Real IPM Trichoderma is Registered in Kenya and Ethiopia for the control of root knot nematode. Its probable mode of action is the excretion of a chitinase enzyme, which destroys the egg masses of nematodes on the outside of the plant roots.
A root gall contains one large single female nematode. She extrudes eggs masses on the outside of the root and then dies. The gall will not disappear and remains as historical evidence of rkn presence. If Trichoderma is applied regularly with the irrigation water, the number of new galls should decrease.
Biopesticides are more effective when used in a prophylactic preventative programme, not dependent on thresholds or scouting. The colonization of the rhizosphere by beneficial microbes in advance of the attack by pathogens and pests will reduce the living space on the roots where the pathogens might attempt to colonise. Beneficial microbes will secrete substances, which can slow down the growth of the competing pathogenic microbes or kill them. This will reduce the level of disease or pest attack on the plant.
ISR is usually initiated as a result of beneficial microbes applied to the roots of the plant and increases the level of jasmonic acid in the plant tissues. Beneficial microbes that are applied to the canopy usually induce SAR and it tends to increase the level of salicylic acid in leaf tissue.
- The predators we supply will not damage your crops. Some predator adults, such as green lacewings, survive on nectar or honeydew. Other predators that are more generalist feeders, such as most predatory mites (Neoseiulus californicus, Amblyseius swirskii, etc.), may survive on other food sources, such as tiny organisms and pollen. This is one of the reasons we encourage the planting of cover crops. However, we cannot guarantee they remain present without their primary prey.
- Some predators that are more specialist feeders may die off (e.g., Real PhytoFIX) or fly away (e.g., Real CryptoFIX) in the absence of their target prey.
- The pheromones used in most of these traps are made to attract the males of the specific species only. The females are the ones who need to lay eggs and will thus be looking for a food source (the crop) and will be attracted to the crop with or without these pheromone traps. The males will come in, attracted by the scent of the females. By using the pheromone traps for monitoring, we will be able to detect the male moths early on and be prepared to step in with control measures on time. As a tool for mass trapping, by placing enough traps early enough, we will be able to catch the male moths before they reach and mate with the females, thus reducing the pest pressure.