June 2024 - 6

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BOOSTING
BIOLOGICALS
with Compatible
Chemistries and Culture
Jen Browning, PCA | Senior Technical Specialist, BASF
We talk to many growers who are
either already using biologicals or
want to try them, and we often talk
about how to make integration work
or the impact of conventional sprays
and other chemical applications.
Biological control is fortunately
scalable: almost any program can
benefit from the strategic addition
of a biological control agent (BCA).
For example, did you know that
beneficial nematodes can offer
control of fungus gnats on par with
chemical control?
The common enemies of BCAs are:
* Heavy water volume or
spray pressure on smallbodied
predators
* Incompatible chemistry,
like broad spectrum
insecticides or biocides
* Incompatible tank mixes
* Adjuvants, stickers, spreaders,
surfactants
If an operation chooses one or
more new biocontrols, how can
we make sure other products and
management activities work with
and not against them? The best way
to protect BCAs from the physical
damage of spray blasts and deluges
is by timing their release and
allowing them to disperse through
the crop before making spray
applications. Choose application
methods and nozzles that will
provide desired coverage and
preserve predators in canopies and
on media surfaces, to the extent this
is practical.
Compatible chemistry choices
and timing are the keys to successful
integrations.
The easiest way to arrive at
compatibility is to choose targeted
insecticides: chemistries that control
only a group of pest insects with
no or minimal effects on insects
and mites outside the target group.
Products in this category include
products like Ventigra® insecticide,
Sultan® miticide, Savate®
insecticide, Aria® insecticide,
TetraSan® miticide. Insect growth
regulators (IGRs) are host specific
and fall into this category. Read
labels and the compatibility
information from the BCA producer
to determine full compatibility.
Some products are highly
targeted, like Sultan miticide which
is active only on the spider mite
family of mites. Predatory mites are
unaffected, but unfortunately, so
are Eriophyids and broad mites -
it's that targeted. Other products
control limited groups of insects, like
Ventigra insecticide which controls
aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and
scale insects - a group of pests that
are related to one another. Savate
insecticide has activity on thrips and
mites, and Aria on aphids, whiteflies,
mealybugs, scale, true bugs, and
thrips. Using targeted chemistries
allows control of the pests while
preserving predators, pollinators,
and other non-targets.
Finally, what goes into the tank
alongside targeted products
matters. Whether that's other
pesticides including fungicides,
fertility or adjuvants, each product
should be checked for compatibility.
A heavy tank mix with many
ingredients can pack a heavier
punch than any one of the products
alone, especially with an adjuvant
on board.
Keep these points in mind to
have a successful integration
of biologicals, chemistry and
IPM success!
Learn more at betterplants.basf.us
Always read and follow label directions. Ventigra and Sultan are registered trademarks of BASF. Savate insecticide is a registered trademark of Envu. Aria insecticide is a registered trademark
of FMC. TetranSan is a registered trademark of Valent U.S.A. LLC. All products may not be registered for sale or use in all states. Check with your state or local extension service.
©2024 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.

http://betterplants.basf.us

June 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of June 2024