"BENEFICIAL"
Within each web page of the catalog the biocontrol organisms are generally grouped by the pest or one or two similar pests that the beneficials are most useful for. Within the page find organisms most of the time in alpha order by scientific name, with common name(s) and brief description in the left-hand column.
For detailed information about biology, life cycle and limitations or considerations for use, look for the bulletin(s) for that beneficial under Bulletins, then Beneficial Bulletins.
"TARGET PEST"
Look up the pest you want in the "Product For" pop menu on the upper left, read the introductory information about biocontrol programs at the top of the page for that pest and information about the available beneficials for that pest. Go to in-depth pest and crop bulletins for valuable information to design the most cost-effective integrated biological program.
"RATE/FREQ"
The column in between TARGET PEST and ITEM CODE gives a range of rates and frequency for release that covers variation among crops, ecology of pests and naturally occurring beneficials. The code "2wk I, 2-4 X" means at 2 week intervals make 2 to 4 applications. This information will help you estimate costs of different strategies. For low pest numbers, with moderate beneficial numbers, use the low rate. For high pest numbers, with low beneficial numbers, use the high rate. In a new situation, start on the heavy side, then decrease the rate for the next release, especially if you see beneficials.
Study the situation before you order -- consider the potential benefits of natural parasites, predators, diseases, antagonists, and weather and cultural practices.
"CODE"
Grey boxes around two adjacent ITEM CODES indicates they have the same price and quantity breaks.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
We are interested in your growing situation (garden, farm, feedlot, orchard, landscape, greenhouse or interior) and pest. Sometimes we can suggest other biocontrol organisms and cultural techniques, give you more of an idea what to expect and help you avoid a not-so-promising investment. New bulletins and updates on a wide range of topics are available at rinconvitova.com and by FAX or mail.
GRAPHIC ART CREDITS
Cover by Allison Mia Starcher. Photo fly parasite emerging by Max Badgeley. Photo carcinops from IPM Labs. Cockroach in IPM Practitioner XXIII(3) March 2001 p2. Comperia in California Agriculture 34:8-9 Aug-Sep 1980, p17, Jack Kelly Clark. Lacewing line drawing Marlatt, USDA, in Metcalf and Metcalf Destructive and Useful Insects: their habits and control, 1993. Encarsia on Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, 1994 edition cover. Eretmocerus by Clausen and Berry, 1932. Nematode-infested larva at USDA Nematode Lab website. Nosema locustae life-cycle from M & R Durango, Inc. Mycorrhizas in Ecology of Soil-Borne Plant Pathogens 1964 p221. Barn owl from Wildlife Trust website. Other graphics by Rincon-Vitova staff and associates.
All material copyright Rincon-Vitova Insectaries, 2001, unless otherwise noted
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