Results from Nuvilex's ongoing sponsored research studies indicate that Oraphyte can control nematode infestation pre-plant and post-plant in several species of turfgrass.
In the coming months Nuvilex intends to initiate trials on golf course greens in the Southeastern United States under conditions that are most optimal for turfgrass growth. These commercial studies will determine and validate Oraphyte's usage requirements and application specifications.
From 2007 to 2009, nematologist Edward McGawley, Ph.D. of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter) has investigated the use of Oraphyte as an all-natural nematocide for turfgrass. Initial greenhouse and Phase 1 microplot experiments conducted in 2007 and 2008 demonstrated that Oraphyte could control populations of nematodes in turfgrass; however, early formulations appeared to be phytotoxic.
From May to August 2009, Phase 2 microplot experiments conducted at the LSU AgCenter included the application of an improved Oraphyte formula to six nematode genera that were added to the soil of Agrostis tolonifera (Penn G2 Bentgrass) and Cynodon (Bermudagrass). Both species of turfgrass were grown in microplots in a controlled environment. Each microplot contained approximately 15-35 kg of soil and approximately 1.7 square feet of turfgrass.
Preliminary results showed that the new and improved formulations caused a statistically significant reduction in the number of nematodes that remained in the soil upon the completion of the experiment. In addition, Oraphyte, as determined by measuring the mean cumulative turfgrass clipping weights, does not appear to be phytotoxic to turfgrass. The cumulative grass clipping weights of microplots that received Oraphyte were not statistically different from the controls that received no pesticide and no nematodes. The final report on the LSU Phase 2 microplot trials will be issued on or before October 31.
"The transition from laboratory to commercial testing for Oraphyte is a very important step in the product's evolution to market launch," said Martin Schmieg, chairman and CEO of Nuvilex, Inc. "The demand for an all-natural, eco-friendly nematocide amongst golf course superintendents and farmers continues to increase as the number of EPA-registered synthetic nematocides decreases. We anticipate, with continuing positive test results, that the market acceptance of Oraphyte as a major product in the new eco-friendly pesticide market will be strong."
Nuvilex plans to register Oraphyte with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in two phases: Nuvilex will first register Oraphytewith the EPA as a pesticide for use on terrestrial, non-food crops, followed by pesticide registration for use on high-value crops (e.g., terrestrial food crop use) such as soybeans and sugar cane.