What to expect from using Biologicals in IPM programs.

What to expect from using Biologicals in IPM programs.

Biologicals are largely poorly defined and understood. 

Biological solutions differ from conventional synthetic solutions and the transfer of credible, accurate knowledge is key. Growers must ensure that they purchase quality, registered products that have proven to be effective at local level, from reputable companies that are backed by science. Product training along with on-farm technical guidance and application support needs to form part of the product commitment.

 Managing expectations is key. There are no silver bullets.

Knowledge transfer is key, and it is a learning journey.

• Biologicals should be included in stages to solve key issues within existing programs – it is not an all or nothing approach. Most often using the ‘best of both worlds’ achieves the most consistent results.• Test biologicals and measure the results to see efficacy. As value is realised and the system operates more effectively, a more complete program can be developed.

• In pest management, treatment from scouting is the gold standard, but calendar programs work especially well on crops where frequent applications are possible. New skills may be needed to use biologicals as some are pest species specific (viruses), and application at specific stage of pest life cycle also impacts results.

• Do due diligence on biologicals like any other core input. It is a rapidly developing area with many manufacturers. Make sure the claims are backed by science, and that products are reputable.

• If using a living biological, don’t kill it. Check storage conditions as biological products may need to be refrigerated or they lose viability and do not work as anticipated. Avoid using broad-spectrum or incompatible fungicides in tank mixes, if using a product with a fungal active.
  

If it’s not working, it’s generally an application issue

• Get advice on what to apply, how to apply it and when to apply it to ensure efficacy.

• Coverage and compatibility are generally the culprits if poor results are achieved – check tank mix compatibility lists and pH guidelines. Take into consideration where the pests live on or in the crop and get it where you want it to be active i.e. drench the root if the active needs to colonise the root or spray the bottom of the leaf if the pest spends it’s time there.

• Time of day to spray is often important – e.g. UV degrades some products.

Biological solutions are not the same as chemicals

• Biologicals are better suited to being preventative measures than being fire-fighting tools – they build plant vitality from the base up, and maintain low pest levels rather than recover growth deficiency or knock down excessive pest populations and high disease pressures.
• These products do not have a knockdown effect – pests may be infected and not causing damage to the crop, but not yet dead.

• Biologicals often have multiple modes of action and areas which they impact. They work with the ecosystem as part of a web so are impacted by, and impact multiple areas. Biologicals therefore often have primary, secondary and tertiary impacts depending on conditions, crop, life cycle or perspective.

• Not all active ingredients in biologicals are equal – specific isolates can have very different properties and efficacy – i.e. not all Trichoderma products do the same thing, and not all Trichoderma asperellum strains have the same properties.

• In some cases, Biologicals do what chemistry can’t, and combining different modes of action can be complimentary and result in a stronger IPM program. In scenarios with high pest pressure, chemical pesticides can have a knock down effect; creating more favourable conditions for slower acting biologicals to maintain pest population and keep them below the economic threshold.