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Biological pesticide manufacturer Becker Underwood has acquired Certis USA’s beneficial nematode business, the company announced Friday. Products included in this transaction are BioVector 355 and Millenium.
“This is an exciting addition to our existing beneficial nematode product line. It greatly strengthens our position and illustrates our commitment to remain the largest producer of beneficial nematodes in the world,” says Graeme Gowling, Becker Underwood’s global nematode business manager.
“This transaction gives Certis great comfort to know that the technology will now be stewarded by Becker Underwood, a leader in the manufacturing and marketing of high quality naturally occurring nematodes,” says Timothy Damico, vice president of sales and marketing, Certis USA.
The nematodes will be produced in Becker Underwood’s recently expanded fermentation facilities in Littlehampton, England.
Millenium biological insecticide is a naturally occurring insect parasitic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae, that seeks out and controls a wide range of pests including flea larvae, cutworms, banana moth and weevils in turf, and ornamentals.
BioVector, an insecticidal nematode product, contains the beneficial Steinernema riobravis (= riobrave) nematode. When applied to the soil, S. riobravis penetrates and releases a lethal bacterium directly into the larvae of blue-green citrus root weevils and Diaprepes weevils.
These products join a portfolio of beneficial nematodes already produced by Becker Underwood including, Nemasys (fungus gnats and western flower thrips), Nematac C (cranberry girdler), Nemasys L (vine weevil), Nemasys H (vine weevil), Nemasys M (sciarid fly), Nematac S (mole cricket adults), Nemasys T (leaf miner) and Nemaslug (slugs).
