Control When You Need It – Advice for Managing Hard-to-Kill Pests in Organic Vegetable Production
PRACTICES
Season-long insect control for organic vegetable growers
Vegetable growers are bound to face insect issues every season. Pests such as aphids, thrips, whiteflies and lepidopteran insects including loopers and diamondback moths can damage
crops by feeding on foliage and other plant parts or by piercing leaves and removing key nutrients. This ultimately impacts yield, crop quality and marketability. Organic growers often have limited tools, making quick, effective and OMRI Listed solutions essential.
Because insects can strike throughout the growing season, growers should consider a broad-spectrum insecticide like Pyganic® Crop Protection EC 1.4II/5.0II. Pyganic provides reliable protection with quick knockdown of pests and fits into conventional, sustainable and organic production systems.
Early-season control
A key principle for organic growers is to plan early for the entire season. Pyganic can be used at the start of the season as a proactive step in a pest management program.
Valent U.S.A. recommends applying an insecticide at the first signs of pest activity based on field scouting. Early intervention helps prevent pests from establishing and reproducing in the crop.
Control pests mid-season
By mid-season, it is critical to keep infestations under control in crops like head lettuce and romaine. As leaves tighten and head formation begins, insects can become harder to reach with control measures.
Because pests can invade at different times, an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program should be used throughout the season. Pyganic allows flexibility to control insects and mites as needed, with up to 10 applications per season. Valent recommends rotating chemistries and integrating Pyganic with other compatible products.
Finish the season strong
Pests like whiteflies and aphids can infest fields just before harvest. With a zero-day PHI, Pyganic can be used as a cleanup spray up to the day of harvest to help ensure vegetables are pest-free.
To learn more about Pyganic, visit the product page or contact a Valent sales rep.
Always read and follow label instructions.