  
Advancements in organic pest control
give you more options than ever to maximize yield Indoor plant growers have always struggled to protect their plants from infections and pests. Most people are hesitant to use commercial pesticides because of fears about chemical residues left behind. This left them with few options and difficult choices. Over the last few years, available options have expanded and improved. Many traditional pesticides have been reevaluated or reformulated - some have been dropped from use and others modified so that less is used. Currently, there is a lot of development in new pest control methods. Integrated pest management
(IPM) is the new buzzword. IPM can include new and re-discovered developments using non-toxic, ecologically-friendly chemicals, micro-organisms and insects for plant protection. Some industrial products have been scaled down to give home gardeners the tools once available only to large greenhouse growers. Organic and hydroponic growers both face the task of replacing or cleaning their growing medium after each crop. Usually potting mixes and rockwool are replaced, while clay pebbles are washed. These measures are taken to prevent the spread of disease across generations. Several newer chemicals for greenhouse and grow room sterilization don't pose the same types of environmental or toxicity problems as older pesticides or chlorine. Here are a few examples of current sterilizing and pest control methods. All of the products described below can be used on fruit and vegetable crops and are compatible with organic gardens. STERILIZERS/DISINFECTANTS: •
ELECTRIC SOIL STERILIZER: This unit holds a cubic foot (about 7.5 gallons) of soil or other planting medium. It works using heat controlled by a thermostat ranging between 100 and 200 degrees. At 160 degrees, the material is pasteurized, killing most of the harmful organisms and as few of the beneficials as possible. At 180 degrees, the medium is largely sterile, killing most organisms and weeds. Sterilization takes about 30 minutes from the time you load the sterilizer. Rated at: 500 watts or 4 1/2 amps. Weight: 27 lbs. Approximate cost: $280.
SOURCE: Charley's Greenhouse Supply, 800-322-4707, www.charleysgreenhouse.com •
PHYSAN 20 (TM): This is a broad spectrum disinfectant made from a salt, double quaternary ammonium chloride. It leaves no residue and breaks down into nitrogen, which plants use. It can be used as a soil drench and to sterilize trays, walls and equipment. It can also help prevent seedling and plant diseases when added to the irrigation water. Physan 20 has been used for over 25 years and is generally considered very safe. Physan 20 can be used in the same way as ZETOL (see next item). It is excellent for clean up between crops, sterilizing irrigation water and spraying on plants to kill pathogens. Approximate cost per pint: $12. SOURCE: Maril Products, Inc. 620 South E St. Suite A, Tustin, CA 92780. 800-546-7711. ZETOL (TM): This can be used as a one-time soil sterilizer or as a water additive to keep the water sterile. It is a solution of hydrogen dioxide, a very powerful oxidant. When this chemical comes in contact with insects, eggs, bacteria and viruses, it oxidizes them. It can be used as a wipedown for trays and pot walls or any other pathogen-containing surface. It sterilizes used soil and other planting mediums when used as a drench. ZETOL cannot be used with any of the biologicals mentioned below but is convenient to use instead of bleach or hydrogen peroxide for sterilizing equipment and medium before planting. It takes about 2 days to degrade to water and oxygen. The ZETOL (TM) people use the sterilization approach to plant protection. Rather than using friendly organisms, they keep the water and plant surfaces pathogen free by adding small amounts to all irrigation water. This is one approach, but probably a more difficult one than introducing friendly microorganisms as plant protectors. It can be used in fog and misting systems so it may curb the spread of bud rot by killing mold and spores. Approximate cost: $110 for 2 1/2 gallons. Note: A little goes a long way. SOURCE: Available from BioSafe Systems, 888-273-3088, www.biosafesystems.com
PEST CONTROLS:
The pests most likely to attack indoor marijuana plants are aphids, fungus gnats, mites, thrips and whiteflies. Outdoor plants are subject to hungry rabbits, deer, rodents, caterpillars, slugs and snails as well as insects. Organic growers have an arsenal of beneficial insects to choose from. Here are some of the pests and their controls: PEST:
