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| USERS | ||
| Frequently Asked Questions | ||
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The
main advantage is using EN technology is that it has no toxicity
effects to humans, aquatic life and beneficial organisms in the
soil. There is no requirement for withholding periods, and no
exposure risks to applicators and the users (i.e. golfers,
bowlers).
Environmentally the fate of traditional
pesticides groups (i.e. organophosphates, Carbamates ect)
pesticides haves a number of negative effects that include: - Groundwater
Contamination Non-Target
Insecticide Effects Insecticide
Resistance Insecticide
Enhanced Biodegradation
The advantages of
using these bio-pesticides are in operator and end-user
safety, absence of withholding periods, minimal harm to
natural enemies and lack of environmental pollution
ENs naturally occur in the soil and have no effect on the health of plants. The bacteria that Ens use to kill insects also has no toxicity or effects on turfgrasses.
No, ENs are very host specific to particular insect groups and will have no impacts on beneficial soil organisms such as bacteria, fungi protozoa, ringworms earthworms. Totally non-toxic
Nematodes are supplied in a cellulose-based carrier. ENs are applied like any traditional spray application via a boom spray, pump and hose or venturie system. Water volume is critical and we suggest for weevils and scarabs apply a min 500lts per/ha, for Caterpillar controls apply at least 250sqm/ha. Post irrigation is essential to ensure the nematodes can connect to the insect host. If the soil is dry pre –irrigation is recommended.
Like most plant parasitic
nematodes those infesting turf use a stylet or spear at their head
end, rather like a hypodermic syringe, to pierce plant cells and
then suck out fluids from within.
Definitely not! ENs have no mammalian toxicity and therefore are safe to humans, aquatic life, ducks and birds.
Compatibility sheets are available from ECOGROW Aust Pty Ltd. Overall nematicides are not compatible, however many fungicides herbicides and other insecticide groups have some tolerance but usually will mean a interval of a number of days or weeks are required between applying ENs and other pesticides.
Actually, the cost of using ENs can be about the same cost as the chemical alternative although completely safe with no harm caused to humans or non-targeted insect life in the soil. Even if the initial cost seems higher if measured on a hectare by hectare basis, the annual usage cost can be considerably lower! This is because ENs are used only when insects are present, whereas preventative chemical treatments are used over much greater areas. Are there special requirements for using ENS? In general, the application of ENs is easier than using a chemical. EN solutions are simply sprayed onto affected areas using normal spray equipment. However, no special safety equipment such as protection required for chemicals is necessary. Treated areas are also available for use without any withholding period. Like all EN products, however, there are a few golden rules. For example, they must be applied at dusk due to their sensitivity to UV light. ENs also require a moisture film in order to migrate from the thatch and into the soil area. It is also important to ensure that the soil remains moist for the duration of the treatment period.
The answer is generally no. ENs breed in large numbers inside dead insect hosts and the resulting offspring are released back into the soil. This allows a rapid growth in the EN population. It is also known that under ideal conditions, ENs will survive for up to 4 weeks in the soil when there are no target insects available as a food source. Because of this, ENs usually provide a season-long control of the targeted insect. An exception would be where a re-infestation occurred after sufficient time had elapsed for the EN population to decline. This is an area of continuing research. Is further research still required? As with all Ecogrow EN products, constant and on-going research is currently in train. We constantly look for improvements in application methodology, improved nematode strains (increased virulence), longer in-soil life and refined or reduced application rates. Ecogrow does not make products available until effective and independently generated trial data is available, and so efficacy of listed products is guaranteed.
Absolutely! The key to any IPM strategy lies in monitoring. EN solutions are curative rather than preventative, and so economies are achieved by treating only affected areas rather than a practice of treating areas that have traditionally shown susceptibility. Therefore, significant savings can be achieved by a reduction in the overall square meters of turf requiring treatment. Ecogrow consultants are available to assist in
establishing a monitoring program and in setting up IPM strategies
for the control and/or suppression of this and many other common
pests
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