Myths and Realities of Biopesticides: Academic, Industry, and Grower Perspectives

Event American Phytopathological Society meeting in Minneapolis, please note this special biopesticides symposium planned for August 13th from 1-4 PM 

Organizer: Matthew Krause, BioWorks, Inc., Victor, NY, U.S.A. and a representative of a BPIA member Company
 

APS Sponsoring Committees/Sponsors: Biological Control; Soil Microbiology and Root Diseases; Industry; Regulatory Plant Pathology; Pathogen Resistance

Biopesticide use in plant disease management has grown steadily over the past 20 years. Still, many growers, crop consultants, and extension pathologists are reluctant to include registered biopesticides in integrated disease management programs. The goal of this session is to provide practical insights into the evolution of the U.S. biopesticide industry and the strengths, limitations, and real-world applications of registered biopesticides from academic, industry, and grower perspectives.

• Introduction to commercially available biopesticides and the biopesticide industry: History and current status. BILL STONEMAN, Biopesticide Industry Alliance, McFarland, WI, U.S.A.  
• Foliar biopesticides: Mechanisms, strengths, and limitations. SHOUAN ZHANG, University of Florida, Homestead, FL, U.S.A.  
• Soilborne biopesticides: Mechanisms, strengths, and limitations. BRIAN MCSPADDEN-GARDENER, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, U.S.A.  
• Marketing, support, and effective use of biopesticides in organic, sustainable, and conventional crop production. MATTHEW KRAUSE, BioWorks, Inc., Victor, NY, U.S.A.  
• Optimizing use of biopesticides for successful, cost-effective plant disease management in ornamentals production. ROGER MCGAUGHEY, Pioneer Gardens, Deerfield, MA, U.S.A.  
• Optimizing use of biopesticides for successful, cost-effective plant disease management in greenhouse vegetable production. MICHAEL BLEDSOE, Village Farms, Heathrow, FL, U.S.A.  
• Discussion