Photos courtesy of Arbico Organics
1: What is new in biological control?
It is a very exciting time for biological control. Not only is the cadre of available predators vaster than ever, the release technology, the availability of life stages, and the number of producers continue to grow. Information is readily available, the tools for pest identification are smarter and the product lines that work in conjunction with predators are ever increasing; in the age of information, it is a bad time to be a pest.
2: How is the biological control industry changing to accommodate the need for economic and effective pest control?
The vision that has gone into release technology in recent years is utterly amazing. Not only do we see entire breeding colonies within sachets, but the sachets can also withstand moisture and less-than-ideal conditions. They come on sticks with hooks in easy-to-distribute strips, you can even choose how many predators per sachet you need! Growers no longer need to worry about substrates littering their plants because we have blister packs and hanging release cards. There are living and supplemental food sources available to encourage feeding in predators, sometimes incorporated within the release mechanisms.
3: What are the advantages or gains to these new technologies in biologicals?
Even some of the tried-and-true predatory insects have gained efficiencies in the last few years. Predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis is now available reared using an alternative diet, which allows for stronger, more stable predators and additional life stages for extended control. Beneficial Nematodes have been used for decades to control soil pests. ARBICO Organics NemAttack Beads hold the power of beneficial nematodes in a shelf-stable, slow-release encapsulated bead. These allow for a fast application without the mess and hassle of pre-mixing in advance.
4: Where can I reduce my expenses on pest control?
Reduction in human labor costs is possible when implementing integrated pest management (IPM) practices early and integrating these new delivery systems. A single application of controlled release sachets can provide preventative control up to 6 weeks. Trichogramma for Lepidopteran pests are now available in multi-wave capsules, allowing three releases of Trichogramma in a single application, as well as being compatible with drone mechanisms. Many predatory insects are now available in mediums and substrates compatible for use in drones and other mechanical applicators.
5: How do I know what’s right for our operation?
Know your enemies! Monitoring pest thresholds, trapping adults and identifying pests are your first defenses. This information arms you to make the most appropriate selection of predatory insects and determine if you need a knockdown spray to bring levels back under control. Knowledge is power, and there is more knowledge available than ever through online resources and pest control advisors (PCA).
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