GROWING MEDIA
Insect Suppression in the root zone - PRO-MIX® BIOFUNGICIDE™ + MYCORRHIZAE™
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 | Ed Bloodnick
PRO-MIX® BIOFUNGICIDE+ MYCORRHIZAE offers growers the benefits of plant protection from root diseases caused by specific root pathogens, plant growth enhancement from MYCORRHIZAE and insect suppression – recently approved by the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) - aimed at fungus gnats and thrips. All of these benefits are exclusive to PRO-MIX® BIOFUNGICIDE + MYCORRHIZAE growing media products.
Through years of research on active ingredients, Premier Tech has developed products with an optimal combination of BIOFUNGICIDE (Bacillus pumilus) and MYCORRHIZAE (Glomus intraradices). PRO-MIX®BIOFUNGICIDE + MYCORRHIZAE is a line of growing media products that includes active ingredients protecting plant root from harmful pathogens and enhance plant growth. Basically, the bacillus is a natural bacterium that suppresses the pathogens Fusarium, Pythium and Rhizoctonia that cause plant root disease, crown rot, and seedling rot disease. The bacillus works in two modes of action: at the beginning, it colonizes the root system and grows on the roots. It helps to produce a physical barrier that prevents the pathogens from growing into the root system. Then, it produces a natural antibiotic which helps to suppress these organisms as well. MYCORRHIZAE is a beneficial fungus that forms a symbiotic relationship between natural fungi and plants. The fungus colonizes the root system of plants, living off the nutrients, sugars and carbohydrates that are exuded by the plant to feed itself. Then, the fungus will grow out past the root system, into surrounding soil or soilless media environment where the plant roots are not present, to access water and nutrients to transfer them to the plant.
The BIOFUNGICIDE used in PRO-MIX® products also acts to suppress certain insects in the root zone. Fungus gnats and thrips are a common problem for growers. PRO-MIX® acts at the source of the insect infestation with bacteria that are already formulated in the growing media, making life easier for growers.
The control of insects
Over the years, various biological controls have been developed and used by commercial growers for the control of insects above soil line. The natural enemies of insect pests are categorized as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens. Predators catch and eat their prey, compared to parasitoids that lay their eggs on, in or near their host insect to later feed on them. Pathogens are insect disease-causing organisms that infect insects causing them to become sick or interfere with their normal processes. While chemical pesticides ‘control’ insects, biological controls ‘suppress’ insects and offer another option in the grower’s ‘tool bag’. This is of interest for growers wanting to reduce the amount of chemical pesticide applications and for growers of organic crops. However, biological control of insects below soil line in the root zone can be a greater challenge, since there have been less options available.
Through years of research on active ingredients, Premier Tech has developed products with an optimal combination of BIOFUNGICIDE (Bacillus pumilus) and MYCORRHIZAE (Glomus intraradices). PRO-MIX®BIOFUNGICIDE + MYCORRHIZAE is a line of growing media products that includes active ingredients protecting plant root from harmful pathogens and enhance plant growth. Basically, the bacillus is a natural bacterium that suppresses the pathogens Fusarium, Pythium and Rhizoctonia that cause plant root disease, crown rot, and seedling rot disease. The bacillus works in two modes of action: at the beginning, it colonizes the root system and grows on the roots. It helps to produce a physical barrier that prevents the pathogens from growing into the root system. Then, it produces a natural antibiotic which helps to suppress these organisms as well. MYCORRHIZAE is a beneficial fungus that forms a symbiotic relationship between natural fungi and plants. The fungus colonizes the root system of plants, living off the nutrients, sugars and carbohydrates that are exuded by the plant to feed itself. Then, the fungus will grow out past the root system, into surrounding soil or soilless media environment where the plant roots are not present, to access water and nutrients to transfer them to the plant.
The BIOFUNGICIDE used in PRO-MIX® products also acts to suppress certain insects in the root zone. Fungus gnats and thrips are a common problem for growers. PRO-MIX® acts at the source of the insect infestation with bacteria that are already formulated in the growing media, making life easier for growers.
The control of insects
Over the years, various biological controls have been developed and used by commercial growers for the control of insects above soil line. The natural enemies of insect pests are categorized as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens. Predators catch and eat their prey, compared to parasitoids that lay their eggs on, in or near their host insect to later feed on them. Pathogens are insect disease-causing organisms that infect insects causing them to become sick or interfere with their normal processes. While chemical pesticides ‘control’ insects, biological controls ‘suppress’ insects and offer another option in the grower’s ‘tool bag’. This is of interest for growers wanting to reduce the amount of chemical pesticide applications and for growers of organic crops. However, biological control of insects below soil line in the root zone can be a greater challenge, since there have been less options available.
Insect Suppressing Fungi
Some of insect-pathogenic fungi that can be used as microbial control agents for potting soils and growing media include Beauveria spp, Metarhizium spp and Paecilomyces spp. All three genera are naturally occurring and found around the world.All have different species and isolates that suppress different host insects. These fungi are effective for the suppression of some root zone insects, as labelled; however, they are not available in preformulated growing media and must be applied by the grower during the crop cycle. These are live organisms and care must be taken for their handling, storage and use for effective insect suppression. Keep in mind that fungi are less robust than bacteria and may have compatibility interaction with certain chemicals that could render them useless. Therefore, growers should contact the specific manufacturer or dealer for specific storage and use recommendations to apply them.
Insect Suppressing Bacteria
Early work in the 1990s, suggested that certain types of Bacillus spp bacteria could suppress certain soil insects. Interestingly, PRO-MIX®BIOFUNGICDETM + MYCORRHIZAETM, containing Bacillus pumilusbacteria, was introduced to the market more than 10 years ago. Over the years, Premier Tech Horticulture received reports from growers indicating reduction of fungus gnats and thrips in their greenhouse crops.
A series of research experiments conducted over many years included several short-term bedding crops and long-term ornamental crops (cyclamen, poinsettia). Research results indicated that PRO-MIX® BIOFUNGICDETM + MYCORRHIZAETM suppresses both insect pests, fungus gnats and thrips, to an average level of 30% and 22% respectively during the whole crop growing period. We also observed a reduction of fungus gnat infestation that could reach up to 67%, for a specific time during plant culture. By reducing the fungal food sources of certain root zone dwelling insects with Bacillus pumilus bacteria, there is an indirect suppressive effect on insect populations.
Some of insect-pathogenic fungi that can be used as microbial control agents for potting soils and growing media include Beauveria spp, Metarhizium spp and Paecilomyces spp. All three genera are naturally occurring and found around the world.All have different species and isolates that suppress different host insects. These fungi are effective for the suppression of some root zone insects, as labelled; however, they are not available in preformulated growing media and must be applied by the grower during the crop cycle. These are live organisms and care must be taken for their handling, storage and use for effective insect suppression. Keep in mind that fungi are less robust than bacteria and may have compatibility interaction with certain chemicals that could render them useless. Therefore, growers should contact the specific manufacturer or dealer for specific storage and use recommendations to apply them.
Insect Suppressing Bacteria
Early work in the 1990s, suggested that certain types of Bacillus spp bacteria could suppress certain soil insects. Interestingly, PRO-MIX®BIOFUNGICDETM + MYCORRHIZAETM, containing Bacillus pumilusbacteria, was introduced to the market more than 10 years ago. Over the years, Premier Tech Horticulture received reports from growers indicating reduction of fungus gnats and thrips in their greenhouse crops.
A series of research experiments conducted over many years included several short-term bedding crops and long-term ornamental crops (cyclamen, poinsettia). Research results indicated that PRO-MIX® BIOFUNGICDETM + MYCORRHIZAETM suppresses both insect pests, fungus gnats and thrips, to an average level of 30% and 22% respectively during the whole crop growing period. We also observed a reduction of fungus gnat infestation that could reach up to 67%, for a specific time during plant culture. By reducing the fungal food sources of certain root zone dwelling insects with Bacillus pumilus bacteria, there is an indirect suppressive effect on insect populations.
