EPA approves PTI's PRECISE acephate

Golf Course News, Oct 2001

SYLACAUGA, Ala. - Pursell Technologies Inc. (PTI) has gained approval from the Environmental Protection Agency for the first polymer-coated insecticide formulated with PRECISE technology.

The patented PRECISE coating technology developed by PTI allows gradual release of pesticides via osmotic diffusion.

The company's first product is an acephate granule that has substantial application flexibility. The product works as either a preventive or curative control for fire ants, mole crickets, sod webworms, cutworms, armyworms and chinch bugs. Research is currently being conducted to determine grub control efficacy.

"The high water solubility of acephate lends itself well to being polymer coated," said Jeff Higgins, vice president of sales and marketing. "We have taken an insecticide that is considered to be short lived in the sprayable form and extended the longevity of the product."

The PRECISE acephate granule product is under limited production at a pilot plant in Sylacauga, but PTI plans to construct a plant to handle production of the entire line of future PRECISE insecticide, fungicide, herbicide and combination products.

"A fungicide such as Metalaxyl is probably the next material we will coat using PRECISE," said Higgins. "Our testing has identified several materials that would be ideal."