Biosys has arranged with the Ortho division of ChevronChemical Corp. to market Biosys' nematode pesticide beginningnext spring.

Privately held Biosys, based in Palo Alto, Calif., has developednematodes in a shelf-stable form and has sold the product forthe past three years. The nematodes parasitize the soil-dwelling larvae of many agricultural pests.

The agbiotech company just received a process patent on itsmanufacturing technology to produce large numbers of thesoil-dwelling worms at low cost, said Bruce Fielding, thecompany's chief financial officer.

Fielding told BioWorld, "We will manufacture for the consumerlawn and garden market, and (Ortho) will sell our product on anexclusive basis in the U.S."

The Ortho Consumer Products Division will be licensed to usethe Biosys registered trade name BioSafe for the pesticide.Ortho will market BioSafe as part of its Orthoganics line,Fielding said.

The nematodes still have a limited shelf life, but can surviveshipping and storage through the Biosys technology, saidFielding.

The company recently concluded an agreement with Ciba-Geigyfor the professional turf and ornamental market. -- RobertaFriedman, Ph.D.

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