Certis USA got Canadian registration for CYD-X insecticidal virus

Date:08-10-2011

The biopesticide company Certis USA selects Engage Agro of Guelph, Ontario to distribute CYD-X insecticidal virus in Canada. CYD-X (active ingredient: Cydia pomonella granulovirus) is used by conventional and organic growers to control codling moth, the number one pest of apples and pears worldwide. It is the first Certis USA product to be registered for use in Canada.

"With Engage Agro, we've found an ideal partner and steward for our first Canadian product," said Tim Damico, VP NAFTA for Certis USA. "Engage Agro was founded to help get more active ingredients into the hands of specialty ag growers. CYD-X will enable and provide the apple and pear grower with more options to control codling moth larvae. And CYD-X offers them a sound resistance management strategy, ability to manage residue limits, and preserve the environmental integrity often found in an integrated pest management system."

Engage Agro's Commercial Sales Manager Don Surgeoner, said, "I agree with Tim. The natural chemistry of the Certis products fit so many aspects of pest management in Canada today. CYD-X is an excellent example. It has been used successfully in the U.S. for years. It is the best formulated insecticidal virus on the market. Its novel active ingredient gives growers flexibility-they can use it for organic production, in IPM programs, or use it tank mixed in a conventional control program. It's an excellent technology, and coupled with the in-field knowledge of Engage Agro, we expect it will be well received by our apple and pear growers."

CYD-X contains a naturally occurring virus that infects and kills the larvae of the codling moth (Cydia pomonella). The virus is host specific. It does not infect beneficial insects, fish, wildlife, livestock or humans.