Although it’s very important to identify the pests and understand the treatment options, it is equally important to understand how to prevent infestations. Preventative maintenance programs are the only way to know you have control over your crop every time.
Environmental Control is the first line of defense. This is a controllable factor and should be closely monitored. This can mean HVAC, employees or foreign plant material. There are many ways for pests to get in the garden, and identifying those ways is the first step in preventative Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Having the ability to control and monitor the airflow in the garden is crucial so you don’t bring in pests and spread them. Also, people can bring in pests unknowingly, so having protocols that limit who can be in the garden can limit that exposure. Having “clean suits” or at least sanitary clothes specifically for the garden will minimize accidental contamination. Lastly, any plant matter that comes into the cultivation facility must be considered a contamination source. This can mean the seeds, cuttings or clones for cultivation purposes, or this could mean food brought in for consumption. Quarantines and preventative treatments should be mandatory. Any plant material brought in for cultivation purposes should immediately be in quarantine and treated regardless of appearance.
Preventative Propagation is a method of treating the plants when the first roots and leaves are forming. Making the plants undesirable to pests is a simple way to avoid heavy pressures. Treating very early in the developmental stages and throughout the vegetative stage can reduce the chances of having to do any treatments during the flowering stages.
Using AzaSol as a preventative treatment in the propagation stages will significantly reduce the chances of severe infestation. This also minimizes the volume of product needed and maximizes protection. Combine this treatment with a quarantine method and further reduce the chances of spreading pests throughout the crop.
AzaSol is a unique, organic insect control product that delivers many modes of action (MOA). AzaSol works as an insect growth regulator (IGR), anti-feedant and anti-ovipositor. These MOA’s will disrupt an insect's ability to mature, feed and lay eggs. AzaSol is systemic and translaminar, making it very easy and efficient to use. It is compatible with many contact pesticides to add even more MOA’s.
The best method to successful pest management is by preventing uncontrollable outbreaks. Being diligent about crop monitoring and implementing preventative maintenance methods will save time and money.
