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Release Instructions

Important Notes Regarding Release

Please bear in mind the perishability of these products. It is best practice to release all biological agents as soon as possible after receipt unless specified otherwise. For any questions regarding quality control, please check these QC Guidelines courtesy of the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, or give us a call at (360) 656-6680.

    Sachets

    Sachets on Hooks: Hang from foliage near pest infestation, preferably one sachet per plant. Use caution, especially in hanging basket applications, to ensure that sachets never touch the soil as the material on the outside of the sachet can wick moisture, potentially drowning your beneficials. Place inside plant canopy, do not hang on outside of pots.
    Sachets on Sticks: Insert stick into growing media, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight. If possible, place the stick close to or touching the plant’s main stem to facilitate the travel of predators up and into the plant canopy. Remember that the mites will use the connected canopy as a bridge to get around the plants they can reach.
    NOTE: In the event that leftover sachets need to be stored, provide a humid environment free from temperature extremes. In greenhouse applications consider storing them in a shaded location inside the greenhouse. They are best stored inside a box with the lid open to provide oxygen. However, avoid storing sachets if at all possible.

     

    Loose Release

    For the following species, please click the below link to the corresponding tech sheet for special instructions:

    Products on Carrier Material: Loose release products on carrier material (vermiculite, bran, etc.) is generally dispersed by simply sprinkling the material evenly over the target area. For soil predators, sprinkle the carrier material specifically on the soil medium. Cannabis growers specifically should take care not to sprinkle loose materials into forming buds, as sticky resin will cause carrier material to cling to the buds.
    Products on Bean Leaves: Place leafs onto infested areas in the plant canopy, and the predator mites will migrate into the foliage over a period of approximately one week. Bean leaves will shrivel up, dry out, and fall off the plants.
    Parasitoid Wasps: Hold the container at about a 45° angle and open the lid among the infested plants. Release wasps evenly by gently tapping on the opened vial while walking through the crop. Introduce early in the day or late in the evening for best results. If you notice that the parasitoid wasps have not completely hatched inside their container upon arrival, replace the lid, bring the container into a warm room, and wait for more to hatch. When you see that you have released most of the wasps, you can leave the vial on it’s side in the growing area, allowing any remaining wasps to exit at their own pace. Take care not to leave the container away from irrigation components or in a position in which water might enter and drown remaining wasps. For species specific release questions, check the species’ product page by searching its name on our website.
    Release Boxes: ​​Release boxes an option are for distributing biocontrols not sold in sachets without having to sprinkle carrier material in the crop. They are ideal for flowering crops to keep buds free from debris. Hang low inside the canopy following the same procedure as hanging sachets for best results. Can be used with pirate bugs, predatory mites, lacewings, parasitoid wasps, and more. Click here to purchase release boxes if they sound like they would be beneficial to your growing situation.

    Blister Packs & Egg Cards

    Blister Packs:  Look at the back of the pack, and note that you must push in a little tab to open the blister so that the insects can find their way out. Hang blister packs from the foliage close to the infected areas and out of direct sunlight.  Ensure to the best of your ability that the blister packs are not getting too hot.
    Egg Cards:  Hang egg cards from foliage in the infected areas, bearing in mind that eggs will take several days to hatch (depending on the species). Placement in the foliage should be egg-side-down and out of direct sunlight.  Do not place egg cards on the soil surface, as slugs and snails may eat them.

     

    Beneficial Nematodes

    There are various producers of nematodes, and they come in an array of carrier types. Production and harvesting methods also vary, which determines the recommended rates of application. Please use the specific application rates for the brand that you are applying.

    Please remember the following key points for all nematode applications:

    • Warm to 60F before using , and do not add to cold water

    • Remove Filter intakes on injectors before adding to nematodes

    • Remove all other filters that are 50 mesh or finer from sprayer tips, and use as coarse a nozzle as possible for soil applications.

    • Keep your solution aerated and circulating to keep nematodes from settling at the bottom of your tank.

    • Use up your nematode solution within an hour of mixing, as they may drown otherwise

     

    See more helpful information in our attachments