03/27/07 Natural pesticide

A University of Idaho biochemist has developed a natural pesticide thanks to research into mustard and canola. Matt Morra has hired a Boise consultant to help him get a product on the market that could benefit farmers. MORRA "We have quite a bit of field data so we've taken it from the very fundamental chemistry side of things to where we think we're about ready. I wouldn't say we have a product that's ready for commercialization." But Morra has two hoops to jump through and neither comes without a hefty price tag. MORRA "One is to get registered with the EPA which is going to take 18 months at a bare minimum. And the second thing is to make sure we have all of the label recommendations just like you do with a synthetic pesticide." Morra thinks the best potential for his product is in the organic food arena. MORRA "You're not going to use it on wheat, or peas or lentils or something like that. There's not enough money there." Morra believes adding value to mustard and canola meal could dramatically transform Idaho`s oilseed industry. There is a potential ban looming on the synthetic soil fumigant methyl bromide and mustard meal could fill the gap. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott