OHP, Inc., a marketer of crop protection solutions for the production ornamentals market, has announced a new partnership with Vestaron Corp. of Kalamazoo, Mich., and a new bioinsecticide.
Under the terms of the agreement effective immediately, OHP will market Spear O, a greenhouse bioinsecticide that controls thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites, according to a press release.
Vestaron is a privately-held biotechnology company that specializes in the development of safe and effective bioinsecticides derived from naturally-occurring peptides.
Spear O should be used in much the same manner as other insect and mite control products, notes Dr. Carlos Bográn, OHP technical manager.
“Growers are accustomed to treating regularly for insect and mite control. We recommend that Spear O be used as part of a pest management program utilizing different products with dissimilar modes of action,” says Dr. Bográn.
Spear O is a toxin-derived bioinsecticide that provides effective control of these three pests without harming honey bees, fish, birds, humans, and other mammals.
“It’s the first time that a venom-peptide has been developed for use as a bioinsecticide,” notes Dr. Bográn.
With a dual mode of action, resistance to the bioinsecticide is unlikely to develop, says Dr. Bográn.
More information may be found at ohp.com and vestaron.com.