As part of a sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, many growers utilize botanical insecticides that contain pest-deterring compounds derived from plants. A great example is Pyganic®, which contains pyrethrins extracted from chrysanthemum flowers. These botanical insecticides present several advantages over synthetic insecticidal compounds.
The Benefits of Using Pyganic
- Pyrethrins, which are extracted from chrysanthemum flowers, are less persistent in the environment.
- Boasts reduced phytotoxicity
- Has a shorter residual persistence
- Ideal for both conventional and organic growers as it meets the USDA’s National Organic Program requirements and is OMRI-listed.
- Easily incorporated into Integrated Pest Management plans
As one of the most successful botanical insecticides on the market, Pyganic is ideal for growers looking to flush, knock down, and kill pests in greenhouses and nurseries. It kills a broad spectrum of pests, ranging from aphids to whiteflies, and can be effectively used on ornamental plants, vegetables, fruit, and nut trees.
These advantages are noteworthy and help growers successfully include Pyganic in their IPM strategy. Here are some tips and tricks that we recommend to optimize the effectiveness of Pyganic.
Monitor Crops
- Carefully monitor crops for the first appearance of piercing and sucking insects. Treat for insects early before the population gets out of control.
Mixing & Buffering
- Before mixing Pyganic, make sure the water used in the spray tank has a pH between 5.5 and 7. Application of the spray solution with a pH outside of this range may result in poor performance on target pests.
- If the pH is outside the optimum range, add a buffering agent to the water before adding Pyganic.
- Use Pyganic as a tank mix or as part of a rotational Integrated Pest Management program.
Application Timing
- Optimal application times are just before dusk or early morning before the sun reaches full strength. This will enhance performance while minimizing risk to pollinators.
Complete Coverage
- For effective pest knockdown, complete coverage of Pyganic is critical to success. The amount of water used as a carrier must be sufficient to achieve good coverage and contact with target insects. Insects must be present during applications. Knockdown will happen quickly.
By following these guidelines, growers can make the most of Pyganic for effective pest management.
Get more information on Pyganic® Specialty for professional use and Pyganic® Gardening for retail/home use on our website, then contact your distributor for pricing and shipping availability.
Written by Katie Gustafson, Marketing Communications Manager, Mycorrhizal Applications
