Exosect Launch Organically Certified Exosex CM in New Zealand

Apple and pear growers to benefit from innovative mating disruption technology.

(PRWEB) February 10, 2007 -- Exosect, a leading provider of environmentally conscious insect pest control, today announced the launch and organic certification of Exosex CM in New Zealand with Organic certification body, Bio-Gro NZ. Following successful launches in the UK, US and most recently in South Africa, Exosect is expanding into the Asia Pacific region, working in conjunction with Agronica New Zealand Ltd, a subsidiary of leading global chemical manufacturer Makhteshim-Agan Industries.

Exosex CM is used to control the population of the Codling Moth, a destructive global pest of apples and pears. It is an innovative mating disruption solution, engineered to effectively reduce the population of the Codling Moth when used as part of an integrated pest management strategy.

"The Exosex CM system was trialled in the Hawkes Bay area of New Zealand, where it was compared to a traditional mating disruption product and a chemical regime on Royal Gala and Braeburn," said Bryce Simpson, Commercial Manager of horticulture at Agronica Ltd. "We are very impressed with the performance of the product. Exosex CM gave the same level of control as a traditional mating disruption product and a chemical regime. The trials also revealed that the system takes up to 70% less time to deploy per hectare than the comparative mating disruption product."

Martin Brown, Managing Director at Exosect comments, "It is an exciting time for Exosect as we enter new global markets. We have been very happy with the success of Exosex CM in the UK, US and South Africa and fully expect to break into other new markets in the near future."

How Exosex CM works
Exosex CM requires only 25 dispensers per hectare each of which contain a synthetic female Codling moth pheromone, which is formulated with Exosect's unique and natural Entostat powder. The system works by luring males into the dispensers using the female pheromone, once they enter, the Entostat powder adheres strongly to the bodies of the male. The sensors of the coated moths are overwhelmed which means that they are unable to detect females, and therefore do not mate. They also act as a false lure for other moths and the mating cycle is disrupted, resulting in fewer caterpillars emerging to cause apple and pear damage. The technique is simple and helps to reduce the use of chemical spraying.

Exosex CM has already been registered for commercial use in the UK and in the US, where it has been granted organic status with IFOAM affiliated organic certification bodies the Soil Association, Organic Farmers & Growers Ltd and OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute).

About Exosect
Exosect Limited was formed in 2001 to commercialise patented innovative pest control technology. Focussing primarily on R&D, Exosect has developed a range of delivery systems based on the concept of attractants and active ingredients, including biologicals, 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 888 125

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