Bayer expands M2i partnership to globally distribute pheromone-based biological crop protection, enhancing sustainable farming with low-residue, innovative solutions.
Bayer has announced an expansion of its strategic collaboration with French company M2i Group to globally distribute pheromone-based biological crop protection solutions. Building upon their successful partnership established in 2023, Bayer will now serve as the exclusive distributor of M2i’s pheromone gel products across new regions, including Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the United States. Previously, Bayer held distribution rights for selected M2i products in Europe and certain African markets, where the solutions targeted key pests like lepidoptera and other sucking insects in crops such as grapes, tomatoes, and various fruit varieties.
The extension of this agreement underscores Bayer’s commitment to advancing biological crop protection technologies that leave low or no chemical residues. Ralf Glaubitz, Head of the Crop Protection Product Team for Fungicides, Biologics, and Fruits & Vegetables at Bayer’s Crop Science division, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: “Our goal is to provide effective, low-residue alternatives that expand the crop protection toolbox for farmers. Strengthening our partnership with M2i aligns perfectly with this objective.”
M2i Group, a European leader in pheromone production, has pioneered a patented Press technology where pheromones are delivered in a thick, long-lasting gel via a pressurized system. This method allows direct and precise application to plants, offering advantages such as reusability of containers, elimination of plastic hangers or applicators, and significant waste reduction. Phillippe Guerret, CEO of M2i Group, highlighted the environmental benefits and user-friendliness of this innovation: “This green solution not only enhances pest control but also supports sustainability by minimizing plastic use and application time. We are thrilled to see it adopted on a global scale.”
Since the partnership began, Bayer and M2i have introduced products from the VYNYTY Press range throughout Europe and parts of Africa. For instance, the VYNYTY Tuta Press solution has proven successful for tomato growers in Morocco, Turkey, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. In Chile, the Press technology targeting Lobesia has undergone extensive field trials and is now commercially available for use on both table and wine grapes.
Bayer’s expansion of its biologics portfolio is part of a broader open innovation strategy, aiming to fuse internal R&D strength with the insights of external innovators. The integration of M2i’s pheromone solutions into Bayer’s digitally enabled pest control system is a reflection of this approach. These systems combine real-time pest monitoring, tailored biological and synthetic treatments, and timely application advisories—ensuring optimized pest management outcomes for growers.
With M2i’s expertise in complex molecule formulation and Bayer’s global distribution reach, the enhanced partnership aims to bring sustainable and effective crop protection tools to farmers worldwide.
