In return the company will pay royalties to the LSU AgCenter that will help to finance more research. We have the expertise to develop technology but not the resources to bring products onto the market. This licensing agreement allows us to put needed dollars into furthering our research efforts. Heumann became aware of vetiver's repellent effect on termites and contacted Henderson about three years ago to conduct an investigation. But Don was earnest, so I took a look at what he brought.
Vetiver grass is a plant widely used in erosion and sediment control.
Heumann had noticed there were no bugs in the greenhouses where he grew vetiver. DFB will use the technology to develop products to combat termites, including the Formosan subterranean termite, as well as other insect pests. This is a natural ingredient. The signing took place during the Second International Conference on Coptotermes formosanus , the scientific name for the Formosan subterranean termite, in New Orleans, which began on May 13 and continues through May 15.