Reduction of Fungus Gnats for Begonia crop. Note the reduced population of fungus gnats on PRO-MIX® BX BIO+MYCO yellow card.
Read more about this technology in the article below:
| growertalks_2019-09_biological_insect_suppression.pdf |
Grower Services Representatives:
JoAnn Peery - US Central
|
Lance Lawson - US West
|
Premier Tech Horticulture -Professional
Introduced in 1968, PRO-MIX has always provided commercial growers and consumers with cutting-edgeand value-added growing media products. PRO- MIX growing media are enhanced with high-performance active ingredients and are considered a reference in the market, as they represent innovative and unique solutions. Fine-tuned for growers who seek efficiency, superior plant quality, disease suppression and resistance to environmental stresses, PRO-MIX optimizes results. Choose PRO-MIX products with MYCORRHIZAE, BIOFUNGICIDE or both to deliver outstanding plant quality and crop performance! Plus, PTH is a leader in straight peat moss harvest, packaging equipment, distribution, and bog restoration.
Click HERE to visit the Pro-Mix PROFESSIONAL site.
Premier Tech Horticulture -
Retail
Designed to answer the needs of both professional growers and amateur gardeners, PTH designed a new line of retail products. Many of the growing mixes developed for the new line also offer the benefits of an all-natural ingredient: mycorrhizae, a natural plant stimulant which assists the plant's root system and increases nutrient and water uptake. The result is improved plant growth and resistance to stress.
Click HERE to visit the Pro-Mix RETAIL site.
A GLOBAL COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Premier Tech Horticulture has grown around one of the most abundant natural resources in Canada, sphagnum peat moss. Over the years, our company has leveraged its expertise to create a wide assortment of natural products intended for home gardeners, professional horticulture and large-scale grain and vegetable crops.
For Premier Tech, manufacturing products that are safe for the environment is of the greatest importance, and as such, the respect, protection and responsible management of raw materials constitutes a priority. We aim to improve overall productivity levels in a spirit of sustainable development, by means of completely natural active ingredients.
In this regard, several of the soils and growing media we offer are certified by the OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute), an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the growth and confidence of the global organic community through experts and independent reviews.
GROWING WITH RESPECT FOR THE RESOURCE
For many years, sustainable peatland management and the protection of ecosystems such as its sphagnum peat moss harvesting sites have been firm commitments at Premier Tech Horticulture. To preserve the vitality of those areas for many generations still, Premier Tech Horticulture actively participates in the restoration of peat bogs. Even when knowledge was limited regarding the sustainability of resources, Premier Tech Horticulture promoted university research in that field.
Premier Tech Horticulture received a tribute for its valuable contribution to research and responsible management of peatlands. This renewed support reflects the Premier Tech Horticulture's dedication to Laval University's research in sustainable development since 1992.
Some 15 years after its first large-scale peat bog restoration project, the company still continues its efforts, and this, all over Canada. Since it cares about making knowledge progress, Premier Tech Horticulture always devotes a part of its peat bogs to various research projects. Those efforts, combined with the experience acquired over the years, allow Premier Tech Horticulture to offer products with a small ecological footprint.
PEAT MOSS
Why Use Sphagnum Peat Moss?Sphagnum peat moss has been used for many years for horticulture purposes for its ability to hold large amounts of air and water, making it ideal as a component of propagation media. This is because sphagnum peat moss possesses interconnected cells with thin lignified walls and large cavities that are built-up and prevent the sphagnum cells from collapsing when they dry out. This characteristic provides a capillary system for sphagnum peat moss to absorb and transport water easily. As the water evaporates, these cells and cavities fill with air. As a component of growing media, developing plant root systems can easily access oxygen and water. Combined with the proper ratio of aggregates, limestone and other ingredients, peat-based media are perfect for seed starting, rooting of cuttings and young plants development.
