OHP partners with Vestaron, announces new product

OHP, Inc., a marketer of crop protection solutions for the production ornamentals market, has announced a new partnership with Vestaron Corp. of Kalamazoo, Mich., and a new bioinsecticide.

Under the terms of the agreement effective immediately, OHP will market Spear O, a greenhouse bioinsecticide that controls thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites, according to a press release. 

Vestaron is a privately-held biotechnology company that specializes in the development of safe and effective bioinsecticides derived from naturally-occurring peptides.

Spear O should be used in much the same manner as other insect and mite control products, notes Dr. Carlos Bográn, OHP technical manager.

Related: Vestaron's interest in spider venom has developed into an award-winning bioinsecticide that won’t harm honeybees

“Growers are accustomed to treating regularly for insect and mite control. We recommend that Spear O be used as part of a pest management program utilizing different products with dissimilar modes of action,” says Dr. Bográn.

Spear O is a toxin-derived  bioinsecticide that provides effective control of these three 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,” notes Dr. Bográn.

With a dual mode of action, resistance to the bioinsecticide is unlikely to develop, says Dr. Bográn.

More information may be found at ohp.com and vestaron.com.