Econem™ Receives EPA Registration for Sting Nematode Control in Turf

September 15, 2009 – ALACHUA, Fla. – Pasteuria Bioscience (http://www.pasteuriabio.com) has received EPA registration for Econem™ biologicial nematicide for control of sting nematodes in turf.  This approval follows the first EPA approval in June for Pasteuria usgae, the active ingredient contained in Econem.  The product will initially be launched in Florida and select Southeastern states following state registrations.

“We’re very pleased to receive this EPA approval for Econem,” said Dave Duncan, chief executive officer for Pasteuria Bioscience. “Econem offers an effective, safe and sustainable solution against sting nematodes.”

Sting nematodes represent a major threat for golf courses throughout Florida and the Southeast.  Additionally, the Society of Nematology and other organizations estimate global crop losses due to nematodes at $100 billion annually making it agriculture’s largest unmet pest control need.

The active ingredient in Econem is based on Pasteuria spp., a class of naturally-occurring soil bacteria first discovered over 50 years ago and identified as an effective agent for nematode control.  Until recently, no one was able to manufacture Pasteuria on a commercial scale. Pasteuria Bioscience has developed a proprietary manufacturing method that allows multiple strains of Pasteuria to be manufactured through traditional fermentation methods.

Initial field trials conducted with Econem have shown it to significantly reduce root damage caused by sting nematodes thus improving turf density and stimulating new root development.