Wednesday, July 27, 2011: 10:00 AM
Grand Couteau, 5th fl (Sheraton New Orleans)
Annual crop losses due to plant-parasitic nematodes are estimated to be over $5 billion in the US and globally over $100 billion. Chemical nematicides such as the soil fumigant methyl bromide have provided protection to crops but because of its recognition as an ozone layer depletor, it was phased out of the market in 2005. Additionally, 1,3-Dichloropropene has toxic effects and has been labeled a probable human carcinogen by the US EPA. As an alternative to these restricted-use pesticides, Pasteuria Bioscience, Inc has developed a natural and specific nematicide comprising bacterial spores of Pasteuria spp., which parasitize their nematode hosts. Following the successful launch of their initial product Econem® for control of turf damaging nematodes, PBI has entered a new research agreement to develop Pasteuria-based products for additional crops.