MBI's Majestene wins EPA approval for nematode control

Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (MBI) said Thursday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved its new bionematicide, Majestene, for controlling nematodes (roundworms) on a wide range of agricultural crops.

Majestene provides growers with a new option for controlling nematodes by preventing root galling, inhibiting eggs from hatching and reducing population density, MBI said.

Majestene is nontoxic to birds, fish and most beneficial insects. Majestene is labeled for a variety of crops against nematodes such as cyst, sting, root knot and lance and is approved for usage in conventional and organic systems.

Nematodes are the cause of approximately $80 billion in damages to crops around the globe annually. 

"Today's growers are faced with ever-increasing regulatory restrictions on existing conventional products to reduce exposure to people nearby, to protect nontarget beneficial insects, to reduce air and water pollution, to ensure worker safety and to be export-ready," MBI Vice President of Sales Brian Ahrens said. "Growers who traditionally employ conventional nematicides for crop protection can now use Majestene , which has multiple modes of action, a low risk to beneficial insects and an exemption from residue tolerances. Majestene brings growers expanded options for an environmentally responsible and effective solution for managing pests in conventional and organic crops."