Controlling Pests and Feeding Plants: Innovative Solutions ......Indoor vs outdoor. Temp. &...

Controlling Pests and Feeding Plants: Innovative Solutions for Soil and Plant Health

Speakers: Casey Connell, Contender GardensPeter Baas, GrowcentiaDaniel Peck, BioWorks

Moderator: Amy Andrle, L’Eagle Services

Sponsored by:

CASEY CONNELL, OWNER

Biological Controls, the Future of Cannabis

Organic sprays = no research = schedule 1

Different approach than organic certifications– Pesticide free = Spray free– Automizers and pressure (14 ft) decimate your beneficial population– Sachet’s (Gemini’s) (water resistant) can get wet = problems. Even foliar feeding.– Strain selection plays most important role: pathogen resistant strains

Pesticide testing coming – every state is different; states without required pesticide testIf medicine = best medicine you can give a patient: safe accessExtraction & compounded pesticides = more harm than goodVery effective when done properlyMore complicated than you think. Easier then you can imagine!Attention to detail; right up a growers alley

Things to Consider: Bug selection

Indoor vs outdoor

Temp. & Humidity

Seasons & unique circumstancesEnvironment

Timing – 4 weeks left? Foreign matter, testing, bile and negative bacteria?

Pest pressure – Which? How bad? Where is it coming from?

Release rates

Generalist? Specified? Selection due to problem

Photo Period

Logistics

Identify the severity of your infestation – this is where most get it wrongLearn how to implement release ratesEffective to use 3 predator mites @ once Considering factors: indoor/outdoor, temp, humidity, plant size, spacing, pest pressure, insect life cycle, feeding rates, birth rates, photo periodRelease rates vary per bug & unique conditionsUnique conditions ie: russet mites, larger plants, pathogen problems (fungicide sprays)Which pests work well together: californicus, skwirskiiEX) more than 5 spider mites = heavy = mechanical controls

ISI: Infestation Severity Index

Diapause 12/12 & biological selectionGetting ahead of the game in Veg Resin on flowers cause migration issuesIncrease release ratesTransition room – build up populations, knock back spray Assessment time before moving forwardStrategy in floweringFallacis and higher tempsNight time releasingPepsi (sugar water) for migration purposes

Photo Period, Flower & Veg

Never have a problem

Scouting: importance

Cleanliness

Ordering insects: Timing, Europe & Canada

Preventatives are the Name of the Game

I a m a va i l a b l e f o r c o n su l t a t i on , e d u ca t i on a n d p r e sen ta t i on s

CASEY CONNELLCONTENDERGARDENS@GMAIL.COM

BIOPESTICIDES AND THEIRMODES OF ACTION

Daniel Peck, PhDBiological Program Manager, Entomology(800) 877-9443 | dpeck@bioworksinc.com

100 Rawson Rd, Suite 205Victor, NY 14456

2018 Cannabis Sustainability Symposium, Denver, CO, 26 October 2018

Biological Control Products

BioPesticidesBiochemicals

Semio-

chem

Plant Extra

cts

Minerals PGRs

Organic

Acids

MicrobialsBacte

riaFung

iProtoz

oaViru

s

Yeasts

Others

Macroorganisms

Insects

Mites

Nema-

todes

Microbials

•Bacteria; Fungi; Virus; Protozoan; Yeasts•Bacteria, followed by Fungi make up the largest groups commercially (>90%)•Microbials are the largest market of biopesticides at US$1.3 Bn.•Biggest challenges for microbials are formulation related: 1) Shelf-life; 2) Stability; 3) Performance enhancement

Biochemicals

•Plant Extracts; Minerals & Others; PGRs; Semiochemicals; Organic Acids•Plant Extracts make up the largest segment in this group•Semiochemicals (pheromones) has the largest actual number of products •Largest challenge for Plant Extracts is manufacturing and consistent quality in the active ingredient(s)

