[Max Stam]

From Lyudmyla Sharma on Farm-made Biofertz(Facebook)

Adding chitin to seed coating or in furrow feeds and breeds microorganisms capable of assimilating chitin including entomopathogenic fungi that are indigenous to your soils – in affect creating in situ IPMO. Fermented insects crustaceans and other arthropods, fish scales and fungal mycelia are all good sources of chitin.

Entomopathogenic fungi that can help balance insect populations especially in humid climates because the spores of entomopathogenic fungi need moisture to germinate and form the infective structures called conidia. Moisture helps facilitate attachment of the spores to the insect cuticle and penetration of the conidia into by softening the insect’s exoskeleton.

After penetration, the fungus grows inside the insect host, ultimately killing it. Adequate humidity is crucial for fungal growth and sporulation within the insect. After penetration, the fungus grows inside the insect host, ultimately killing it. Adequate humidity is crucial for fungal growth and sporulation within the insect.

While entomopathogenic fungi are more effective in humid conditions, they can still work to some extent in drier environments, especially if there are occasional periods of high humidity or if the insect host provides some moisture. However, their efficacy is generally reduced in dry conditions.

Several entomopathogenic fungi are similar to Beauveria bassiana, in their ability to infect and kill insects. These fungi are often used in biological pest control and have similar modes of action:

1. Metarhizium anisopliae: Metarhizium species are commonly used in insect biocontrol. They infect a wide range of insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, and certain agricultural pests.

2. Cordyceps spp.: Cordyceps is a genus of entomopathogenic fungi known for their parasitic lifestyle. They infect various insects, such as ants, caterpillars, and other arthropods, and are famous for their ability to manipulate the behavior of their hosts.

3. Isaria fumosorosea (formerly Paecilomyces fumosoroseus): Isaria fumosorosea is effective against aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and other plant pests. It’s commercially available as a biopesticide.

4. Nomuraea rileyi: This fungus primarily targets lepidopteran pests, including caterpillars and moth larvae. It’s used to control insects like corn earworms and armyworms.

5. Hirsutella spp.: Various species of Hirsutella are entomopathogenic and infect a wide range of insects, including aphids, mites, and scale insects.

6. Entomophthora spp.: Entomophthora fungi are parasitic on a variety of insects, such as flies, aphids, and grasshoppers. They cause the host to climb to a high point before releasing spores, aiding in the spread of the fungus.

These entomopathogenic fungi have different host ranges and specificities, so their effectiveness may vary depending on the target insect pest. When considering biological control using these fungi, it’s essential to select the most appropriate species or strain based on the specific pest problem you are addressing.

In areas with consistently low humidity, alternative DIY IPMOs or Integrated pest management methods that include bird, reptile, amphibian, and bat habitats as well as areas where entomopathogenic fungi can help maintain balance and curb overpopulation of pest insects even in dry conditions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9R_Q3MLvC0

[Max Stam]

Did the test just look for available potassium or total potassium? Big difference. Have you looked into making total available using fungi?

[Max Stam]

Thanks! Wonder if Nutrien in Albany has it? Your branch in Margs sounds pretty special. Saw they sell Plantain and chicory by the KG. 25kg bag for me here is the smallest quantity. Wish I’d known when I was at Kudardup earlier this month.

[Max Stam]

The stock feed I buy from has the 200l drum in the sun, on a stand, on it’s side. They have a honey valve screwed into the lid to measure out how much we want.

[Max Stam]

Thanks