Lesson 4 – Augmentative Biocontrol: Modes of Release and Types of Supportive Habitat

Presenters: Kim Horton, Taylor Farms & Hanna Kahl, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)

Start Time is 11:00 AM Pacific Time

Once you RSVP, a Zoom link will arrive in the confirmation email.

Upon successfully completing this lesson, participants will be able to:

• Explain the importance of setting up the farm for a successful augmentative release of beneficial insects with annual and perennial habitat that provides nectar, pollen and alternative prey.
• Develop quality control measures, including timely ordering of the right beneficial for the pest involved, keeping the product alive and using it asap at the right time of the day in the right areas.
• Describe resources that evaluate effects of previously used- or planned- pesticides on beneficial insects that are selected for release.
• Identify appropriate ways to release beneficial insects as part of an IPM plan for different farm types; including by hand, truck/ATV or drone; or placing out inoculated plants.

Continued Education Credits have been requested and are expected to be approved from California Department of Pesticide Regulation and American Society of Agronomy.

Photo above: Lady beetle eating aphids by Keith Gallie