Actinovate FAQs

How does Actinovate work?

Actinovate utilizes a patented bacterium that forms a mutually beneficial relationship in the rhizosphere by feeding off the plant’s waste and secreting beneficial by-products that keep pathogens under control. These by-products break down the cell walls of fungus and kill/repel other microbes. This control of fungi and microbes results in the prevention or control of the diseases they cause. In addition to the disease prevention and control, the bacterium also aids in mineral & nutrient uptake and promotes increased root growth and plant size. This results in plants that are more vigorous and able to survive under stressful conditions.

What diseases does Actinovate prevent?

Actinovate controls a wide variety of pathogens and diseases, including:

SOIL DISEASES:

Club Root

Damping Off*†

Fusarium

Gray Snow Mold

Pink Snow Mold

Pythium

Phytophthora

Rhizoctonia

Root Rot*†

Turf Brownpatch†

Turf Dollarspot

Turf Take-All Patch

FOLIAR DISEASES:

Bacterial blast

Bacterial spot

Black spot

Citrus canker

Downy mildew†

Fire blight

Gray mold†

Leaf spots and rusts

Peach leaf curl

Powdery mildew†

Walnut blight

*ornamentals and vegetables

†only these diseases recognized as controlled in California, due to differences in product label requirements

What plants can Actinovate be applied to?

Actinovate can be applied to a wide variety of plants, including:

Annual and perennial bedding plants and flowers, roses, potted flowers, foliage plants, trees, shrubs and lawns located in homes, greenhouses, and home landscapes
Fruits; including tree fruits, berries, and melons
Nuts; including a wide variety of tree nuts
Vegetables; including leafy vegetables, root crops, cole crops, peppers, and tomatoes

How should Actinovate be applied?

Actinovate is solubilized in water and can be applied to the soil as a drench or applied as a foliar application. It can also be applied with misting systems and foggers.

Is Actinovate a better as a preventative or curative treatment?

For best results, Actinovate should be applied before disease onset as a preventative treatment. (Actinovate can be tank-mixed with another fungicide labeled for use on the target disease.)

How many applications are needed?

Actinovate can be reapplied 30-45 days after a soil drench or 7-14 days after a foliar application.

What is the reentry period?

After application, the area should not be entered for four hours in agriculture or greenhouse applications, or until the Actinovate suspension is dry.

How soon after application can the plants be watered?

Plants should not be watered for 4 hours after application.

What is the pre-harvest interval?

The pre-harvest interval is 0 days.

What is the shelf life?

Starting on April 1, 2023, all Actinovate products have a 24-month Shelf Life from the date of manufacture.

How does it need to be stored?

Actinovate should be stored in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Keep from overheating or freezing. The optimum storage temperature range is 40°F to 85°F. Actinovate will remain stable for up to 2 months even when exposed to temperatures up to 95°F, but it will decrease in viability after 2 months at those temperatures.

How does Actinovate work with Mycorrhizae?

Actinovate and Mycorrhizae work very well together to help the plants be as strong as possible. The Mycorrhizae do not compete with the Actinovate organisms or hinder efficacy.

Can I use Actinovate in a rotation with other fungicides?

Yes, Actinovate can be used in rotation with other fungicides.

Is there resistance to Actinovate?

Biologicals typically do not have resistance issues, but we do suggest a rotation of different fungicide products to ensure the problems are being treated with multiple modes of action.

What is the advantage for using Actinovate over other biological fungicides?

In addition to providing disease prevention and control, Actinovate also aids in mineral & nutrient uptake and promotes increased root growth and plant size. This results in plants that are more vigorous and able to survive under stressful conditions.

Would Actinovate still be viable after the expiration date, if the product is applied at a higher rate?

We do not recommend using Actinovate that has expired, as we cannot guarantee that the product still contains the number of living Streptomyces bacteria listed on the label.

What is the difference between Actinovate SP and Actinovate Lawn & Garden?

Actinovate SP is labeled for professional growers to be used in Greenhouse, nursery, turf, golf course and professional spray equipment. Actinovate Lawn and Garden is labeled for the retail market home and garden including hydroponics and hose-end sprayers.

The Actinovate label states not to mix Actinovate with chlorinated water. If my household water source contains chlorine, will it hurt the efficacy of the Streptomyces?

We recommend using de-chlorinated water with Actinovate applications. Letting chlorinated water stand will remove chlorine over time, but many factors will impact how long this off-gassing process will take. Some municipalities use chloramine for water disinfection; chloramine will NOT dissipate from water over time and is harmful to the active ingredient.

When is the best time of year to apply Actinovate to my plants?

Actinovate can be used throughout most of the growing season. Since the product contains live spores of a microbe, temperature does influence the activity and success of the product. Actinovate is most effective when temperatures are above 45°F, so applications in late Fall or Winter may be less effective.

Can Actinovate be applied during the soil blending process, or does it have to be drenched into soil or potted containers where plants are already present?

Actinovate SP is labeled for soil blending applications in all US states except for California. Anytime prior to planting, incorporate Actinovate SP into potting soil as a spray and blend thoroughly for even distribution.