Bringing in outside plant material also brings in unwanted pests and pathogens. Many cuttings and young plant material from domestic or off-shore suppliers contain low level insect populations. Whiteflies, thrips, fungus gnats and aphids may arrive unnoticed until later in production when populations can suddenly explode. Incoming plant material may also carry root diseases that also require early prevention.
Dips are compatible with a program that uses predatory mites and predatory or parasitic insects as a component to a pest control approach. These biological control agents (BCAs) are successful when the pest population is low. By dipping incoming plant materials, BCAs have a head start in keeping pest populations in check. By using the BioWorks products below, there is no risk of pesticide residues that will interfere with BCA feeding, growth or reproduction.
By using dips, many cuttings or trays can be quickly treated, resulting in the use of less overall volume of pest control product(s). For trays that appear stressed or suspect for disease, it may be desirable to apply a drench of sprench as opposed to dipping.
See guidelines for dipping and dip process below. Effective dips can significantly reduce the need for multiple applications of chemical pesticides later in the crop cycle. The bottom line is that dipping saves money and time for growers. BioWorks products have been effectively used in dips:
Several BioWorks products have been effectively used in dips:
Note that there are two rate charts. One is for unrooted cuttings (URC) and bare-root plants (no medium surrounding the roots) and the second chart is for plugs, liners or other young plants that are potted in a growing medium which surrounds the roots.
For Unrooted Cuttings (URC) and Bare-root Plants: (Do not use this rate chart for plugs)
Products | Metric Rate | US Rate |
---|---|---|
BotaniGard 22WP OR Mycotrol WPO | 2.5 grams / liter | 1.5 oz / 5 gallons |
NemaShield | 1 million / liter | 19 million / 5 gallons |
ON-Gard | 2.5 ml / liter | 1.6 fl oz / 5 gallons |
RootShield WP OR RootShield PLUS+ WP | 2.5 grams / liter | 1.5 oz / 5 gallons |
*Products can be mixed together or used individually
For Plugs, Liners or Other Plant Material Growing in a Potting Medium:
Products | Metric Rate | US Rate |
---|---|---|
BotaniGard 22WP OR Mycotrol WPO | 2.5 grams / liter | 1.5 oz / 5 gallons |
NemaShield | 1 million / liter | 19 million / 5 gallons |
ON-Gard | 2.5 ml / liter | 1.6 fl oz / 5 gallons |
RootShield WP** | 0.4 grams / liter | 0.25 oz / 5 gallons |
OR | ||
RootShield PLUS+ WP** | 0.6 grams / liter | 0.4 oz / 5 gallons |
*Products can be mixed together or used individually
**Select either RootShield WP or RootShield PLUS+ WP