Integrating biocontrol solutions with IPM strategies

Growers often apply multiple products simultaneously, such as pesticides, biological solutions, fungicides, and herbicides, to safeguard their crops and maximize yields. However, this practice can lead to interactions that may compromise the effectiveness, ultimately impacting Crop Protection, and with that, the yield potential.

At Koppert, compatibility with chemicals is an essential phase of the characterization of our microbes-based biologicals. To date, we have evaluated the compatibility of dozens of chemical products with the products based on entomopathogenic nematodes, entomopathogenic fungi (Mycotal), and disease-control microbes (Trianum). This enables growers to confidently integrate our solutions into their IPM strategies, helping to ensure effectiveness and high yields.

Compatibility testing focuses on two key areas:

• Microbials and chemicals: Analyzing how our microbial products interact in a tank mix with commonly used chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, and other agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, adjuvants, etc.
• Mixing different biological solutions: Assessing the compatibility of different biological crop protection solutions when used together.

Compatibility testing involves evaluating how different products interact when applied together. Using rigorous protocols, including lab simulations, and controlled experiments, products are tested at their maximum allowable doses to assess potential conflicts.

Compatibility testing is essential for growers, ensuring the right implementation of biological crop protection solutions and enhancing their success. It empowers growers to make informed decisions about product combinations, maximizing the efficacy of our products, hence optimizing their IPM systems. By understanding compatibility, growers can confidently tank mix different products, saving time and resources. Or, decide to apply them apart.

As the use of biologicals expands in outdoor crops, the need for comprehensive compatibility tests grows as well. Koppert recognizes this demand and is dedicated to equip growers with essential information to successfully integrate biological crop protection solutions into their IPM systems. To maintain excellent results while handling the growing demands, Koppert is working on a potential partnership with a certified research organization to perform these compatibility tests following Koppert protocols. This initiative reflects Koppert's commitment to innovation and consistently delivering the best characterized products to help growers achieve their primary goal: healthy crops and high yields.