Itronics reported today that its subsidiary, Itronics Metallurgical, has acquired ownership interests in the Gold'n Gro Guardian trademark, all product rights, and the rights to the repelling product formula used to make Gold'n Gro Guardian from its joint venture partner, Howland Green, president of Holly Ridge Nursery Co., West Kingston, R.I.
"Gold'n Gro Guardian, which both repels animals while not harming them, and fertilizes plants, was developed as a result of a cooperative effort with the North American Deer Management Network," says Itronics President John Whitney. "This trademark and product acquisition is another step in our business plan to expand the Gold'n Gro product line and to establish sales in the northeastern United States where damage to landscapes by deer is especially prevalent."
During 2003 and 2004, field trials were conducted and the liquid deer repellent fertilizer was shown to be extremely effective both as a fertilizer and a repellent when sprayed on plants and when put into the water used to aquatic plants, according to the company. Deer repelling effectiveness was shown to last up to three months after application. The Gold'n Gro Guardian is designed to repel deer and rabbits without harming them while improving the growth and appearance of the fertilized plants.
During the second half of 2004, Itronics Metallurgical evaluated the registration requirements and an approximate schedule and budget for registering Gold'n Gro Guardian with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The company also assessed the potential market for the product and determined that the Gold'n Gro Guardian would produce improved product margins with potential for relatively rapid payback of the dollars invested in the registration. The national annual market for deer repellent products is estimated to exceed $50 million.