MINNEAPOLIS —MGK announces the purchase of assets from California-based Dunhill Chemical Company Inc. related to sabadilla, a botanical insecticide derived from a Central and South American lily, Schoenocaulon officinale.

The MGK purchase involves the transfer of all rights, title and interest in Dunhill's sabadilla assets, including the existing Federal (EPA) and California registrations for Veratran D--the only product on the market that contains sabadilla as an active ingredient. "This acquisition is another step forward with our mission to make life healthier by creating responsible products that protect people and their environments from the impact of insects," said MGK President Steve Gullickson. "Our plan is to define new uses and create meaningful insect control solutions based on sabadilla's unique attributes." Sabadilla grows in the highlands of Central and South America. Originally identified by the Aztecs and Incas for its insect control properties, the seeds of the sabadilla plant have been used as a reliable botanical insecticide for centuries.

Veratran D is currently registered for control of thrips on citrus, avocados and mangos in the state of California. As part of this acquisition, MGK plans to expand the Veratran D registration to additional states and identify new usage applications for sabadilla across organic and botanical insect control segments.

"We are excited to add Veratran D to our growing stable of botanical crop protection solutions," said John Buenneke, MGK Crop Protection Market Manager. "Sabadilla has a long history as a highly-effective botanical insecticide, and we believe Veratran D and future sabadilla-based offerings are a perfect fit for MGK's portfolio of organic and botanical crop protection products."