FMC Launched Field Trials for RNA-Based Bioinsecticides
The research-stage technology aims to combat lepidopteran pests with RNA molecules that avoid harming beneficial insects.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Biotech
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FMC Corporation has advanced two RNA-based bioinsecticide candidates into global field trials across the United States, Brazil, and Asia. This research-stage development seeks to provide a targeted alternative to conventional crop-protection chemicals.
Why it matters
These candidates aim to mitigate lepidopteran pests, which are responsible for approximately $14 billion in annual global crop losses and control costs. By using RNA to target specific biological pathways, the technology is designed to manage resistance while minimizing impacts on non-target beneficial insects.
The bioinsecticides are engineered to act on specific biological pathways in pests like fall armyworms and diamondback moths. They have already met or exceeded performance benchmarks compared to conventional crop-protection chemistries in laboratory, greenhouse, and small-scale testing.
The players
FMC Corporation
A global agricultural sciences company based in Philadelphia that develops crop protection products including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
AgroSpheres
A biotechnology company focused on agricultural applications that utilizes its proprietary AgriCell platform to encapsulate and stabilize biological products.
The details
The technology leverages AgroSpheres' AgriCell platform, a system that encapsulates active biological material to prevent degradation. This delivery method protects the RNA-based molecules from environmental stressors such as heat, moisture, and ultraviolet exposure. By targeting precise genetic sequences in the insects, the treatment minimizes collateral damage to beneficial insect populations.
Timeline
2024: FMC and AgroSpheres initiated their collaboration.
September 2026: FMC moved the bioinsecticide candidates into global field trials.
The Tech Race
This effort marks a pivot toward precision agriculture where RNA-based biomolecules compete with established synthetic chemistries for efficacy and resistance management. FMC and AgroSpheres are currently evaluating how these new bioinsecticides can integrate with existing crop-protection workflows.
This development represents a research-stage project that is not yet available for commercial purchase or on-farm use. Future outcomes will depend on whether these candidates can consistently match the performance of conventional chemicals across large-scale field conditions.
The takeaway
The success of this approach hinges on the ability of RNA to maintain its integrity and efficacy when exposed to real-world agricultural environments. Investors and growers should track future field trial performance data to see if these candidates provide a viable pathway for large-scale pest management.
Further reading
For more on the current state of agricultural research, see our coverage of Biotech.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MyChesCo.
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Do you support the rapid expansion of experimental bioinsecticides into global agricultural field trials?