Macroorganisms

•Insects; Mites; Nematodes•Insects followed by mites makeup the largest groups•Unique in that the live organism in the form of eggs, larvae, pupae or adult is used.•Most important challenge for Macros is logistics—shipping live organisms that have to have special care to survive•Normally not classified as a Biopesticide—only as Biological Control Products

Biological Products

Biofertilizers

•Microbials used to enhance plant nutrient uptake from soil•Nitrogen fixing bacteria make up largest group•Others include mobilizers of specific nutrients (zinc, sulfur) and mycorrhizal fungi•Biofertilizers regulated under country/state fertilizer regulations

Biostimulants

•Seaweed Extracts make up the largest segment in this group•Microbials, primarily bacteria, often used as seed or soil treatment to aid in nutrient assimilation •Organic acids are humic and fulvic acids used as soil amendments, formed by the microbial degradation of plant matter.•Definition and regulation of biostimulants is still under development in most parts of the world

BioStimulants

Microbials

Amino Acids

K Mobilizers Others

MicrobialsPlant

Extracts

Organic Acids

Biofertilizers

Abiotic Stress Mgmt

SeaweedExtracts

BioPesticides

•Biopesticides are derived from natural materials, such as plants, bacteria and certain minerals. Biopesticides target specific pests and are inherently less toxic than synthetic pesticides.

N Fixin

g

P2O5 Solubilizing

Source: DunhamTrimmer LLC

Biopesticides are certain types of pesticidesderived from such things as animals, plants,bacteria and certain minerals

According to the U.S. EPABiopesticides include:• Naturally occurring substances that control pests

(biochemical pesticides)• Micro-organisms that control pests (microbial pesticides)• Pesticidal substances produced by plants containing

added genetic material (plant-incorporated protectants)Biopesticides are regulated by the EPA, along with conventional synthetic pesticides

• Reduced risk to workers, environment and non-targets

– Usually less toxic– Often effective in small quantities and

decompose quickly – More narrow spectrum of activity

• Improved management of residues for food use

• Complex modes of action reduce development of pesticide resistance

• Quicker to market at lower cost– 3 years and $5 million to develop – (vs 10 years and $200 million for

conventionals)

Benefits of theBiopesticides

Fungicidal Trichoderma strains

BioFungicides

Potassium bicarbonate Bacillus subtilis Trichoderma spp.

15

Background

1. Bacillus spp. 2. Streptomyces spp.3. Example:

- CEASE- Bacillus subtilis QST 713- Spores and metabolites- Targets root and foliar

diseases

Biofungicides:Bacterial-Based Products

Bacillus subtiliswww.hexonlaboratories.com

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CEASE Modes of Action

1. Spores create a physical barrier - Block access to plant surface- Prevent pathogen germination

Biofungicides:Bacterial-Based Products

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CEASE Modes of Action

1. Spores create a physical barrier - Block access to plant surface- Prevent pathogen germination

2. Spores produce antifungal metabolites (lipopeptides) - Destroy cell wall integrity- Make walls porous, allowing small

molecules to get in and out- Kill pathogen cells

Biofungicides:Bacterial-Based Products

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Background

1. Trichoderma spp.2. Ulocladium oudemansii3. Example:

- RootShield Plus- Trichoderma harzianum T-22- Trichoderma virens G-41- Targets root diseases

Biofungicides:Fungal-Based Products

Trichoderma harzianum

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RootShield Plus Modes of Action

1. Competitive exclusion- Growth around the root system- Outcompetes pathogens for space

and food

Biofungicides:Fungal-Based Products

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RootShield Plus Modes of Action

1. Competitive exclusion- Growth around the root system- Outcompetes pathogens for space

and food2. Mycoparasitism

- Seeks out and eats other fungi

Biofungicides:Fungal-Based Products

RootShield attacking a hyphal strand of Rhizoctonia using enzymes to degrade the cell

wall of the pathogen

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RootShield Plus Modes of Action

