Oil-Based Biopesticides Synergistic Effects with Conventional Chemistries Explained

Synergistic Effects of Using Essential Oil-Based Products with Conventional Chemistries: A Guide for Growers

In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, growers are constantly seeking ways to enhance the efficacy of their pest control strategies. One promising approach is the synergistic use of essential oil-based biopesticides alongside conventional chemistries.

Essential Oil Additions Enhance Efficacy

Including essential oil-based products in tank mixes or alternating sprays can improve the efficacy of the treatment beyond what conventional chemistries offer alone. Essential oils work on pests through multiple modes of action (MOAs), such as cell membrane disruption, nervous system interactions, paralysis, repellency, suffocation, antifeeding or mating disruption. By adding essential oil-based products to a conventional chemistry program, pests are faced with a comprehensive multi-angle attack rather than a single, targeted MOA. Furthermore, Kemin Crop Technologies' botanical-based biopesticides are formulated with adjuvants and synergists to improve active ingredient contact, spread, and penetration. When tank mixed with other partners, these included adjuvants can help enhance the application and delivery of conventional chemistries without the need for additional tank additives.

Proven Synergy

For example, combining TetraCURB™ MAX with azadirachtin or alternating AlliCURB™ MAX with spinosad (Entrust®) yields enhanced pest mortality.

These active ingredient combinations leverage the strengths of both an essential oil and a conventional product, leading to more effective pest control than when applied individually.

Contact-Based Control Approach

Many essential oil products work on contact. Therefore, they should be applied every 5–10 days to maintain ongoing crop protection and ensure pests are consistently knocked down and repelled. This approach also extends the efficacy of standard chemical sprays, which often have usage limitations. Combining essential oil-based products into a standard chemistry program can reduce the number of spray applications or the frequency required to maintain control with standard chemistry. By taking advantage of tank mixing or alternating with biopesticides, growers can have more flexibility and control throughout the growing season. Additionally, essential oil-based products typically have minimal, or no use restrictions indicated on the label. They are ideal to incorporate at the end of the season when chemistries have reached their maximum amount of sprays, for example.

Volatile Actives

The volatile nature of the actives in essential oil-based products contributes to their efficacy and repellency. However, as the active components of essential oils evaporate over time, it is important to follow spraying interval guidelines. For Kemin Crop Technologies products, a 5–10-day reapplication timing is recommended to maintain pest control throughout the season.

Pest Resurgence and Program Diversity

Pest resurgence is an ongoing challenge due to environmental factors, migration, hatching, and other variables. This emphasizes the importance of a diverse pest management program utilizing products with varied MOAs. Implementing tank mixes or a rotation of conventional and essential oil-based products not only enhances the initial knockdown of pest populations but also helps extend pest control in the field by limiting the chances of repopulation. Additionally, this approach contributes to improved crop health by creating a stronger defense against incoming pests and keeping existing populations away for more extended periods.

Best Practices

Adding essential oil-based products into a conventional program does not alter the residual protection of standard pesticide chemistries on the plant surface. To ensure residual activity and avoid resistance development when incorporating essential oils into a standard program (especially when lowering conventional chemistry rates), consider the following recommendations:

• Adhere to Application Intervals: Remember the importance of adhering to the 5-10-day interval recommendations for essential oil product application. Note that many conventional products can have longer application intervals. Treatments can be rotated according to each product's recommended application frequency.
• Apply Standard Rates: When pest pressures are high and an additional boost is needed, we recommend using your conventional products at the appropriate higher label rates. Tank mixing or alternating with essential oil-based products can enhance the standard chemistries' effectiveness by providing multiple MOAs. However, during periods of low to moderate pressures, use judgement and guidance based on rate ranges provided on the label, and use lower rates when comfortable. Remember to always read the label directions and follow the label guidance.

By integrating essential oil-based products with conventional chemistries, growers can achieve more effective and sustainable pest control. This approach not only enhances efficacy but also helps manage resistance and improves overall crop health.

If you are interested in incorporating essential oil-based products into your pest management program, please see the full portfolio of essential oil-based products developed by Kemin Crop Technologies here.

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