FAQ

Figure Out if AgriPhage™ Is Right for Your Agricultural Needs

Learn more about using safe, natural, and organic AgriPhage™, which is the first agricultural bactericide based on phage technology.

What is AgriPhage™?

AgriPhage™ and AgriPhage-CMM™ are EPA registered pesticides which use bacteriophages to prevent and treat tomato and pepper crops for the following diseases:

AgriPhage™

  • Tomato Spot
  • Tomato Speck
  • Pepper Spot

AgriPhage-CMM™

  • Tomato Canker

AgriPhage Fire Blight™

AgriPhage Citrus Canker™

Perhaps the most intriguing feature of the AgriPhage product line is its ability to provide control over bacterial infection while increasing fruit size and yield. Both AgriPhage products have received exemptions for Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), have only a 4 hour re-entry interval (REI) for farm workers, and have a pre-harvest interval (PHI) of 0 days. All AgriPhage products have been approved by EPA through the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) and is labeled “FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION”.

What is bacteriophage?

Coined by French-Canadian scientist Félix d’Hérelle, the Greek word “bacteriophage”, also sometimes known as “phage”, means “eat bacteria”. Phages are viruses that use the process of lysing to eliminate specific bacterium.

During lysing, the bacterium is injected with DNA from the bacteriophage. This DNA then inserts into the bacterial DNA and forces the bacterial host to make hundreds of new phages. This process culminates in the bacterium bursting and releasing the new phages in to the environment which are then able to lyse more bacteria. This process repeats until the specific bacterium is destroyed and the bacteriophage decomposes into the environment.

How does AgriPhage work?

When AgriPhage™ is used, the plant’s surface is covered with billions of bacteriophage and the lysing process begins immediately. For specific details about the lysing process, see the description above.

The number of bacteriophage increase over the course of a single treatment due to the fact that they reproduce one hundred fold each time a bacterium is lysed. This means that the plant’s pathogenic bacteria are overwhelmed in a natural and effective way.

How is AgriPhage made?

Our unique, proprietary process of producing AgriPhage™, which has a highly concentrated number of bacteriophage, is the outcome of more than 50 years’ worth of research, trial, and discovery.

What are the benefits of AgriPhage?

AgriPhage™ has been proven to provide more control of bacterial diseases than traditional pesticides, significantly increase crop yield, anddecrease the number of harsh chemicals and antibiotics ending up in the soil.

What is the correct way to say “phage”?

It can either be pronounced as “faj”, which rhymes with dodge, or “fage”, which rhymes with cage. The plural is phages.

How long can it be stored?

Store AgriPhage™ under refrigerated conditions (approximately 39.2°F (4°C)) and in a dry area. Direct sunlight and/or extreme heat may cause degradation of the product and decrease product efficacy. AgriPhage™ is stable for over 18 months when properly stored according to the label.

 

Is it safe?

All AgriPhage products have received exemptions for Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), have only a 4 hour re-entry interval (REI), and have a pre-harvest interval (PHI) of 0 days. AgriPhage has been approved by EPA through the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) and is labeled “FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION”. Bacteriophages only infect the specific targeted bacteria, and cannot affect plant or mammalian cells. AgriPhage™ doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or minerals.

What is the best time to apply AgriPhage?

You can apply AgriPhage™ products at any time of day.

Can I mix anything with AgriPhage?

It shouldn’t be mixed with copper-based treatments or other denaturizing agents, but AgriPhage™ can be mixed with most other treatments and fertilizers. Add AgriPhage™ to your tank-mix last; following the addition and dilution of all other chemicals and treatments. OmniLytics continually tests new products for compatibility. Please contact us if the chemical in question is not listed.

How do I prevent bacterial infection in my field?

AgriPhage™ can be applied throughout the growing season, from seeds and starts to maturity and harvest, as a preventative treatment.

Will it increase my yield?

Because AgriPhage™ doesn’t contain harsh chemicals and reduces bacterial infection, plants can focus their energy on fruit growth.

Contact the Staff at AgriPhage™ Today to Learn More About Our Product or to Place an Order!

801-746-3600