Ecospray gains EU registration for garlic nematode deterrent

The protective force of garlic is the stuff of legend, but it has a sound scientific basis. Now, Ecospray, has gained European Union plant protection product (PPP) registration for its Nemguard product, which uses garlic extract to repel nematodes in potatoes and other root crops.

Peter McDonald, CEO of Ecospray Limited, says that EU registration is a long and expensive process.

“Ecospray has developed a stabilised formulation of garlic extract containing a defined fingerprint of different polysulfide molecules. It is this achievement that has enabled Nemguard to be registered as a plant protection product within the European Union as well as other territories across the world.”

Highly specific to parasitic nematodes

Polysulfides are produced when the garlic is crushed, they are lipophilic and so can pass through the cuticle of the pest and interfere with its metabolism. A cascade of chemical reactions result in oxidative stress and the death of the pest. The complex mode of action means that it is unlikely to trigger resistance.

By creating a stablised formulation, Nemguard is highly specific to parasitic nematodes, sparing beneficial microfauna in the soil. This has been qualified by the De Vega Group at the Earlham Institute . It has been working with Ecospray on the development of Nemguard and is using metagenomics – a study of the diversity of the soil microbiome – to understand the impact on the soil microbial community.

Peter continues: “We have been conducting extensive trials on a range of crops such as carrots, parsnips, potatoes as well as glasshouse crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and melons and Nemguard has demonstrated efficacy as a soil applied treatment on pathogenic nematodes.”

“Of particular interest are recent trials with Niab where we have undertaken a first season on potato evaluation.”