Florida Gets Crisis Exemption for Bird Repellent Use

NEW CASTLE, Del., March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Farmers have been given the OK to use Avipel® crop seed treatment for the 2011 planting season. Many of them are facing moderate to severe crop damage from a variety of birds. In an effort to combat the problem, the state of Florida declared a Section 18 crisis exemption to the standard label requirements. This allows Florida farmers access to a highly effective method for protecting rice, field and sweet corn seed from bird depredation.

Specific species cited in the exemption are red-wing blackbirds, boat-tailed grackles, common grackles, and European starlings; but in other states, cranes and pheasants have been cited as the "problem" species. Due to habitat restoration and other environmental efforts, bird populations have been on the rebound in recent years. This has led to a growing problem for farmers. Many species find newly planted corn and rice seed to be an attractive food source and can cause damage so severe that fields need to be replanted. Coating seeds with Avipel® has a negative impact on digestion. After initially sampling the treated seed, birds avoid it and look for other food sources.

Using Avipel® products offers farmers an effective and humane solution to crop damage caused by foraging birds. Plus, it saves the time and money involved in having to replant damaged fields. Information about approved uses and labels may be found at: www.ArkionLS.com.

Arkion Life Sciences is a pioneer in the development and commercialization of several formulations of bird repellent and bird management technologies. In addition to Avipel® for crop protection, Arkion's patented formulations of anthraquinone effectively repel geese from turf grass with FlightControl® Plus and birds from structures using Airepel® Service Blend.

Arkion Life Sciences LLC, based in New Castle, Delaware, is a technology-based company leading in the discovery, development and marketing of environmentally friendly, natural or nature identical compounds. Arkion has three major businesses: Airepel®, supplying bird repellents which feature non-lethal methods to control where birds feed and roost; Hyperimmune eggs with markets in human and animal nutrition; and Bio-Technical Resources (Manitowoc, WI) which provides contract services for development of microbial fermentation processes such as glucosamine, N-acetylglucosamine and natamycin.

SOURCE Arkion Life Sciences