural applications

Open-Source Tools & Community Accessibility

Organization Type
Agricultural biotechnology startup
Leadership
Dr. Fatma Kaplan, Co-founder and CEO
Affiliation
Activate Berkeley Fellow and Cyclotron Road participant
Location
Davis, California
Research Training
Internship programs providing hands-on laboratory experience

Expert Reviews

📝

No reviews yet

Be the first to review Pheronym!

Write a Review

Similar Products

XtalPi
xtalpi.com
CuspAI
cusp.ai