Author
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Bruck, Denny |
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Submitted to: Compendium
Publication Type: Other Publication Acceptance Date: 9/6/2011 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Microbial control can be broadly defined as the regulation of pest populations by insect killing microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, virus and nematodes. The number of microbial insecticides available to ornamental growers is ever increasing. There are benefits and limitations to implementing a microbial control program. As long as the user is aware of the issues, microbial control, when combined with effective cultural practices and pest monitoring, can be an effective approach for managing insect pests. Benefits of using microbial control agents include generally increased worker safety, reduced risk of secondary pest outbreaks (insects that only become pests because of pesticide applications eliminating natural enemies that normally control them), increased specificity to the target pest, and low environmental impacts. Microbial control agents are compatible with many chemicals (compatibility guidelines are noted on the label and should be followed carefully) and can be applied with existing pesticide application equipment. However, there are limitations to microbial control products. They are incompatible with some chemicals, have a narrow host range (if a user wants to target more than a single pest in a single application), and they are often more expensive than chemical insecticides. Also, as they are living organisms, the effectiveness of these products is strongly influenced by environmental conditions and many have a history of inconsistent results due to lack of attention to detail in storage, handling or timing of application. Technical Abstract: Microbial control can be broadly defined as the regulation of pest populations by entomopathogenic microorganisms. The number of microbial insecticides available to ornamental growers is ever increasing. There are benefits and limitations to implementing a microbial control program. As long as the user is aware of the issues, microbial control, when combined with effective cultural practices and pest monitoring, can be an effective approach for managing insect pests. Benefits of using microbial control agents include generally reduced reentry intervals, reduced risk of secondary pest outbreaks, increased specificity to the target pest, and low environmental impacts. Microbial control agents are compatible with many chemicals and can be applied with existing pesticide application equipment. However, there are limitations to microbial control products. They are incompatible with some chemicals, have a narrow host range, and they are often more expensive than chemical insecticides. Also, as they are living organisms, the efficacy of these products is strongly influenced by biotic and abiotic conditions, and many have a history of inconsistent results due to lack of attention to detail in storage, handling or timing of application. |
