Norman Collett Selects Exosect for Field Trials of Organically Grown Apple Varieties

Exosex CM trials on six new apple varieties supports consumer demand for organically produced English fruit.

(PRWEB) May 24, 2007 -- Exosect, a leading provider of environmentally conscious pest control today announced that its Exosex CM auto-confusion system for codling moth is being used by the specialist English top fruit marketers Norman Collett Limited for its trials into new, more disease-resistant varieties of organically grown apples. The results of this season's trials, conducted at farms in Kent and East Sussex will be published later this year.

"Here at Norman Collett, we work hard to reduce the amount of pesticides we use without compromising on quality," comments Technical Director, Nigel Jenner. "Demand for organic produce has never been greater and the performance of these disease resistant varieties is extremely important for the UK organic sector however, we still need to actively control the Coding moth and Exosex CM enables us to do this in place of a traditional spray programme".

Exosex CM uses a synthetic female sexual pheromone to attract male codling moth into a dispenser where Exosect's innovative Entostat™ powder, also combined with the pheromone, is located. The powder adheres to the males as they enter. The result: a state of 'Auto-Confusion™' - their sensors are overwhelmed, they cannot detect virgin females, they act as a false lure for other males, the mating cycle breaks down.

Exosex CM is registered to date for commercial use in the UK the US, New Zealand and South Africa. Its has been granted organic status with IFOAM affiliated organic certification bodies, The Soil Association, Organic Farmers & Growers Ltd,OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) and BioGro New Zealand Ltd.

Photography available at: www.mccint.com/photo_library/NormanCollett.jpg

Caption: Exosex CM dispenser in Norman Collett field trial

About Norman Collett

Norman Collett Limited, formed in 1977 specialises in marketing English top fruit to the multiple sectors. This produce is largely grown in Kent by the Producer Organisation, Mid-Kent Growers Ltd, together with several independent growers. This business relationship has been built on trust and good service over many years. For more information visit: www.normancollett.org.uk

About Exosect

Exosect Limited was formed in 2001 to commercialise innovative pest control technology developed at the Southampton University's School of Biological Sciences. Focussing primarily on R&D, Exosect has developed a range of delivery systems based on the concept of attractants and active ingredients formulated with patented powder carrier systems. Specialising in IPM based, environmentally acceptable pest control products, markets include crop protection (agriculture and horticulture), stored product, amenity landscape and public health. More on Exosect: www.exosect.com

Editor's Notes

Further information on Exosect - including interviews, demonstrations, users stories and site visits - is available from:

Graham Thatcher / Spencer Butt

Exosect Press Office at MCC International Ltd

Tel: 01962 888 100 / Fax: 01962 888125

URL: www.mccint.com

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