John DeCarli, Pest Control Advisor in Salinas, California discusses how a BioRational Approach eliminates one source of stress in his life.
Watch now to see how Bts are helping to meet changing demands
Consumers demand good-looking, great-tasting produce, which inevitably puts a lot of pressure on growers – especially those growing organically. Imperfect fruit that used to be accepted simply because it was organic is no longer passing muster with consumers who have become increasingly accustomed to seeing supermarket shelves stocked with flawless fruit. The right balance in an integrated pest management program is paramount for growers’ success and can make all the difference when it comes to the bottom line.....Read more
Consultant Mark Verbeck is counting on careful scouting and timely application to protect Justin Hood's pepper crop. On the eastside of Florida, Dean Bruschi is making sure he'll be set to kill worms and provide "U-pick" field entry.....Read more
Concern for the environment and consumers’ increasing preference for chemical-free crops continue to drive growth in the use of biopesticides. New products and a declining market for harmful organophosphate insecticides is also part of the rise in use. Growers are incorporating biopesticides into their pest management programs in ever-increasing numbers as they work to meet reduced maximum residue levels on fruit and vegetable crops and manage resistance to traditional chemicals. Another reason for the growing use of biopesticides, which typically closely target specific stages in the lifecycle of a pest, is the increasing technical expertise of crop consultants who are helping growers understand how and when to apply them.....Read more
Three-fourths of growers surveyed in a recent straw poll cited “no human toxicity” as the most valuable benefit of using Bts for insect control.....Read more
Perhaps more than anyone else, organic fruit and vegetable growers must rely on an integrated pest management (IPM) program. Certainly one of the most critical components of IPM is building and maintaining beneficial insect populations. This process starts with creating a beneficial habitat, and it is where the use of Bt can fill an important role.....Read more
With nearly 40 years of proven performance in the field, Bt’s ability to control worm pests is well known. But pest management professionals will also tell you biorationals demand more careful management than some of their synthetic counterparts. ....Read more
It’s the final score that counts in any football game. And producing a crop is no different. The game isn’t tucked away until the last pepper is at the packing house. Defending against worms means having something in your playbook to control late hatches during harvest.....Read more
