A new look at tank mixing

Over the years, growers have seen a lot of changes regarding pest management. In the past, synthetic control products were the norm. Then came an increased awareness of environmental toxicity and the rise of pest resistance issues. A new strategy was needed. Control products became more pest-specific and not as broad-based. The result? A new set of learning curves that had to be navigated.

 

Meanwhile, another option has entered the arena. Biopesticides have emerged as a less toxic and safer alternative to many synthetic products. However, many growers are grappling with how to add these control products into their current mix. What they’re discovering is that biopesticides can be paired to create extremely effective mixtures, and they can also be coupled with select synthetic products to achieve desired results. This versatility has piqued the interest of many growers. In general, biopesticides do not have resistance issues due to a broad-based mode of action. Many biopesticide labels do not have restrictions on the number of uses per year or even per crop, though some of them may.

Here’s a common scenario: During periods of severe pest pressure or a flare up, a grower can use a synthetic material, tank-mixed with a biopesticide as a control strategy. Or, use the synthetic as a clean up or quick knock down, followed by the biopesticide for maintenance.

 

To take it one step further, in many cases synthetic chemicals may not be needed. By using biopesticides initially in a preventive manner, and closely monitoring the pest population to precisely time subsequent applications (not based on a calendar schedule), growers can often complete a crop without chemical pesticide inputs. As with any new product or set of controls, there will be a learning curve, but incorporating bio-pesticides into a synthetic-based program can be simple and complementary to the program already in place.

 

When you begin exploring options, it’s important to understand three distinctions:

•“Biopesticide” is an umbrella term. It refers to pesticides that are derived from natural materials such as plants, microorganisms and certain minerals.

•“Biochemical pesticides” refers to naturally occurring materials that control pests by non-toxic mechanisms, such as mating disruptors, attractants or repellents.

•“Biotechnology” is the development of products by a biological process using organisms like bacteria or substances such as enzymes.

These elements are the key componentsof BioWorks’ products, that provide growers options that fit perfectly into resistance management programs. The products offer alternatives to chemical pesticides, and can be used alone, in a tank mix, or in rotation as part of an integrated management program.

Many of BioWorks’ products employ multiple modes of action, which curtails development of plant resistance.

 

One challenge that growers face is resistant pests. When the pesticide program they once used no longer controls the pest population, other pest management practices need to be explored. Resistant pests are born with the resistance; it does not occur during its lifetime, nor at the species level, but at the population level. Resistance is determined when the pest survives exposure at rates which once controlled them or repeated use of a specific chemical.

 

Another way to create resistance is with the use of multiple chemicals that feature the same or similar modes of action, especially when used in a tank-mix. Depending on the mode of action of that pesticide and how often it is applied, resistance can develop rapidly or over a long period of time. Additionally, because many pests have high birth rates and multiple generations during a growing season, the chances of these populations developing resistance is increased. Their offspring have a higher likelihood of being resistant to chemicals used.

 

When tank mixing, it is important to avoid antagonism. Antagonism, such as significant differences in pH, reduces the effectiveness of the mixed products – in other words, the mixture becomes less effective at controlling pests. Physical incompatibility can also be an issue and should also be avoided. This occurs when two or more products are combined but do not mix properly. Most manufacturers have compatibility charts available to ensure this does not happen, or growers can test compatibility themselves using the simple “jar” test.

 

To learn more, including an overview of options and proper pairings, click here to read the full white paper.