This article was updated May 2025.
Mating disruption has significantly improved the effectiveness of Integrated Pest Management programs in multiple crop systems. Among the different types of pheromone delivery systems, sprayable pheromones stand out as a precision solution for suppressing pest populations. Understanding the science behind these microencapsulated technologies, from their controlled release to environmental stability, is essential for growers and PCAs looking to get the most out of their applications.
A Brief History of Sprayable Mating Disruption
Sprayable pheromones have existed for over three decades. The first sprayable pheromone product was registered in 1989 for control of pink bollworm in cotton. Suterra registered its first sprayable formulation for tomato pinworm in 1996. Since then, we’ve expanded our global portfolio to include over a dozen sprayable pheromone products suitable for use in organic and conventional production.
Suterra’s commitment to continual innovation in this space has resulted in highly effective sprayable pheromone products used successfully by growers in numerous cropping systems globally.
What Differentiates Suterra’s Sprayable Pheromone Products?
Suterra’s CheckMate® and Subvert® sprayable product lines are microencapsulated pheromone formulations used to disrupt pest mating cycles. Each formulation contains two primary components:
Each microcapsule acts as a microscopic dispenser. When growers apply CheckMate® sprayable, they are distributing billions of microscopic dispensers to their field. Suterra’s CheckMate® sprayable products are designed to function in all climates, disrupting mating for many weeks after application.
The reliability of these products is a result of our in-house team of chemists and engineers. They maintain quality control for every batch to ensure a consistent, sustained release profile that provides the results growers expect.
Incorporating Sprayable Pheromones into an Integrated Pest Management Program
Suterra’s sprayable pheromone technology is available for a range of different pests and crop systems. Our CheckMate® and Subvert® sprayable product lines include solutions for pests such as:
Using sprayable mating disruption as the foundation of an integrated pest management (IPM) program offers growers several benefits.
Unlike many conventional pesticides, complete foliar coverage and direct contact or ingestion by the pest is not required due to the mode of action of mating disruption. Once your microcapsules are sprayed into the environment, the pheromone active ingredient becomes airborne disrupting the males ability to locate females.
This characteristic is what allows CheckMate applications to be applied in a variety of ways with consistent performance. CheckMate® sprayable pheromones can be applied via ground or air (using traditional or novel equipment like drones), at ultra-low volumes (<5 gallons per acre), at faster speeds, and can be tank mixed with common agrochemicals.
It is important to note that in capsule suspension formulations, microcapsules may form a “cake layer” at the top of the bottle. This is completely normal and signals a quality formulation. CheckMate® bottles should be shaken vigorously to re-combine before application.
Sprayable Pheromones versus Traditional Insecticides
Although microencapsulated pheromones are sprayed on like many insecticides, they are unique in that they offer the preventative mating disruption mode of action. CheckMate® sprayable pheromones are unparalleled in the sprayable toolkit for pest management. They have a long-lasting residual activity of several weeks, zero to four hours re-entry interval (REI), zero pre-harvest interval (PHI), and exemption from maximum residue limits (MRLs).
Sprayable pheromones seamlessly integrate with and complement various tactics of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, including biocontrol and insecticides. Their inclusion enhances any program by promoting improved yield and quality, resistance mitigation, and the protection of biodiversity which includes vital species like pollinators and natural predators.
Continued use of sprayable pheromones may also allow for the reduction of other pest management inputs, such as insecticides. Always consult your pest or crop adviser when making decisions about your operation's Integrated Pest Management program.
How Often Should Sprayable Pheromones be Applied to Nut Crops?
Sprayable products are most effective when timed at key crop phenology stages to disrupt crucial periods of the pest’s reproductive cycle. Growers should aim to apply CheckMate® NOW-F sprayable pheromone in nut crops at least twice per season. Growers receive a unique set of benefits depending on when they chose to apply:
Spring Mummy Spray – Maximum Benefit
Hull Split Spray – Excellent In-Season Protection
Harvest Spray – Unique Late-Season Advantage
For more information about our sprayable pheromone products, please send us a message, or contact the Suterra key account manager for your region. Our experts are happy to help!
Suterra is a global leader in pheromone mating disruption for sustainable pest control.