Aphids are prolific pear-shaped insects, approximately 1/16-3/8 inch long. They come in many colors including white, green, pink, red, yellow and black. They mature in 7-10 days and start producing live young. Aphids feed on plant juices and are often herded by ants which milk them for the "honeydew" or sugar concentrate which they release. CONTROL: Aphidius colemani is a tiny parasitic wasp, which lays it eggs in living aphids. The adult wasp emerges from the aphid's body in two weeks, ready to mate and start reproducing. Aphidius colemani prefers temperatures below 80 degrees. One introduction to your garden is all that is required. Approximate cost: $24. + shipping. SOURCE: IPM Labs, 315-497-2063, E-mail: ipmlabs@baldcom.net CONTROL: Aphidoletes aphidimyza is a predatory midge. The midge will lay about 250 eggs over a ten-day period near an aphid colony. The bright orange larvae, about 1/10" long, will eat about 10 aphids a day but attack many more. The larvae then mature in the soil, emerging as adults to lay eggs. The total cycle takes about 3 weeks. One release of 250 midges is enough to get a colony started. The insect lies dormant during flower forcing with 12 or fewer light hours. Note: Aphidoletes aphidimyza don't do well in a hydroponic medium. Predatory nematodes kill them. IPM ships the midge larvae ready to eat. Approximate cost: $27 + shipping. SOURCES:
1) IPM Labs, 315-497-2063, E-mail: ipmlabs@baldcom.net 2) At Nature's Control, 250 adults ready to lay eggs cost about $25. Nature's Control, POB 35, Medford, OR 97501. 541-899-8318. CONTROL: Aphidius matricariae is a small predatory wasp that lays its eggs in aphid pupae. The adult wasp emerges from the mummified aphid larvae ready to destroy 200-300 aphids. Life cycle is about 3 weeks. This insect does not provide total control but works well against aphids. Recommended use is one parasite per 3 square feet. One release will start the colony. Outdoors, the recommended release rate is about 5,000 per acre. 500 wasps cost about $59. SOURCE: Nature's Control, POB 35, Medford, OR 97501. 541-899-8318 PEST:
Fungus gnats are tiny black flies that hover near the planting medium. Their larvae feed on dead organic matter. The larvae attract plant diseases and should be eliminated from the indoor garden. There are several biological controls for this: CONTROL: Gnatrol (TM) is a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis , which attacks only fungus gnats. The bacteria are mixed in water and applied to the medium three times a week. The bacterium kill the larvae so the gnats are eliminated over several weeks. Cost is about $39 + shipping. SOURCE: IPM Labs, 315-497-2063. E-mail: ipmlabs@baldcom.net CONTROL: Nemasys (TM) is a strain of predatory nematodes, which attack gnats in the larval stage. One pack of 50 million nematodes covers an area of 3,600 square feet. The nematodes should be introduced weekly for 3 consecutive weeks to eliminate gnat infestations. SOURCE:
Bioscape, Inc., 4381 Bodega Ave. Petaluma, CA 94952. 707-781-9233. www.bioscape.com. CONTROL: Scanmask (TM) is Steinernema feltros , a hybrid strain of nematodes that use chemical cues to find their prey. The nematodes enter the insect and release bacteria that kill them. Scanmask is available both as a spray (to be used as a drench) and in granular form to be mixed into your planting medium. One application is all that is needed. Cost is about $29 + shipping. SOURCE: IPM Labs, 315-497-2063. E-mail: ipmlabs@baldcom.net.
PEST: Spider mites. CONTROL: Spider mites can be controlled by Stethorus punctillum , a type of tiny ladybug that eats both eggs and newly hatched spider mites. Each bug eats about 40 mites a day as well as many eggs. About 100 bugs are needed to start a healthy colony. Cost is about $67. SOURCE: Nature's Control, POB 35, Medford, OR 97501. 541-899-8318. PEST: Thrips are plant parasites that feed on leaves, leaving behind a trail of damaged plant tissue and fecal matter. They are so small that they can barely be seen, so you are more likely to notice their trails. They mature after 7 to 10 days and can lay between 200 and 250 eggs, so their population increases quickly. CONTROL: Orius insidiosus, a minute pirate bug, is a small insect that dines on
thrips. They reproduce quickly (every 10-20 days) and will decimate the adult population. SOURCES:
1) IPM Labs, 315-497-2063. E-mail: ipmlabs@baldcom.net. 2) Nature's Control, POB 35, Medford, OR 97501. 541-899-8318.
