News in Brief:
– Meristem has launched Guard X, an EPA-approved bioinsecticide using naturally occurring microbes to protect corn roots from corn rootworm.
– It offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional insecticides and is expected to save farmers about $2 million.
The recent approval of Guard X, a bioinsecticide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), marks a significant advancement in the battle against corn rootworm. This innovative product from Meristem offers a sustainable and effective solution for farmers worldwide, a news coverage says.
A new defense against corn rootworm
Guard X introduces a novel approach to managing the corn rootworm disease through a fully integrated planter box system. This bioinsecticide employs pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs), naturally occurring microbes, to activate the corn plant’s natural defenses. These microbes stimulate the plant to produce root discharge that repel the diseas-causing larvae, reducing root damage and promoting regrowth if damage occurs.
Fact: PPFMs are beneficial microbes that can survive in both the presence and absence of oxygen, making them versatile and effective in various soil conditions.
The company argues that their new product is beneficial because it offers a natural solution without the risks associated with chemical pesticides. It also ensures that beneficial microbes are protected until they reach their target in the soil. At less than $14 per acre, it is a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.
According to Meristem’s founder and CEO, Mitch Eviston, Guard X will be deployed on 200,000 acres with the aim of saving farmers approximately $2 million.
In addition, because crop rootworms are developing resistance to traditionl pesticides and even the new RNAi technology, Guard X provides a new control method that can be integrated into current farming practices without the need for additional equipment.
While the product is initially aimed at American farmers, its benefits can extend to farmers worldwide facing similar pest challenges. The use of bioinsecticides like Guard X aligns with global trends toward sustainable agriculture, reducing chemical inputs and promoting natural pest management solutions.
