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Publication 360, Fruit Production Recommendations:
Reduced-risk pesticides and biopesticides

Excerpt from Publication 360, Fruit Production Recommendations 2010-11,
Order this publication

1. Introduction
2. Reduced-risk pesticides
   • Table 2-7. Examples of Reduced-Risk Pesticides Used in Fruit Crops in Ontario (PDF 50kB)
3. Biopesticides
   • Table 2-8. Characteristics of Biopesticides and Some Reduced Risk Products Registered on Fruit Crops
4. Biopesticides for disease control
5. Biopesticides and reduced risk products for insect control
6. Other topics in Pest Management
   • Integrated Pest Management - Monitoring
   • Pest Management Tools
   • Using Mating Disruption in Fruit Crops
   • Pest Management for Organic Fruit Growers
   • Pest Resistance to Insecticides, Fungicides, Miticides
   • Resistance Management Strategies
7. Chapter 2 - Pest Management - PDF 240 kb
8. Related Links

• more frequent applications needed to control pests
• slower acting than conventional pesticides
• may provide suppression but not control of the pest
• more expensive than conventional pesticides
• fewer pests controlled
  
  

Source: Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) Reduced Risk Update Document RR2007-01 Update on Reduced Risk Pesticides in Canada can be found at www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/pdf/rr/rr2007-01-e.pdf and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Initiative for Reduced-Risk Pesticides (Regulatory Directive DIR2002-02) can be found at www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/pdf/dir/dir2002-02-e.pdf.

Biopesticides

Biopesticides are derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, and bacteria. In Canada, biopesticides are divided into two major classes, microbial pesticides and biochemical pesticides.

Microbial pesticides contain a beneficial bacterium, fungus, virus or protozoan as the active ingredient. They are relatively specific to their target pest. Examples include the various subspecies and strains of Bacillus thuringiensis.

Biochemical pesticides are naturally-occurring substances and/or manufactured molecules that resemble naturally-occurring substances. They generally control pests by different mechanisms than conventional pesticides, such as disrupting insect mating (e.g. Isomate) or by making crops unsuitable for feeding (e.g. Surround). While many biopesticides are less toxic and pose a lower risk than conventional pesticides, some can be quite toxic.

Biopesticides can be helpful additions to IPM programs, but they may not provide the same high level of control as conventional pesticides. Biopesticides are often labelled for suppression, or partial suppression of pests (see Table 2-6. Efficacy Ratings for Pesticides). To improve control, combine their use with other pest control tactics (e.g. cultural, mechanical, biological control).

Although many biopesticides are formulated, packaged and applied in a very similar fashion to conventional pesticides, the active ingredients are different. They have unique, specialized modes of action which make them more susceptible to numerous biological and environmental factors. Biopesticides often have limited residual activity, and repeat applications of the product may be necessary to maintain efficacy.

Table 2-8. Characteristics of Biopesticides and Some Reduced Risk Products Registered on Fruit Crops provides details on important factors that affect the success of biopesticides. These factors include spray timing and environmental conditions such as sunlight and rain. Chlorination, temperature and pH of water used for spraying can affect the viability of some biopesticides. For example, some bioinsecticides must be ingested soon after application and therefore must be applied only when the target pest is actively feeding. Others are effective only against young insects, or early in a pest infestation. Biopesticides may degrade, germinate or otherwise be altered when mixed with spray water, and should be applied immediately after preparation. Certain precautions may be necessary for storage. Some products must be kept frozen, or have a limited shelf life.

Details and specific application instructions for biopesticides can be found on the product label. Knowing the specific requirements for these products can improve the success of biopesticide application. Read the label!

Learn more

• Biopesticides for disease control
• Biopesticides and reduced risk products for insect control

• Pest Monitoring Equipment Suppliers
• Beneficial Insects and Mites Suppliers
• Ontario CropIPM
• Ontario Fruit Crops - Apples, Tender Fruit, Grapes, Berries, Nut Crops
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Pesticide Application and Safety
• Pesticide Companies and Agents
• Search the PMRA website
• Ontario Minor Use Program
• OMAFRA Publication 310, Integrated Pest Management for Apples
• OMAFRA Publication 505: Ontario Weeds
• OMAFRA Publication 75: Guide To Weed Control