1. Competitive exclusion- Growth around the root system- Outcompetes pathogens for space

and food2. Mycoparasitism

- Seeks out and eats other fungi3. Metabolite production

- Produces metabolites that inhibit microbe growth

Biofungicides:Fungal-Based Products

Zone of inhibition

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Background

1. Sodium and potassium bicarbonates

2. Alternatives to sulfur fungicides3. Example:

- MilStop- Potassium bicarbonate- Targets foliar bacterial and fungal

diseases

Alternaria leaf blight

Biofungicides:Mineral-Based Products

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MilStop Modes of Action

1. Increases pH on leaf surface- Detrimental to fungal spores

2. Increases osmotic potential- Desiccates fungal spores and

vegetative bacterial spores3. Inhibits mycelial growth

- Destabilizes and destroys cell membranes of fungal mycelia and bacterial colonies

SEM of MilStop Treated and Untreated Powdery Mildew Spores

Biofungicides:Mineral-Based Products

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Antibiosis: Produces a chemical compound of some type (antibiotic or toxin) that acts against the pathogen

Predation or Parasitism: Directly attacks the pathogenExclusion: Produces a defensive barrierNutrient Competition: More effective than the pathogen at

gathering critical nutrients or spaceEnvironment Modification: Changes the leaf surface making it

inhospitable for the pathogen Induction of Host Plant Resistance: Triggers a defensive response in the host

plant that limits the ability of the pathogen to invade the plant

Biofungicides:Modes of Action

BioInsecticides

Azadirachtin Mineral Oil Beauveria bassiana

Background

1. Living spores of entomopathogenic fungi

2. From four fungal genera- Beauveria- Isaria- Metarhizium- Paecilomyces

3. Example- BotaniGard/Mycotrol- Beauveria bassiana GHA- Targets a wide range of

greenhouse and outdoor pests

Bioinsecticides:Fungal-Based Products

Beauveria

Metarhizium

BotaniGard Mode of Action

1. Spore attachment to cuticle2. Germination in response to

chemical cues3. Penetration via mechanical

pressure and enzymes4. Release of beauvericin, a toxin

to weaken immune system5. Release of oosporein, an

antibiotic to help outcompete gut bacteria

6. Proliferation inside the host 7. Exfiltration with external

sporulation

Bioinsecticides:Fungal-Based Products

BotaniGard Mode of Action

1. Spore attachment to cuticle2. Germination in response to

chemical cues3. Penetration via mechanical

pressure and enzymes4. Release of beauvericin, a toxin

to weaken immune system5. Release of oosporein, an

antibiotic to help outcompete gut bacteria

6. Proliferation inside the host 7. Exfiltration with external

sporulation

Bioinsecticides:Fungal-Based Products

Spor

ulat

ing

Inf

ecte

d

Hea

lthy

Sporulation is not a measure of efficacy!

Background

1. Azadirachtin is an extract of seeds from the neem tree- Family of complex secondary

compounds (limonoid terpenes)- Is not the same as Neem Oil

2. Example- Molt-X- Largely targets immature insects

Bioinsecticides:Azadirachtin-Based Products

Molt-X Modes of Action

1. In immatures:- Interferes with a key molting

hormone (ecdysone)- Prevents progression from one

developmental stage to the next2. In adults:

- Deters feeding and oviposition- Can act as a repellent

3. Reduces physical and physiological fitness- Greater susceptibility to other

insecticides and biocontrol agents

Bioinsecticides:Azadirachtin-Based Products

Background

1. Horticultural oils include vegetable as well as mineral oil products

2. Most effective against smaller and softer-bodied insects

3. Example:- Suffoil-X- Highly refined mineral oil- Mechanically pre-emulsified- Insecticide, miticide, fungicide

Bioinsecticides:Mineral Oil-Based Products

Suffoil-X Modes of Action

1. Clogs the spiracles of insects2. Inhibits oxygen uptake in eggs3. Deters oviposition and feeding in

some insects

Bioinsecticides:Mineral Oil-Based Products

Spiracle

Suffoil-X Modes of Action

1. Clogs the spiracles of insects2. Inhibits oxygen uptake in eggs3. Deters oviposition and feeding in

some insects4. Pre-emulsification improves

coverage and reduces phytotoxicity risk

Bioinsecticides:Mineral Oil-Based Products

EvaporationRespiration

Transpiration

Suffoil-X

Other

OtherSuffoil-X

Pathogen: Select fungal strains can penetrate the exoskeleton, proliferate in the body and kill the insect

