If pepper spray can protect a person from an assault, maybe it can protect plants, too.

That’s why researchers at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) have licensed a unique plant protection product to keep deer and rodents from eating up the ornamentals.

UMD scientist Tom Levar (pictured) adapted a chemical used to deliver medicines through the skin to a natural hot pepper concentrate that is delivered through the roots of young plants, making them inedible. Tablets with the delivery formulation are placed near the roots of a plant and, when watered, release a natural hot pepper concentrate known as capsicum that is absorbed by the plant.

“This is a great application because capsicum is very safe and very effective,” said Levar. “There is no genetic modification. Eventually the plant will outgrow the capsicum treatment, but it lasts much longer than spray repellents.”

Repellex USA has licensed the technology from the university and company president Elizabeth Summa says it is game-changing. “We’re excited because there really is no other systemic deer repellent like this. It goes right into the plant, and doesn’t wash off like spray deterrents.”

“We did a lot of testing, mostly with tree growers in nurseries where they have a huge problem with mice eating away at their plants,” said Summa. “We think professional growers and homeowners will find value in planting two tablets with their trees and not having to worry about their investment.”

The product has been submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for registration. Once approved, it will be available to commercial growers and shipped to retailers, likely in time for the spring planting season.