Media Contact: Lynette Von Minden, Swanson Russell, [email protected]

New Gemini® Granular with R-50 Optimizer™ Dramatically Improves Pre-Emergent Efficiency

Delivers the same control as traditional pre-emergents with less herbicide applied

DUBLIN, OH (May 1, 2017) – An effective, efficient weed management program is a must for both nursery growers and landscape professionals. Weeds reduce the value of nursery crops and detract from the appearance of landscape beds. ICL Specialty Fertilizers has developed patent-pending R-50 Optimizer™ for its new Gemini® Granular pre-emergent herbicide, making it like unlike any other pre-emergent on the market today.    

“Gemini’s new granular formulation features the active ingredients Prodiamine and Isoxaben," said Kurt Brace, ornamental horticulture marketing manager for ICL Specialty Fertilizers.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  “This combination and R-50 Optimizer makes any herbicide program more efficient and flexible by delivering reliable control with less herbicide.”

When traditional granular herbicides are applied and watered in, only a portion of their active ingredients comes off each granule, or carrier, resulting in a limited barrier of protection. The R-50 Optimizer™ in Gemini® Granular moves more of the herbicide’s active ingredients off the carrier and spreads them out further, providing a much wider and more effective protective barrier. 

“Professionals can apply Gemini Granular with R-50 Optimizer up to three times per year before reaching the maximum limits,” Brace said. “And, because they can put down more applications each growing season, they’re able to extend the length of their weed control programs. That means they’re not only able to be more effective, but also more efficient.” 

Gemini® Granular with R-50 Optimizer™ controls more than 120 grassy and broadleaf weeds for up to four months. The pre-emergent herbicide has a low risk of phytotoxicity with more than 450 tolerant ornamental species. To learn more about Gemini® Granular with R-50 Optimizer™, contact an ICL Territory Manager near you, or visit www.geminigranular.com/landscape. 

To access the Gemini Granular Media Kit, which includes a high-res version of the image above as well as brochure PDFs, technical data, trial information, motion-graphic video, illustrations and more, click HERE. 

You may also request a copy of this image or any of the Media Kit materials via email by contacting Lynette Von Minden, [email protected]. 

About ICL Specialty Fertilizers:

ICL Specialty Fertilizers, a business unit of ICL Fertilizers, produces and markets a broad line of proprietary high-quality controlled-release fertilizers (CRF), water-soluble fertilizers (WSF), foliar feed, plant protection products, water conservation agents, growing media and grass seeds, for specialty crop growers, commercial nurseries, greenhouses and professional turf throughout the world. ICL-SF is one of the world's leading producers of fully water-soluble monopotassium phosphate fertilizers (MKP). For more information, visit www.icl-sf.com. 

About ICL:

ICL is one of the world’s leading fertilizer and specialty chemicals companies. For a world challenged by population growth and scarce resources, ICL makes products that increase global food and water supplies and improve industrial materials and processes.

ICL produces approximately a third of the world’s bromine and is the sixth largest potash producer in the world. ICL is a leading supplier of fertilizers in Europe and a major player in specialty fertilizer market segments. One of the world’s most integrated manufacturers and suppliers of phosphate products, ICL has become the world’s leading provider of pure phosphoric acid and a major specialty phosphate player.ICL is comprised of three core segments: ICL Fertilizers, ICL Industrial Products and ICL Performance Products. Its major production activities are located in Israel, Europe, the U.S., South America and China, and are supported by major global marketing and logistics networks. ICL employs approximately 10,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit www.icl-group.com.