Eight Tips For Integrating A New Product Into Your Spray Program

Tip 1 - Know your crops

The first thing to consider is the crops you are growing because if the crop changes, so should the program. Researching the most common issues and prevalent pests on crops at certain times of the year is a foundational step for designing a spray program.

Tip 2 - Know pests and pathogens

Knowing the pest life cycle is essential to determine the best timing to apply chemicals that target the right development stage.

Tip 3 - Know the mode of action

Knowing the mode of action is important for determining proper chemical rotation and mitigating chemical resistance. It also helps determine the time the chemical takes to start working, and if an additional application is necessary. Applying more chemicals too early or too late can be wasteful and ineffective.

Tip 4 - Know the product's compatibility 

Both physical and chemical compatibilities should be taken into consideration. There are three simple tests to determine whether products are compatible or not:

• A jar test: A jar test helps identify if products are physically able to be mixed without causing unexpected separation or settling. This test also helps identify if products are performing more or less efficiently than they do when applied separately.
• Phytotoxicity test:  Apply the mix to the plant to check whether it will cause burns.
• Efficacity test: Monitor the efficacy by tracking the order of the application. Track the consequences when products are applied before or after one another. Record if there is any interaction that prevents the product from working or if there is any adverse effect on the plant.

Tip 5 - Read the labels

Read product labels carefully. Labels provide guidance on the pest life stage. Because not all chemicals work in all life stages, applying them during an incorrect life stage wastes time and effort. Labels also provide information about the application techniques and schedules.

Tip 6 - Include a new product in the program

Ultimately, new products can be added to the spray program once the compatibility issue is addressed and the right mode of action is selected for particular pests and life stages.

If you plan to sell your plants soon, the product must be safe, fast-acting and have a short Restricted Entry Interval (REI). However, if you are at the beginning of the growing season when pests are at their lowest, biopesticides and biological control methods can be easily started and maintained.

Tip 7 - Implement a spray rotation

Proper chemical rotation is key in reducing the chance of pest resistance and achieving successful pest control.

Tip 8 - Monitor

Careful monitoring over time is key to determine if a new product included in the spray program is helpful or not. Be aware that one application does not show how useful the product is. Multiple applications will be needed to see the full benefits of a product.