PEST: Whiteflies are white-colored flies, about 1/32", which are easily seen fluttering about infested vegetation. Whiteflies slow plant growth and attract disease. CONTROL: Encarsia formosa is a tiny wasp, which feeds exclusively on whiteflies. The adult female lays hundreds of eggs. In approximately 3 weeks the adult whitefly emerges, ready to eat and start laying eggs. These wasps are very effective but go into dormancy under a flower-forcing regimen. Weekly introductions for 3-6 weeks are suggested at first sign of infestation. Cost runs about $15 per 1000 bugs. SOURCES:
1) IPM Labs, 315-497-2063. E-mail:
ipmlabs@baldcom.net.
2) Nature's Control, POB 35, Medford, OR 97501. 541-899-8318. CONTROL: Delphastus pusillus is a tiny black ladybug, about 1/32" long that eats all stages of whitefly. Each beetle eats about 150 eggs daily and they can quickly control a whitefly infestation. Only one introduction should be required. SOURCE: IPM Labs, 315-497-2063. E-mail: ipmlabs@baldcom.net.
GENERAL INSECT CONTROL:
Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis heliothedis are two species of tiny worms known as predatory nematodes. They attack and kill almost all soil dwelling insects. The purveyor recommends re-inoculation every 6 weeks, but the pest problem is usually solved with one introduction. Some gardeners use predatory nematodes to attack foliage pests, but I don't find this very effective. The worms come on a sponge and treat up to 2,500 square feet. They are released into water from the sponge and then sprayed, watered or irrigated into the medium. One million nematodes costs about $16. SOURCE: Nature's Control, POB 35, Medford, OR 97501, Tel. 541-899-8318.
OUTDOOR PESTS:
PEST: Snails and slugs. CONTROL: Snails and slugs can be controlled using Sluggo (TM), a new environmentally friendly blend of bait and iron phosphate. The snails are attracted to the bait. They stop feeding immediately and die with a few days. The active ingredient, iron phosphate, decomposes naturally in the soil. Two pounds will cover about 5,000 square feet and costs about $90. SOURCE: Available from
Bioscape, Inc., 4381 Bodega Ave. Petaluma, CA 94952.
707-781-9233. www.bioscape.com. PEST:
Deer, rabbits and other herbivores can be a vexing problem for outdoor gardeners. During early spring, when there is less vegetation available, young plants are especially vulnerable. Some herbivores will develop a taste for marijuana and its high. Keeping these predators away can be a daunting task. During a four-year study at Rutgers University, researchers found that Deer Off (TM) was the, "most effective preparation for deterring deer...". An added benefit: the product also deters squirrels and rabbits. The product is EPA approved and has been praised by environmentalists. The spray deters predators through negative reinforcement. Made from eggs, hot pepper and garlic, predators find it both smells and tastes bad. It is non-toxic to humans, pets and the environment. One application lasts several months and is not washed away by rain. A pint bottle costs about $10. SOURCE: Deer Off, Inc., 1127 High Ridge Rd., Suite 204, Stamford, CT 06905. 800-333-7633. www.deer-off.com.
BETTER GROWTH AND DISEASE PROTECTION:
Gardeners have an arsenal of friendly microbes they can use to protect their crops from pests and disease. These organisms use the plant pests as their food source and quickly dispose of the problem. Their diet does not include larger organisms so they are completely harmless to humans and pets. Many of these products are used to prevent disease rather than cure it. They acts somewhat like a vaccine by attacking invading disease organisms. Plants live in a symbiotic relationship with certain bacteria and fungi. These organisms promote plant growth by making nutrients more available to the plant. They also often serve as plant protectors by blocking sites that pathogens would use to attack. Some of the microorganisms actively attack pathogens. These are all registered for organic gardening use. Using living organisms to keep other organisms under control is the keystone of
IPM. • BIO-PLEX is a liquid bio-stimulant consisting of vitamins, enzymes, hormones, micronutrients and growth regulators. It encourages root growth and plant vigor. It is combination of ingredients include a combination of fish and kelp, Ascophyllum nodosum, cold-processed kelp, humic acids, chelated iron, zinc, and a soil and tissue
penetrant. The manufacturer claims that this is a superior product because the penetrant allows the nutrient to be absorbed more easily and quickly by the plant.
The result is plants with more resistance to stress and disease and an environment at the root level that encourages the growth of beneficial microbes. It allows more efficient absorption of nutrients so less fertilizer is required. One gallon goes a long way and costs $120. Manufactured by Turf Chemicals Plus, Inc., 2213 Huber Dr., Manheim, PA 17545. 800-441-3573. •
ECO SANE (TM) is an "enzymic activated stabilized biologic catalyst". It promotes increased plant growth and crop yield, as well increased tolerance to stress, especially in cold conditions. It has increased production on many crops from 20 to 500% when used every 2 to 4 weeks. Working directly on the plant, it promotes beneficial microorganisms. One ounce in 2 or 3 gallons of water treats about 1000 square feet. One gallon costs $42.50. The EKMA (TM) Companies, POB 560186, Miami, FL 33256. 305-256-5456.