Insect Growth Regulator: Specific plant extracts disrupt the growth and development of insects

Suffocant: Oils smother and suffocate by clogging external openings (spiracles) that insects and mites need for oxygen

Repellency: Biochemical or physical changes to the plant surface that mask cues or discourage behavior associated with feeding, egg laying or alighting

Parasitism: Nematodes enter the body through natural openings and release bacteria that allow them to colonize and reproduce

Toxin: Certain bacteria (e.g., Bt) make products that are toxic to insects when ingested

Bioinsecticides:Modes of Action

1. Consumer demand / better price for crops in market

2. Safety concerns for workers, consumers, & environment

3. Low Restricted Entry Intervals (REI) and Pre-Harvest Intervals (PHI)

4. Complex modes of action prevent or delay development of resistance to synthetic pesticides

5. Wider selection of alternatives for organic growers

6. Better compatibility with beneficial arthropods

Why Growers Start and Continue to Use Bioinsecticides

BIOPESTICIDES AND THEIRMODES OF ACTION

Daniel Peck, PhDBiological Program Manager, Entomology(800) 877-9443 | dpeck@bioworksinc.com

100 Rawson Rd, Suite 205Victor, NY 14456

2018 Cannabis Sustainability Symposium, Denver, CO, 26 October 2018

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Plant nutrition and biostimulants

Peter Baas, Growcentia Inc.

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Plant Nutrient Uptake

Why are different nutrient needed?

Macronutrients: N, P, K

Micronutrients: Needed in small quantities (co-factors) to allow molecules such as proteins to be functional and stable

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How do we know what is limiting plant growth

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Liebig’s Law of the Minimum: “yield is proportional to the amount of the most limiting nutrient, whichever nutrient it may be”

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How do plant take up nutrients

Roots and specifically through their fine roots

Most of the uptake happens in the few millimeter area around the fine roots called the “rhizosphere”

Using their root and specifically their fine roots

The millimeters around the fine roots in called the “rhizosphere”

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Nutrient Use Efficiency Gap in Agriculture

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Only ~50% of nitrogen and ~30% of phosphorus taken up by crop

P

Plant Uptake

Run-off/Erosion/Leaching

N

Volatilization

Amended from figure by Amy Shober, University of Delaware

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Microbes are abundant and everywhere!

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Plant can manipulate

rhizosphere pH to maximize

uptake

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NH4+

NH4+

K+K+

K+ Ca2+

H+H+

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NH4+

NH4+

K+K+

K+ Ca2+

H+

H+

Microbes can help plants

enhance uptake!

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H+

H+Plant evolved in a microbial world

Strong symbiotic relationships were formed over the last 700 million years

Siderophores

PO43+

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What the heck is a biostimulant anyway?

“Any substance(s) produced by living organisms and microorganism(s) applied to plants that can enhance performance”

“A plant biostimulant is any substance or microorganism applied to plants with the aim to enhance nutrition efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance and/or crop quality traits, regardless of its nutrients content”

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Consortia vs single species

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Microbial Synergy Across Ecosystem Levels

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Increased Yield in High-Value Crops!

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> 10:1 ROI to producers

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Plant and microbes work together intricately

Biostimulant products can increase yield and reduce pollution

Functionally selected microbial consortia are more robust than single strains

Contact:Peter Baaspeter@growcentia.com706-380-4492

Take Home

www.growcentia.comwww.mammothmicrobes.com

Questions?