"Goodbye Pythium, Three Cheers for BCAs"

Growers Talk Production

McGaughey

I firmly believe my successes are in large part due to applying RootShield Wettable Powder at planting... establishing a healthy white root system as early as possible is of paramount importance." 

    -- Roger McGaughey, Head Grower of Michael's Greenhouse

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Dr. Randy Martin, Product Development Manager (Insect & Pest Management) answers this recently posed question:

Q.  How long will a BotaniGard spore last on a leaf? 

A: The longevity of a BotaniGard spore in the environment will vary depending on several factors, including cloud cover and where it is positioned on the leaf. For example, a spore on the surface of a leaf exposed to full sunlight under blue sky (no cloud cover) will survive about 3 days. In contrast, a spore on the underside of a leaf in a cucumber field with a full canopy can last up to 30 days. Why the difference? Micro climates (for example, humidity and light intensity in the area next to the leaf surface) will have a tremendous effect on spore health and well-being.

Although a good question, there is a "question behind the question."

The fact is that the longevity of the spore itself is not the most critical issue when it comes to the successful use of BotaniGard. Getting an early start (before insect populations get out of control), thorough spray coverage, and sequential applications are all extremely important to your BotaniGard program. 

Much like the popular real estate adage (location, location, location), the top three things to remember about BotaniGard applications are: 1) coverage, 2) coverage, and 3) coverage. Make sure your sprayer is calibrated properly and spray tips are replaced regularly. After you make your first application of BotaniGard, follow it up with another after about 5 days. And preferably, follow that with a third application after another 5 days. 

Because insects often have multiple, overlapping generations present any given time, these sequential applications increase the chances of successfully breaking the life cycle and drastically reducing the number of insects in your crop.   

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