- Alternatives to potato sprout inhibition in critical need as U.S. moves towards eliminating CIPC
- CIPC, leading agrochemical product used for sprout suppression, was banned by EU in October
- MGRO’s patent focused on controlling vegetable, potato sprouting without harmful synthetic chemicals
MustGrow Biologics (CSE: MGRO) (OTCQB: MGROF) (FRA: 0C0) has been granted an exclusive patent licensing from the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho (
https://ibn.fm/vW2Ag). The patent is in connection with a natural biopesticide mustard-based treatment of stored produce and other foods. The ability the treatment may have for sprout suppression of potatoes is gaining particular interest in Idaho, which is the largest producer of potatoes in the country.
“Alternatives to potato sprout inhibition are in critical need as the U.S. moves towards eliminating CIPC,” said MustGrow’s recently appointed scientific advisor, Dr. Matthew J. Morra, a leading world expert on value-added products derived from oilseeds. “Mustard-derived biopesticides rely on a natural sprout inhibitor that meets the needs of the potato industry without the negative human health consequences of current synthetic sprout inhibitors.”
CIPC, or chlorpropham, is the leading agrochemical product used for sprout suppression, which is a critical element of potato storage. However, the chemical was banned by the European Union in October. Morra, a professor emeritus of soil biochemisty at the University of Idaho, is one of three inventors listed on MustGrow’s new patent. Potential for the patent is promising, with the current annual European sprout suppression market estimated at $64 million; globally the market is forecast to top $100 million.
The recent ban could have a significant impact on that market, as potato farmers will be forced to refrigerate their produce. That alone could increase costs by an estimated $150 million each year in the EU, an increase most consider unsustainable. Growers are eager to identify alternative solutions.
As a result, MustGrow’s exclusive licensing from the University of Idaho, which was granted earlier this year, has taken on added importance. Titled “Mustard Meal to Inhibit Sprouting,” the patent makes matter and method claims to use the mustard plant’s active ingredient,
allyl isothiocyanate, in its efforts to control vegetable and potato sprouting without the use of harmful synthetic chemicals.
MustGrow is working on providing options for the food-storage industry, particularly potatoes and grains, that combine its expertise in mustard-derived AITC with its newly secured patent. In this effort, the company has identified potential partners in relevant global regions based on food product characteristics and economics.
MustGrow is an agriculture biotech company focused on providing natural, science-based biological solutions for high-value crops, including fruits and vegetables. MustGrow has designed and owns a U.S., EPA-approved natural solution that uses the mustard seed’s natural defense mechanism to protect plants from pests and diseases. More than 110 independent tests have been completed validating MustGrow’s safe and effective signature products. The product, in granule format, is EPA-approved across all key U.S. states and by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (“PMRA”) as a biopesticide for high-value crops such as fruit and vegetables. MustGrow has now concentrated a liquid format, called TerraMG, which, with regulatory approval, could be applied through standard drip or spray equipment, improving functionality and performance features.
For more information, visit the company’s website at
www.MustGrow.ca.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to MGROF are available in the company’s newsroom at
https://ibn.fm/MGROF
