Innovative, Effective, Microbial Technologies for Unmet Market Needs

DAVIS, Calif., March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Exhibiting their ability to move early stage technology to the market quickly, Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI) announces the submission of two new agricultural biopesticides to the US EPA.

The first submission is a novel bioinsecticide with broad-spectrum activity on both sucking and chewing insects. The product source is a licensed bacterium discovered in the lab of microbiologist Dr. Phyllis Martin at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Developed as a commercial product in MBI's Davis, California R&D facility in under two years' time, lab and field studies on the new insecticide show excellent activity on whitefly, spider mite, diamondback moth, cabbage looper, tobacco budworm and Lygus bugs.

"This is an important and much needed new product, and the first bacterial-based insecticide to be introduced since Bt," states Pam Marrone, CEO and Founder of Marrone Bio Innovations. "Its rapid development is testament to the expertise of our research, development and regulatory teams at MBI."

MBI's second EPA submission is an exciting new bioherbicide, based on a lead obtained from a novel marine microbe originally discovered by and licensed from DuPont Crop Protection. Initially the product was seen as a selective rice herbicide, due to its ability to kill broadleaf weeds such as redstem and waterplantain, as well as sedge affecting yields in rice production. However, further testing has identified additional market opportunities in turf, wheat and other cereal crops as well.

"On both of these new products, timelines were aggressive from petri plate to EPA submissions and commercial products. There were notable achievements made by our natural product and analytical chemists, our formulation and fermentation engineers, our greenhouse and field development staff, and our process development and regulatory teams," adds Marja Koivunen, MBI's VP of Research.

Currently anticipating final regulatory approval at the EPA in 2010, is MBI's new biomolluscicide, Zequanox®, which provides effective control of invasive zebra and quagga mussels without affecting people, the environment and important native, aquatic species.

About Marrone Bio Innovations:

Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI) discovers, develops and markets effective and environmentally responsible products that fill unmet needs for weed, plant disease, and invasive pest management. Through a combination of in-licensed technology and its own R&D, MBI uses plants and naturally occurring microorganisms from unique habitats to develop better and safer pest management products. The company has an impressive pipeline of new products coming, including two insecticides, two herbicides, and Zequanox™ for controlling invasive zebra and quagga mussels in waterways (EPA pending). MBI currently markets GreenMatch® burndown herbicide for weed control in organic crop production, and Regalia® for control of fungal and bacterial diseases of both food and ornamental crops in conventional and organic production. For more information, email info@marronebio.com, call 1-877-664-4476 or visit www.marronebioinnovations.com .

SOURCE Marrone Bio Innovations

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