12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Research & Development Update on Biopesticides

The speakers will review pertinent research and products that will directly impact vegetable and small fruit growers pest management successes based on University and private researcher field and greenhouse trials. All three companies direct substantial resources annually into research into how to best use their biopesticides. 

Gregory Clarke, Valent USA

Greg Rogers, Certis

Steve Bogash, Marrone Bio Innovations

12:45 PM - 1:15 PM

* Evaluation of an Isolate of Bacillus Subtilis for Biocontrol of Pyhtophthora Blight of Pepper

In this project, we evaluated an isolate of Bacillus subtilis, a common soil bacterium, for control of Phytophthora blight of pepper in greenhouse and in field settings. At high rates, this isolate provided significant (p<0.05) control of Phytophthora blight, indicating that it may be a good candidate for commercial biological control. 

Dr. Jeana Hansel, Plant Pathologist

1:15 PM - 1:45 PM

*Vegetable Transplant IPM

This presentation will provide a basic overview of the cultural practices and beneficial insects that we use on the Wegmans Organic Farm to manage the pests that are specific to our operation, including aphids, thrips and spider mites.

Jessica Crabtree, Wegman's Organic Farm and Orchard

1:45 PM - 2:15 PM

*How to Avoid Epic Failures when Utlitizing Biopesticides

Biopesticides are very different from most synthetic pesticides in their storage, solution pH, tank mixing, adjuvant, and other requirements. We will discuss how to extract the greatest pest management results and avoid epic failures when incorporating biopesticides into your programs in this session.

Steve Bogash, Marrone Bio Innovations