The world's first peptide-based plant-extract botanical pesticide. APVMA registered, 100% safe for bees, and built on more than 20 years of Australian and international research – revolutionising pest control and paving the way for a more sustainable agricultural future.
From unprecedented scientific findings to innovative product development, Sero-X® is revolutionising the agricultural industry as the world's first peptide-based plant-extract botanical pesticide – a plant-extract pest control product for the food and fibre industries in Australia and around the world.
More than 20 years of research sit behind it, including collaborations with some of the world's most respected plant scientists. It is an APVMA-registered crop protection product, formulated from a plant with exceptional pest behaviour-modifying and insecticidal properties – minimising damage from a wide range of insect pests across a broad range of target crops.
Sero-X's active component is known as Clitoria Ternatea Extract – widely-researched and world-renowned in the science sphere as the world's first approved active constituent to contain bioactive peptides, known as cyclotides. As ultra-stable peptides that boast an array of benefits for nature, agriculture and human health, cyclotides meet the challenge of providing environmentally-friendly, sustainable food security for an ever-growing global population.
It was the first new active constituent in its category to pass Australia's regulatory approval requirements for agricultural research and development. Research was conducted alongside institutions including:
Cyclotides are a variant of peptide. Peptides are small chains of amino acids – widely recognised as the building blocks of protein. While cyclotides are also comprised of a string of amino acids, they differ drastically in structure and functionality. Conventional peptides are naturally structured to have a distinctive starting point and ending point that are relatively susceptible to breaking apart. Cyclotides, on the other hand, join together at the ends to form a stable circle. As a result of this cyclic backbone, cyclotides are incredibly unique due to their stability and resistance to denaturation by thermal, chemical or enzymatic treatments.
Simply put, cyclotides are resilient enough to continue to perform their function even after they've been manipulated or extracted from the plant. Known as a Secondary Plant Protein, cyclotides are an invaluable find for the future of science and agriculture due to their ability to act as a defensive peptide that protects against pests. Studies have demonstrated a link between cyclotides and an extensive range of biological activities, including:
Due to the naturally potent insecticidal activity apparent in cyclotides, scientists believe they act as a plant host-defence agent. Current research suggests that a single plant may contain over a dozen cyclotides – with the potential to target various pests and pathogens simultaneously. With significant research, investment and trials dedicated to investigating the active constituents of Sero-X, the discovery of cyclotides and their application to agriculture is set to transform our approach to pest control on a global scale.
Want more information on our R&D and trials? While our findings and research are transparent, the extensive and detailed nature of our work means it isn't all displayed online. If you'd like access to our in-depth studies and trials, please contact us → or call 1800 440 438.
A little company from Australia changing the world – and saving the bees.
NEW: Research and Supply Permit PER93075 is now available for various pests in various crops. Note: restricted hectares and use patterns apply. Contact us to find out if your operation is a candidate →
Sero-X is suitable for use in certified organic production systems. It is an organic, non-synthetic extract offering equivalent or better results than many synthetic chemicals - without the environmental harm. View organic certification and R&D details →