Page 21 - Griffin Gazette - October November 2024

BIOS & CHEMICAL CORRECTIONS
All biologicals, whether insect biocontrol agent or biopesticide
are better used as a preventative for reasons we will describe
in further detail below. Using these products early in the
cycle also protects conventional chemical formulations from
overuse and development of chemical resistance in the pest
population. That saves conventional chemistry for cleanup
before sales or allows for their use as a “rescue” application if
there is outbreak.

It is important to remember that all products are not labeled for
all crops, especially in cannabis, so it will be up to the grower
to make choices that follow the regulations in their crop and in
their state.

A LOOK AT A CONTEMPORARY TOOLBOX
The goal is to establish biocontrol agents in the crop for the
life of the crop. As noted in the earlier article, BCAs may
not provide sufficient control on their own, and we can gain
additional control using a compatible spray program.

Bioinsecticides are a class of pesticides where the
active ingredient is one or more microorganisms or a
microorganism’s byproduct, derived from fungi, bacteria, or
plants. Bioinsecticides have short restricted entry intervals
(REIs), little to no preharvest intervals (PHIs), and generally no
limits to the number of applications on given crop or within a
crop cycle, as there is no documented resistance in the target
pest populations and considered safe to humans. For added
benefit, they are generally gentler on beneficial insects than
conventional chemistries. Fungal-based agents attack the
insect’s exoskeleton, while bacteria need to be ingested or
enter through an opening on the pest. This naturally occurring
process takes time, sometimes several days to see results.
Microbial insecticides have short residuals, so it is necessary
to make multiple applications to keep a high level of the
inoculum in the environment. To maximize the effectiveness
of any microbial product, it is important to understand the
environment where they work best and take advantage of
those conditions that give the microorganisms an advantage:

• Ideal canopy humidity above 70% for an extended period
• Ideal temps between 65-70 degrees F
• Low light conditions

GRIFFIN GAZETTE 2024 | 21