OHP, Inc., a marketer of crop protection solutions for the production ornamentals market, announces a new partnership with Vestaron Corp.
Under the terms of the agreement, which becomes effective immediately, OHP will market Spear O, a greenhouse bioinsecticide that controls thrips, whiteflies and spider mites, pests that are regularly cited as toughest to control for greenhouse ornamental growers.
“We are excited to bring Spear O to the market as another tool for the greenhouse ornamental grower,” says OHP vice president and general manager Dan Stahl. “Whether a grower relies on a conventional or a biological insecticide approach, or a combination of the two, Spear O is a great choice.”
Vestaron is a privately held biotechnology company specializing in the development of safe and effective bioinsecticides derived from naturally occurring peptides.
“We are very enthusiastic about partnering with OHP to commercialize this product,” says Vestaron CEO John Sorenson. “OHP has a strong reputation in this segment of the market, and we expect the relationship to be a very fruitful one. I can’t think of a better company to bring the safety and effectiveness of this biological insecticide to growers throughout the U.S.”
Spear O should be used in much the same manner as other insect and mite control products, says OHP technical manager Carlos Bográn.
“Growers are accustomed to treating regularly for insect and mite control,” says Bográn. “We recommend that Spear O be used as part of a pest management program utilizing different products with dissimilar modes of action.”
Spear O is a toxin-derived bioinsecticide that provides effective control of the three aforementioned pests without harming honey bees, fish, birds, humans and other mammals.
“It’s the first time that a venom-peptide has been developed for use as a bioinsecticide,” says Bográn.
With a dual mode of action, resistance to the bioinsecticide is unlikely to develop.