FRAC group concerns could be an increasing issue in the biological fungicide industry as more products and knowledge is developed. A Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) group is a model …
MSOB: Beneficial Fungi Showing More Benefits Than Pest Control
Beneficial fungi may do more than just help producers combat pests. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are often thought of as arthropod control in the biologics world. However, the beneficial fungi may …
MSOB: Not All Biopesticides Safe for Beneficials
Just because a biopesticide is naturally derived, it doesn’t mean they are safe for beneficial insects. There are many biopesticides on the market and the class that includes microbials are generally …
MSOB: Biostimulant Council to Strengthen Industry Clarity
The newly-formed Biostimulant Council should continue the push for clarity in the industry. A new partnership between the Biostimulant Coalition and The Fertilizer Institute will help the development of regulations …
MSOB: Entomopathogenic Fungi in a Rotational Program
Entomopathogenic fungi can be an intricate piece of an effective pest management system and in some cases a cheaper one as well. This week’s Making Sense of Biologicals (MSOB) program …
MSOB: Worms in Space, How Nematodes Might Help Space Exploration
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture have recently sent beneficial nematodes on an interstellar expedition. With more and longer space travel in the foreseeable future, the project aimed to …
Making Sense of Biologicals: Biopesticides Not Immune to Resistance Issues
Biopesticides are not free from resistance concerns. Like any other product, using too much or relying on one mode of action will always increase the chances of pests developing resistance. …
Making Sense of Biologicals: Biostimulants Still Undefined in Labeling Clarity
In the U.S., a biostimulant product cannot be labeled as such because of the vagueness of the claim. The products are allowed and marketed, but in many states, they must …
Making Sense of Biologicals: Bacillus thuringiensis, Commonly Known But How Does Bt Work
Bacillus thuringiensis, more commonly known as Bt, maybe the most widely known biological in the industry. It’s used in several products that growers are familiar with to help control many …
Making Sense of Biologicals: Field Testing Biostimulants to Aid Grower Adoption
UC Davis researchers have been working on a platform for field testing biostimulants and have tested well over a dozen products. UC Davis Plant Sciences Professor Dr. Patrick Brown said …
Making Sense of Biologicals: Biological Delivering Targeted Ant Bait Sustainably
Ants can be a compounding issue for growers. Although the pest doesn’t always directly impact the crop or quality, they do hinder protective measures. UC Riverside Biological Control Specialist Dr. …
Making Sense of Biologicals: Hoop House Example of Spider Mite Control
Twospotted spider mite can be a significant issue when populations get large enough. However, in several cropping systems, biological control is attainable as long as growers have the right beneficial …
Syngenta Enhances Biologicals Portfolio with Acquisition of Valagro
Syngenta Group recently announced the acquisition of Valagro, further building on the company’s biologicals portfolio. Valagro has been an industry leader in the biologics sector, with 40 years of experience …
Making Sense of Biologicals: Push-pull Strategy Synergistic Effect
The logic behind the push-pull strategy with agricultural pests has been around for a while and is simple. You repel the insect with one product and attract them with another. …