In this installment of our “how-to” video series, we’re bringing you two related videos about entomopathogens in the soil.
The first is a new addition that can help you determine if your microbial pesticides are alive and kicking after application. This can be super important after temperature fluctuations like the heat wave we just had.
The second video is an oldie but a goodie. It demonstrates quality control and proper application of parasitic nematodes in potting media.
About these videos
All videos were made by the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), and are applicable to both greenhouse floriculture and vegetable crops.
Disclaimer: the appearance of any products in these videos does not constitute endorsement by OMAFA or the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Videos contain current information as of the initial release date. Some products or procedures that were not available or widely used at the time of filming were not included in these videos. Any products featured in the videos may currently be unavailable or discontinued.
Video 1: Quality testing of entomopathogens on farm
Initial Release Date: May 2024
Description: Entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium brunneum, are widely used as bio-insecticides in products like BotaniGard and Lalguard M52. These biopesticides are living organisms, and the spores need to be alive for the product to work. This video demonstrates an easy way that you can check if the biopesticide product contains viable spores using galleria moth larvae (aka waxworms).
Although this is a binary test (the pathogens are either dead or alive), and doesn’t tell how many of the spores are viable (effectively, rate), it can still give you peace of mind that your microbials are active.
If you use this technique, and none of your waxworms sporulate, it’s best to touch base with the product seller/manufacturer. They may be able to give you advice about proper storage, handling, application and shelf life for future applications. Remember, microbials are living organisms, just like predatory mites and parasitic wasps, and can be negatively impacted by a lot of factors between leaving the door of the manufacturing plant and being applied in your greenhouse.
Some tips for applying entomopathogenic fungi in your greenhouse can be found here and here.
Video 2: Quality Control and Application of Entomopathogenic Nematodes
Initial Release Date: 2018
Details: This video briefly discusses the lifecycle of entomopathogenic nematodes and how they kill thrips. It outlines the necessary steps for checking the viability of the nematodes you receive, and makes recommendations for applying nematodes in your crop.
More information relating to these videos
- You can find the Quality Assurance Guide by the Vineland, Research and Innovation Centre here: https://www.vinelandresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Grower-Guide.pdf
- Learn more about biocontrol product quality standards used by the industry: https://anbp.org/about/quality-assurance/
Just a reminder that purpose of these videos and the quality control guide is to help you learn more about what a “normal” product looks like and to determine if any problems may have occurred with a particular product or shipment. Always work with your biocontrol supplier if you feel there is a potential issue.
Acknowledgements
These videos were funded by the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance (previously the OMAFA-U of G Partnership). This is a collaboration between the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness and the University of Guelph to advance research and innovation that contributes to the success of the province’s agri-food sector and promotes rural economic development. Videos were made as part of the KTT Funding Program stream.
Funding was also received by the Canadian Greenhouse Conference.
We sincerely thank those that contributed to the making of these videos, including: Dr. Rose Buitenhuis (Vineland), Jesse DeHaan (Vineland), Dr. Sarah Jandricic (OMAFA), Laxmi Khadka (Vineland), Cara McCreary (OMAFA), Caitlin MacDonald (Vineland), Ashley Summerfield (Vineland) and Taro Saito (Vineland).