We caught up with Trang Nguyen, Field Development Manager – West, to talk about the more than 40 trials she is managing for Vestaron from Washington to Arizona.
How many trials and field plots are you managing this year?
We are tracking over 40 trials, small, large and demonstration plots.
How many partners do you work with?
We work with close to 30 different field trial partners, including contract research organizations (CROs), extension (faculties & regional advisors), and crop production companies.
What geography and crops are you covering?
It’s a big area – including Oregon, Central Washington, Yuma (Arizona), and various areas of California. More specifically the Central Coast and Central Valley as well as areas in both Northern and Southern California.
How different are regional growing conditions across the research plots?
The California valleys are experiencing very high heat, while Oregon and California Central Coastal areas are having the typical cool year-round weather. The Pacific Northwest has many pockets of microclimates that are very different from one another within short distances. Pest pressures fluctuate according to the temperature: codling moth and navel orangeworm pressures remain relatively high this season. The population of lepidopteran pests on the coast, such as loopers and diamondback, on brassica/veg crops will come later in the year (Fall).
Compared to last year, what are some of the major updates for the 2024 program?
We are gearing towards generating commercial-worthy data for BASIN™ FLEX 2025 launch, continuing our sales/marketing support for SPEAR®LEP, conducting larger testing plots, and prioritizing working with contractors who have access to commercial-size applicators.
What will success look like for you this trial season?
Success is seeing our peptides perform in all testing scenarios, ie. statistically better than the untreated plots and comparable or better than the chemical standards.
What gives you the most satisfaction in your work?
Getting insightful (and expected) data results by the time each trial is concluded.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ben Cicora, SVP Sales & Marketing • 970.443.9220 • bcicora@vestaron.com
Steve Betz, VP Communications • 515.707.6096 • sbetz@vestaron.com