AV-1011 Bird Repellent to Protect Rice Seed Approved for Use in Louisiana an...( ...)

NEW CASTLE, Del., March 12 /PRNewswire/ ---- Arkion(R) Life Sciences has received their first ever Section 18 approvals to market AV-1011 Liquid Rice Seed Treatment in Louisiana and Missouri effective March 6, 2009, through March 6, 2010. The EPA approval means that rice growers in these states can protect their seed from marauding blackbirds and grackles. The new bird repellent effectively stops birds from eating the newly planted seeds and reducing rice yields.

While the product is non-lethal to birds, it has been shown to be highly effective in protecting rice seed during several years of testing. According to Michael Hensgens, Business Manager, G&H Seed Company (Crowley, LA), this allows Louisiana rice producers to plant before over-wintering blackbirds have migrated north. Early planting has several advantages. In the past, many rice producers have delayed planting to avoid the risk of newly planted seeds being eaten by birds. Resulting damage to rice fields causes lower yields and sometimes requires replanting -- both of which are very costly. It also allows producers to plant at a more optimal date which usually results in higher yields. Another real advantage to earlier planting and harvest is reduced hurricane risk. Hurricane Rita in 2005 and Gustave and Ike in 2008 caused massive crop losses to rice not harvested by Labor Day. An early planting date allows producers to complete harvest by August.

Information about approved uses and labels may be found at the Arkion(R) Life Sciences web site: www.ArkionLS.com.

Arkion(R) Life Sciences has been a pioneer in the development and commercialization of several formulations of bird repellent and bird management technologies. In addition to Avipel(R) for crop protection, Arkion's patented formulations of anthraquinone effectively repel geese from turf gra
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