Will spider venom peptides replace neonicotinoids?

​Rich Keller, Editor, Ag Professional  |   October 10, 2013

The European Commission’s impending two-year ban on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides could have a major positive financial impact on some companies developing alternatives to these pesticides, claims Lux Research.

The ban is stimulating interest in biopesticides as an alternative approach to pest control for crops, and the research company contends one company, Vestaron, is positioned for big growth.

“With a 25 percent share of the $16 billion global insecticide market, neonicotinoids will leave a gaping hole in their wake. Vestaron is well-positioned to fill the gap, and its spider venom peptides are set for U.S. EPA approval by year’s end,” Lux Research reported.

Scouting for industry innovators to give companies heads up on new growth areas and novel markets is part of what Lux Research does. The researchers “combed through the 415 companies they profiled in the third quarter of 2013 to select 10 firms whose performance points to a near-term growth opportunity.” Vestaron was the agricultural industry company listed and was third in the top 10.
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There has been little public news about Vestaron in the U.S., but we should be hearing more soon.