Pessl Instruments Presents iSCOUT Popillia Add-on for Advanced Japanese Beetle Monitoring

Innovative Solution Enhances Japanese Beetle Detection and Protection for Farmers

Weiz, Austria – 19. 3. 2025, Pessl Instruments, a global leader in agricultural technology, is proud to introduce the iSCOUT^® Popillia, a specialized add-on designed to enhance the capabilities of iSCOUT^® Pheromone trap in combating the invasive Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica. The iSCOUT^® Popillia is an innovative solution developed as part of the EU-funded IPM Popillia – Popillia japonica project, in collaboration with numerous private, public and research partners. This add-on features a unique green funnel design that can hold on the P. japonica double lure above the opening of an iSCOUT^® Pheromone trap. Once attracted, the beetle falls into the trap and is efficiently retained by a slide mechanism and a sticky plate, preventing the insect from crawling out of the trap.

“Invasive species present a growing challenge to global agriculture, threatening food security, biodiversity, and farmers’ profits,”

begins Gottfried Pessl, CEO of Pessl Instruments.

“At Pessl Instruments, our mission is to equip farmers with cutting-edge solutions and innovative tools to combat these emerging threats. Being part of the project has confirmed the necessity of precise pest tracking, leading us to develop this add-on. Early detection will help mitigate the impact of such an invasive species in agriculture as the japanese beetle is.”

“During our research in Switzerland, Italy, France, and the Azore Islands, we saw firsthand how crucial it is to have a highly targeted monitoring tool for this particular beetle,”

added Victor Alfredo Zuniga Burgos.

“The iSCOUT^® Popillia specialized design, featuring a secure funnel and slide mechanism, ensures that beetles are effectively trapped, providing precise and real-time data on pest activity. This level of precision is vital for early detection and timely intervention. Not only that, it helps protect crops and reduce the economic impact of infestation.”

Mr. Zuniga concluded.

Japanese beetles are a growing concern across Europe, causing significant damage to various crops and ecosystems. By integrating the iSCOUT^® Popillia into pest management strategies, farmers can proactively monitor infestations, take time actions to mitigate risks, and help secure not only their crops, but the environment as well. Pessl Instruments invites farmers, agronomists, and researchers to integrate the iSCOUT^® Popillia to their pest control strategies to stay ahead of the Popillia japonica threat.

AVAILABILITY

The iSCOUT^® Popillia add-on is now available for purchase. For more information, contact us at [email protected].

Additionally, for expert and public monitoring with modern mobile Apps including AI species identification directly on smartphones/devices, our colleagues from SPOTTERON currently offer national stakeholders a 1-year free test period of the complete app toolkit. For more information, please reach out to [email protected] – they are happy to schedule an online meeting for a live demonstration.

About Pessl Instruments

For over 40 years, Pessl Instruments has been offering tools for informed decision-making. A complete range of wireless, solar powered monitoring systems under the METOS by Pessl Instruments brand, and an online platform FieldClimate, are applicable in all climate zones and can be used in various industries and for various purposes – from agriculture to research, hydrology, meteorology, flood warning, snow removal, sports turf, smart city and many more.

Over the years, METOS has become a global brand with local support and has managed to reach out to almost every corner of the world. The METOS brand lasts longer, performs better, is easier to use and offers you the lowest total cost of ownership. For more information about Pessl Instruments, visit www.metos.global.

Media contact:
Katja Sevšek
Marketing & PR
[email protected]