Use our chitosan-based products to support your plant’s natural resistance and defense mechanisms plus promote soil microbiology!
History: In 2011, Agronomist Robin Borden teamed up with Plant Molecular Biologist Dr. André Blanchard, to create the first chitosan-based product for broad spectrum agriculture applications. “In my fifty plus years of agronomy, I knew there was an opportunity to using chitosan for its natural benefits, but it was not available in a foliar broad-spectrum application,” says often of founder Robin Borden. After several months of analysis and testing, Dr. Blanchard was able to create a proprietary liquid formula. The dynamic duo quickly established a company, recruited distributors, started production, and in the last 10 years have expanded their company to include multiple chitosan-based products that are now used in almost every state in the United States and in over 10 countries worldwide. Several of these products are OMRI Listed and are cleared for organic crop production. Another, Nemasan, is the company’s first EPA registered pesticide and is formulated for use against plant parasitic nematodes.
What is Chitosan? Chitosan is one of the major raw ingredients formulated in each of our products. Chitosan is a natural cationic polymer primarily derived from shellfish. Our chitosan source is California Prop 65 compliant, which means it is virtually free of contaminants. Chitosan is derived from chitin, the second most abundant biopolymer on the planet after cellulose. Chitin is an important structural component of arthropod exoskeletons (such as in shrimp and insects) as well as fungi, molluscs etc.). Organisan’s products, compared to competitors, delivers an immediately bioavailable chitosan. This means that our products get to work virtually immediately upon foliar and soil application.
How does Nemasan work? Nemasan has two functional ingredients, Chitosan and Quillaja. Chitosan has an indirect effect on plant parasitic nematodes. In the soil, it stimulates naturally occurring soil microbes to produce enzymes that digest chitin. The eggshells of nematodes contain chitin. In the lifecycle of some nematodes for example, the female will lay a few eggs until she fully matures. Once fully mature, she dies, and she becomes a chitin shell encapsulating 200-500 eggs in her to protect the eggs. Using Nemasan, growers can now destroy these protective shells and thus disrupt the season’s nematode regeneration capacity. Quillaja is an extract from the soapbark tree, Quillaja saponaria. Quillaja saponins act as wetting agents assisting the efficient penetration of chitosan in plant tissues and permeating the soil particles and interstices. The saponins have a direct effect on nematode membranes causing interference with nematode development. Nematode nervous systems are also sensitive to the saponins causing disruption in function and paralysis. The combined effects of Chitosan and Quillaja have multiple modes of action and the combination of the two ingredients creates an additive and synergistic functionality in combatting nematode infestations. However, most nematode infestations are not a one application treatment as not all life cycles or laying habits are the same. Additional treatment may be required at 25-30 days afterwards to get to those bottom layers. And the most amazing benefit of all, applicators only require minimal PPE (respirators are not required) and the REI is low (4 hours)! This product is very earth friendly.
Application: General application for our products is 1 pint per acre. None of our products are nutritional replacements, but our chitosan-based products will support soil microbiology and plant systems. Our team of experts will consult with your team on the best application timing and frequency. Often it depends on the soil condition, weather conditions and other products being used.
Summary: After 10 plus years of testing and grower evaluations, Organisan Corporation is confident Nemasan, and our other chitosan-based products will help you maximize every acre this year and each coming year!
We invite you to stop by our booth at the New York show and have a “back 40” conversation with our team about Nemasan and our other products featuring chitosan. Alternatively, visit our website at www.OrganisanCorp.com to learn more!
By: Dr. André Blanchard, Ph.D.
Vice President, Technology and Operations
