Swiss company Vegalab's latest natural product to combat nematodes has proven successful in applications to horticultural crops and turf, offering an alternative to what it described as 'harsh chemicals' that might kill beneficial microorganisms.

A company release said initial compatibility testing for the product Nematode Control on a wide range of crops including tomatoes, cucumbers, melons and strawberries showed over 80% efficacy.

By incorporating Geranium extract geraniol, the product minimizes root knot nematodes and the egg hatching of phytonematodes by disrupting their feeding and reproduction process, with the added benefits of enhancing plant disease resistance, stimulating root growth and promoting improved plant health.

Jill Duggan, who heads up North American arm Vegalab LLC, was optimistic for the crop protector's potential.

"Nematode Control is truly a champion product because it has so many ecological and business benefits. We are helping our clients keep their customers; people go to golf courses because of the lush landscape and we are helping keep the turf beautiful without using harmful chemicals," she said.

"We have achieved remarkable results the safe and natural way which is the essence of Vegalab.

"The agriculture and gardening markets will continue to see that Vegalab and Supreme Growers organic, all-natural products really work."

The release said "incredible results" had been seen in Asia and in Costa Rica, where farmers applied the solution on pineapple and rice crops.

"Nematode Control’s success has opened doors to new markets including Wisconsin, California, North Carolina, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Vegalab plans to continue expansion throughout the US and Latin America, the Caribbean, and around the world," the release said.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com