- MustGrow Biologics is building on positive results from testing of its mustard-based pest control product, with plans to develop a concentrated liquid form that it can market to the tobacco industry
- MustGrow’s focus on natural, safe and effective means of pest control positions it to meet the needs of the agricultural industry at a time when pesticide toxicity is an increasing concern to businesses and consumers
- MustGrow is also developing a suite of products that is expected to fill the organic pest control needs of the burgeoning cannabis industry
MustGrow Biologics Corp. (CSE: MGRO) is advancing its efforts to be a standard-bearer in the search for natural remedies to prevent pest damage in high value agricultural crops, including tobacco and cannabis, while news about chemical pesticide injuries continues to trouble the larger industry and its ancillary segments.
For years, MustGrow has been researching the effectiveness of organic mustard seed-based granules in fending off parasitic worms known as nematodes that harm tobacco industry productivity. These pests reduce statewide tobacco production by an estimated two percent each year in Virginia alone, according to a company news release (http://nnw.fm/yqX0h).
The company’s statement noted that the pre-plant granules resulted in significantly reduced nematode population density when applied at rates of more than 500 pounds per acre, and the findings are leading the company to develop a concentrated second-generation liquid formulation that could allow for lower usage amounts due to its higher concentration. As the new round of testing is completed on specific soilborne diseases, MustGrow intends to seek regulatory approvals for its formulation as an organic biopesticide that targets the needs of tobacco growers.
At the same time, MustGrow is hoping to expand on its fruit and vegetable pest control offerings by pulling together a suite of biological products from third parties, which the company aims to in-license and/or distribute for pests affecting licensed producers (LPs) in Canada’s burgeoning cannabis industry. Triangle Plant Science’s TP-1000, which improves nutrient effectiveness in plants to help them grow quicker and flower better, is the first third-party product adopted by MustGrow under its cannabis strategy. TP-1000 has shown its ability, in independent trials, to boost plant yield as well as terpene and THC levels, according to the company (http://nnw.fm/XCv84).
The importance of improving defenses against nematodes was demonstrated when Bayer announced July 30 that it has canceled plans for broad distribution of its NemaStrike Technology amid ongoing concerns about rashes in a small number of people exposed to the pesticide or treated products, according to Reuters (http://nnw.fm/ct5Ce).
The Reuters report noted that Monsanto, which was acquired by Bayer last year, had planned to launch its “blockbuster” Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved technology on up to eight million acres of crops in the United States during 2018, but called off the proposal following reports of rashing in some people.
An August 1 report on Brazil’s agricultural industry noted that the rising exporter is also beset by chemical pesticide concerns, with a potential international impact following the government’s adoption of a regulatory framework that identifies risk of death as the only criteria for determining how toxic pesticides may be labeled (http://nnw.fm/3G0No). The change accompanies reports of increasing exposure to toxic pesticides among rural residents who live near fields.
MustGrow’s focus on only using safe, natural products that are scientifically shown to be effective alternatives to chemicals positions the company to fill genuine, life-sustaining needs from the agricultural industry. Its products have been tested on a commercial scale and carry minimal regulatory concerns, having already been granted approvals by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.MustGrow.ca
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to MGRO are available in the company’s newsroom at http://nnw.fm/MGRO
About NetworkNewsWire
NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) NetworkNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, NNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. NNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, NNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. NNW is where news, content and information converge.
To receive SMS text alerts from NetworkNewsWire, text “STOCKS” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information please visit https://www.NetworkNewsWire.
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the NetworkNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by NNW, wherever published or re-published: http://NNW.fm/Disclaimer
NetworkNewsWire (NNW)
New York, New York
www.networknewswire.com
212.418.1217 Office
[email protected]
