Target Pest: Whitefly, thrips, aphids, root aphids, weevils, psyllids, mealybugs and many other soft-bodied insects
Use in Pest Control: BotaniGard 22WP is an EPA registered Insect Control Mycoinsecticide – Wettable Powder. It is a biological insecticide used to control soft-bodied insects in greenhouse and field crops. Based on the highly successful fungus, Beauveria bassiana, strain GHA, it controls the most troublesome crop pests – even resistant strains. Because of BotaniGard’s superior formulation, higher spore concentration, high viability and proven performance, it outperforms other Beauveria-containing products. When properly applied, BotaniGard’s insect control can equal or exceed that of chemical insecticides.
BotaniGard’s mode of action is unlike any conventional insecticide. The applied spores infect directly through the outside of the insect’s cuticle (the skin). Spores adhering to the host will germinate and produce enzymes that attack and dissolve the cuticle, allowing it to penetrate the skin and grow into the insect’s body. As the insect dies, it will change color to pink or brown, and eventually the entire body cavity is filled with fungal mass. The most common visible indication of insect death is a discoloration of the larvae or pupae. It is not necessary for a white fungal growth to occur to know the product is working; the insect is killed before this happens.
Benefits: BotaniGard has a superior formulation. It has highest spore concentration in a Beauveria-containing insecticide. It provides insect control which equals or exceeds chemical insecticides. This can e attributed to unique mode of action where spores infect directly through the insect’s cuticle. It is an excellent tool for resistance management. It is cost effective because BotaniGard controls the early stages of insects, preventing population flare-ups and the cost of rescue treatments.
BotaniGard also has an excellent safety profile, large and diverse crop list and multiple use sites, and reduced risk to workers and the environment. It is compatible for tank-mixes with many pesticides. BotaniGard is available in OMRI Listed formulation – Mycotrol O. It is exempt from residue tolerance and has a 0-day pre-harvest interval (4-hour REI)
Application: BotaniGard controls a wide variety of soft-bodied insects in greenhouse, field and nursery crops such as whiteflies, thrips, aphids, psyllids, mealybugs, scarab beetles, plant bugs and weevils. It has excellent plant safety on a broad range of crops. BotaniGard is registered for an extensive number of ornamentals, herbs and spices, vegetables, fruits and berries. There is no limit to the number of times that BotaniGard can be applied in a season. A weekly application program can prevent insect population explosions and provide a level of control equal to or better than conventional chemical programs.
For Best Results: Early scouting and detection followed by application of BotaniGard when insect numbers are low result in most effective control. Apply at first appearance of insect pests. Use a program of BotaniGard applied at 7-day intervals to keep your crop clean and prevent insect population explosions. If applied late or insects get out of hand, reduce the interval to 3-5 days, making at least 3 applications, and use a quick knockdown insecticide to help you regain control. BotaniGard is a contact insecticide and thorough coverage is required to achieve control. BotaniGard is safe for use with many beneficial insects. Shake the container vigorously and thoroughly to suspend spores. Insects are killed long before the appearance of fuzzy spore production. The presence of “fuzzy” insect bodies is not required to show product effectiveness.