An ongoing study is showing how endophytes can increase a plant’s ability to defend itself against disease, ultimately hoping to create more efficient biostimulant-type products. Purdue University Associate Professor of Horticulture …
MSOB: RNA-Based Fungicide On The Horizon?
Recent research may have discovered the key to delivering an RNA-based fungicide successfully to detrimental fungi. A few years ago, scientists found that designed RNAs could silence the mechanism in …
MSOB: Beneficial Fungus Could Both Positively and Negatively Impact Tomato Genotypes
Modern-day tomatoes may have lost their ability to benefit from a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma harzianum. A study out of Purdue University looked at the impact of the fungus on …
MSOB: Mating Disruption in Conventional Diamondback Moth Trial
Pheromone use for mating disruption is becoming more popular in conventional systems. A recent trial looking at controlling diamondback moth showed the practice could reduce application costs, environmental stress, and …
MSOB: FRAC Group History and Increasing Importance in Biological Industry
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 …