•
MAXICROP is a product made from Ascophyllum nodosum, Norwegian kelp. Kelp contains large amounts of trace elements as well as hormones, enzymes and sugars that act as stimulants, encouraging plant growth and health. In addition to working directly on the plant, it encourages beneficial microbial life. Supplementing with Maxicrop results in stronger, more stress-resistant plants. The enzymes encourage stronger root growth and more vigorous leaf growth. The supplement is added to the water periodically. One gallon costs $17, 10.7 oz. powder (makes 1 gallon liquid) is $13.
Maxicrop USA, Inc., POB 964, Arlington Heights, IL 60006. 800-535-7964. www.maxicrop.com. •
MYCOR FLOWER SAVER (TM) is a mix of four strains of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and growth-promoting bacteria with organic
biostimulants. The fungi develop a symbiotic relationship with the roots providing them with nutrients in return for sugars produced by the plant. This relationship promotes faster growth and enhanced resistance to stress and pathogens.
The dry powder is mixed into the medium at the rate of 3 lbs. per 100 square feet at planting and can be used indoors or out. A six-pound box is $40. Plant Health Care, Inc. 800 421-9051. www.planthealthcare.com. •
PHC BIOPAK (TM) is a biostimulant containing several strains of bacteria which develop symbiotically with the roots. They promote fast feeder root development, which increases plant growth, uptake of fertilizer and bio-activity in the medium; reducing susceptibility to disease. One pound jar; $25.
Plant Health Care, Inc. 800 421-9051. www.planthealthcare.com. •
PHC HEALTHY START 3-4-3 (TM) is a fertilizer derived from bone, blood and kelp meal, rice bran and other natural fertilizers. The formula, 3-4-3, is a good mix for starts and clones as it promotes rooting. The natural ingredients provide complete micronutrients for soil and soilless media. What makes this blend truly unique is the addition of nitrogen and phosphorous solubizing bacteria that make nutrients available to the roots as needed. Humic acid in the form of
leonardite, a mined mineral, is added to encourage growth of beneficial microbes. Under these conditions, plants are less likely to suffer from nutrient deficiencies and require less fertilizer because nutrients are more efficiently delivered. Twenty-five pounds (about $15) treats 250 square feet. One treatment per crop. Can be used indoors or out. Plant Health Care, Inc., 440 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. 800-421-9051. •
ROOTSHIELD is a fungicide that protects roots from the fungi that cause root and stem rot and die-off in seedlings and clones. The fungus in Rootshield quickly forms a barrier against pathogens and attacks those trying to break through. One application of RootShield is all that is needed for this symbiotic organism to protect the roots. Researchers think that pathogens are unlikely to develop resistance to this microbe. RootShield comes as a dry powder that is mixed with water and applied as a drench at the rate of 6 oz. per cubic yard of medium or as a granular for dry dipping cuttings. It is sometimes mixed into the planting medium at the rate of 1 pound per cubic yard. The active ingredient in RootShield is Trichoderma harzanum strain T-22, developed at Cornell University. It is exempted from most regulations and is recommended for vegetables. It is non-toxic to humans, birds and other animals and safe to use around water sources. One pound costs about $37. Manufactured by
BioWorks, Inc., 800-877-9443, www.bioworksbiocontrol.com. It is not available from retailers but is sold by wholesalers such as McCalif-899-234-4559. For suppliers, call the manufacturer. •
ROOTS TRANSPLANT 1-STEP is an enhanced 2-2-2 transplanting fertilizer. In addition to nutrients it contains 13 species of mycorrhizae that colonize the roots and develop symbiotic relationships with them. Together they increase fertilizer absorption, bioactivity and resistance to disease. The powder contains a bio-stimulant to promote root growth and a water-holding gel to increase water retention. One pound treats about 250 six-inch or 125 ten-inch containers. Treat plants every 2-4 weeks. Twenty-five pounds costs $23. Roots Inc., 3120 Weatherford Rd. Independence, MO 64055.
800-342-6173
| 
