Nuvilex has received the final report from its Phase 2 microplot trials investigating the use of Oraphyte as an all-natural nematicide for the turfgrass market with results supporting the commercial viability of the product.
Over the past three years, nematologist and plant pathologist Edward McGawley, Ph.D., of the Louisiana State University's Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter) has investigated the use of Oraphyte on several species of turfgrass, including St. Augustine turfgrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis).
During the summer of 2009, McGawley and his team of researchers applied
Oraphyte to the soil of microplots that contained bermudagrass and creeping bentgrass. The primary goals of the Phase 2 microplot trials were to determine if Oraphyte could substantially reduce the populations of six nematode genera while causing minimal damage to the blades and root structures of turfgrass. Results from the Phase 2 microplot trials indicate that one treatment of 7 percent Oraphyte is able to reduce the nematode population while causing little or no damage to the blades and root structures of turfgrass. Further turf studies with Oraphyte are underway in a recreational golf environment.
"With these results in hand, we are able to work toward finalizing our ongoing discussions with a Fortune 100 company, as well as other private companies operating in the pesticide industry that have expressed an interest in licensing the Oraphyte product for other crop-related uses," stated Martin Schmieg, chairman and CEO of Nuvilex. "Our objective is to establish a long-term licensing agreement for the marketing and sale of Oraphyte, and with every favorable test result we receive, we move closer to making this goal a reality."
