Imaflex developing metalized agriculture mulch film that prevents citrus greening due to insect-spread bacterial disease; film being developed in consultation with the University of Florida

Elyse Blye

MONTREAL , May 15, 2013 (press release) – Imaflex Inc. ("Imaflex" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce the development of a new agriculture mulch film to prevent citrus greening, a bacterial disease that has been damaging and destroying citrus crops throughout the United States and other citrus growing nations. The film was developed in consultation with the University of Florida (UFL-IFAS), who sought out Imaflex for developing a non-chemical solution for citrus greening. The solution developed by Imaflex is a novel metalized film, designed to be reflective and durable over several growing seasons, in order to protect young citrus trees from the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), the insect spreading the bacterial disease Huanglongbing HLB, which causes citrus greening.

Field trials started two years ago, performed by UFL-IFAS, utilizing Imaflex's metalized film, demonstrated a notable reduction in citrus greening by deterring ACP from landing on the trees by UV light reflection. Furthermore, after only one year of testing, citrus plantations testing Imaflex's new metalized film reported a reduction of HLB infestation by at least 60% compared to bare ground, bare ground covered with standard mulch film and surprisingly also compared to bare ground drenched with highly effective insecticides. Data from these field trials have recently been presented by Professor Philip A. Stansly and Scott D. Croxton, both at UFL-SWFREC at the Florida Entomological Society, the Entomological Society of America and the 3rd International HLB conferences.

"We are very encouraged with these interim field trial results being generated on citrus crops with our new metalized mulch film. The data presented to date is even more impressive, when you consider that our film, an environmentally sound non-chemical solution, has outperformed all common chemical solutions that have been tried," commented Joe Abbandonato, President & CEO of Imaflex. "We believe that our agricultural films will make a strong contribution to our growth going forward, fueled in large part through innovative new products and applications, such as our metalized film for citrus growers."

Imaflex develops and offers a variety of advanced pest and weed controlling films customized for horticultural production under its major brands: Shine N' Ripe® and Can-Shield®.

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