Effective foliar spray now used to combat soil diseases of ornamentals and greenhouse crops

AgraQuest recently announced that Rhapsody Biofungicide is now labeled for both foliar and soil disease treatments of ornamental and greenhouse crops. The popular disease control product, often used for the prevention and treatment of foliar fungal and bacterial diseases in bedding plants, potted flowers, and other ornamental and greenhouse crops, can now be applied as a drench to treat devastating soil-borne diseases such as Rhizoctonia, Pythium, Fusarium, and Phytophthora.

"Given its effectiveness and its exceptional safety to young plants, Rhapsody is ideal for initial treatments of flower plugs and transplants for soil-borne diseases," explains Paul Walgenbach, Ph.D., Product Development Specialist for AgraQuest.

Unsurpassed in plant, human, and environmental safety, Rhapsody is also now approved for use in organic production through the Organic Materials Review Institute and the National Organic Program as administered by the USDA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Rhapsody Biofungicide was developed by AgraQuest scientists from the naturally-occurring bacteria, Bacillus subtilis (patented strain QST 713). Equipped with a suite of naturally occurring antifungal and antibacterial lipopeptide compounds, Rhapsody utilizes multiple modes of action, which make it difficult for pathogens to develop resistance. Therefore, it is a powerful tool when used in a program with chemical fungicides that are weakened by resistance development.

AgraQuest is a biotechnology company that focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and marketing effective, safe and environmentally friendly natural pest management products for agricultural, institutional and home markets The company sells Serenade®, Rhapsody® and Sonata® Biofungicides and recently received registration of a biofumigant based on the fungus, Muscodor albus. A bioinsecticide is pending at the EPA.
AgraQuest received the Presidential Green Chemistry Award from the EPA for the discovery and commercialization of Serenade Biofungicide. In 2004, AgraQuest received a Red Herring Top 100 Private Company Award and the World Technology Award for the Environment.