THE INDUSTRY’S MOST CONSISTENT AND UNIQUE METHOD OF PEAT MOSS SELECTION
For many years now, Premier Tech Horticulture has used a very unique approach to peat moss gradation and selection. Over the years, it has assured a consistency in the final product that is usually very difficult to achieve in the industry. Premier Tech Horticulture is very proud to provide growers with products offering predictability in results.
Publications"Restoration Research" : http://www.peatmoss.com/blog/environment/restoration-research/
"Peatland Restoration Guide" : http://www.peatmoss.com/blog/environment/peatland-restoration-guide/
"Peat Moss: still the best value" : http://www.peatmoss.com/blog/using-peat-moss/professional-horticulturalists/professional-horticulturalists-peat-moss-still-the-best-value/
"What is Peat Moss?" : http://tourbehorticole.com/en/peat/index.php
"Peat Harvesting" : http://tourbehorticole.com/en/responsible-production/harvesting.php
Premier Tech Horticulture has grown around one of the most abundant natural resources in Canada, sphagnum peat moss. Over the years, our company has leveraged its expertise to create a wide assortment of natural products intended for home gardeners, professional horticulture and large-scale grain and vegetable crops.
For Premier Tech, manufacturing products that are safe for the environment is of the greatest importance, and as such, the respect, protection and responsible management of raw materials constitutes a priority. We aim to improve overall productivity levels in a spirit of sustainable development, by means of completely natural active ingredients.
In this regard, several of the soils and growing media we offer are certified by the OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute), an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the growth and confidence of the global organic community through experts and independent reviews.
GROWING WITH RESPECT FOR THE RESOURCE
For many years, sustainable peatland management and the protection of ecosystems such as its sphagnum peat moss harvesting sites have been firm commitments at Premier Tech Horticulture. To preserve the vitality of those areas for many generations still, Premier Tech Horticulture actively participates in the restoration of peat bogs. Even when knowledge was limited regarding the sustainability of resources, Premier Tech Horticulture promoted university research in that field.
Premier Tech Horticulture received a tribute for its valuable contribution to research and responsible management of peatlands. This renewed support reflects the Premier Tech Horticulture's dedication to Laval University's research in sustainable development since 1992.
Some 15 years after its first large-scale peat bog restoration project, the company still continues its efforts, and this, all over Canada. Since it cares about making knowledge progress, Premier Tech Horticulture always devotes a part of its peat bogs to various research projects. Those efforts, combined with the experience acquired over the years, allow Premier Tech Horticulture to offer products with a small ecological footprint.
PEAT MOSS
Why Use Sphagnum Peat Moss?Sphagnum peat moss has been used for many years for horticulture purposes for its ability to hold large amounts of air and water, making it ideal as a component of propagation media. This is because sphagnum peat moss possesses interconnected cells with thin lignified walls and large cavities that are built-up and prevent the sphagnum cells from collapsing when they dry out. This characteristic provides a capillary system for sphagnum peat moss to absorb and transport water easily. As the water evaporates, these cells and cavities fill with air. As a component of growing media, developing plant root systems can easily access oxygen and water. Combined with the proper ratio of aggregates, limestone and other ingredients, peat-based media are perfect for seed starting, rooting of cuttings and young plants development.
THE INDUSTRY’S MOST CONSISTENT AND UNIQUE METHOD OF PEAT MOSS SELECTION
For many years now, Premier Tech Horticulture has used a very unique approach to peat moss gradation and selection. Over the years, it has assured a consistency in the final product that is usually very difficult to achieve in the industry. Premier Tech Horticulture is very proud to provide growers with products offering predictability in results.
Publications"Restoration Research" : http://www.peatmoss.com/blog/environment/restoration-research/
"Peatland Restoration Guide" : http://www.peatmoss.com/blog/environment/peatland-restoration-guide/
"Peat Moss: still the best value" : http://www.peatmoss.com/blog/using-peat-moss/professional-horticulturalists/professional-horticulturalists-peat-moss-still-the-best-value/
"What is Peat Moss?" : http://tourbehorticole.com/en/peat/index.php
"Peat Harvesting" : http://tourbehorticole.com/en/responsible-production/harvesting.php