Principals of Organic Master ’ Training Course 2009 presented by Bill Garlette [email protected] nnmastergardeners.org Just Say No To and Drugs Outline ¾ Overview ¾ Virginia Tech’s new interdisciplinary offering - Organic Horticulture and Landscape Systems ¾ Biology ¾ Healthy Soil and the of Organics ¾ Composting and Use ¾ Vermicomposting and Actively Aerated Compost Teas ¾ Disease and Pest Management ¾ Without Poison Let’s Start with Some Green Math In The Words of that Famous Law Enforcement Hero – Joe Friday: “Just The Facts Ma’am”

¾ USDA study: A block of soil 3 feet long, one foot wide and 6 inches deep weighs about 100 pounds.

¾ If that block has 1 percent or less humus or organic matter, it will only hold about an inch of rain or 35-40 pounds of water

¾ That same block with 4 to 5 percent can absorb 4- to 6- inches of rain in an hour or 165 to 195 pounds of water. In The Words of that Famous Law Enforcement Hero – Joe Friday: “Just The Facts Ma’am”

“A recent NASA analysis of satellite imagery shows that nearly 50,000 square miles (the size of Greece) of turf are under cultivation in the United States, making grass the single largest irrigated in the country” - National Geographic, September 2008 It’s Alive!!! The Soil as a Living Thing

presented by Bill Garlette [email protected] www.nnmastergardeners.org Under “Files for Gardeners” First, Let’s Put It Into Perspective In Perspective In Perspective In Perspective In Perspective So Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t profoundly important! Remember

Soil is at the root of all your problems! And

Feed the Soil and It’ll Feed the ! It’s Alive!!!

Just like Plants and ; The Soil is Alive! We Have to Treat It the Same As Other Living Things – Be Biota Ranchers What We Dread

¾ Germs – Disease ¾ Bugs

¾ Weeds The Outcome If we win the war to control , we WILL be on the losing side! Breaking The Dependency!!

Just as some use a 4 Step Program to get us hooked – There is a Program to Cure us of our Lawn and Garden Drug Use Seven Organic Rules

1. Always use the best adapted varieties for each environment. 2. Plant in the preferred season. 3. Balance the mineral content of the soil. 4. Build and maintain the soil organic content – humus. 5. Do nothing to harm the beneficial . 6. Consider troublesome and diseases as symptoms of one of the above rules having been violated. 7. Be patient. Mother Nature gives birth, but Father Time controls the cycles - from Lessons in Nature by Malcolm Beck Principals of Organic Horticulture

¾ We focus on pollution of the: ¾ Atmosphere - Air ¾ Hydrosphere - Water ¾ Biosphere – Flora & Fauna, Us

¾ But not the Lithosphere – The Soil Principals of Organic Horticulture AgriChemistry

¾ The foundation of chemistry was started by France's Jean Baptiste Boussingault in 1834 with the German scientist Justus von Liebig publishing his famous monograph on agriculture chemistry in 1840.

¾ Their belief was that because humus was insoluble in water, it was insignificant to . Additionally, their findings indicated that plants basically needed only N-P-K. Principals of Organic Horticulture

¾ What do we mean by Organic? ¾ No Chemicals ¾ No “–icides” ¾ No Genetically Manipulated/Engineered Organisms (GMO) = Franken-Fescue, BC Corn, Suicide Seeds (Terminator) Principals of Organic Horticulture Figure Out The

What’s This Good For? 10-10-10 Principals of Organic Horticulture Figure Out The Fertilizer

And This? 3-36-9 The Questions

¾ Can You Figure Out What Vitamins, Minerals, Nutrients You Should Take For A Week? ¾ Would You Want a Weeks Worth of Meals for Sunday Dinner? Here Are The Basic Plant Needs

Carbon (C) Iron (Fe) Hydrogen (H) Boron (B) Oxygen (O) Zinc (Zn) Nitrogen (N) Copper (Cu) Phosphorus (P) Manganese (Mn) Potassium (K) Molybdenum (Mo) Magnesium (Mg) Chlorine (Cl) Calcium (Ca) Cobalt (Co) Sulfur (S)

= 17 Basic needs Don’t Forget, Those Are Just The Elementals. Then You Have:

¾ Amino Acids ¾ Humic & Fulvic Acids ¾ Photosynthetic Sugars ¾ Mycorrhizal Fungi ¾ And Lots More Stuff In The Plant & Soil Principals of Organic Horticulture You May Be Familiar With This Chart • Importance of proper pH Principals of Organic Horticulture But This One Tells The Tale!! • Importance of Proper Mineral Balance – If One is Out of Balance, It Affects Others in a Detrimental Manner Principals of Organic Horticulture

How did plants survive B.C. (Before Chemicals)? Principals of Organic Horticulture

The Soil Food Web is comprised of that provide nutrients and health to the plants as well as the soil. Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms ¾ Photosynthesizers - Plants, Algae & Bacteria = Capture energy, fix CO2. ¾ – Bacteria & Fungi = Break down residue, retain nutrients in their . Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms

¾ Mutualists - Bacteria & Fungi = Enhance plant growth, fix N2, deliver nutrients. Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms

¾Pathogens, Parasites & Root- feeders – Bacteria, Fungi, , Microanthropods = Promote disease and consume plant roots. Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms

¾Bacterial-feeders – Protozoa & Nematodes = Graze – Release plant available nitrogen (NH4+). Control root-feeding and disease causing pests. Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms

¾Fungal-Feeders – Nematodes & Microanthropods=Graze – Release plant available nitrogen (NH4+). Control root- feeding and disease causing pests. Principals of Organic Horticulture Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms ¾Shredders – & Microanthropods = Break down residue and enhance . Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms ¾Higher-Level Predators – feeding nematodes, larger , mice, birds, etc. = Control population of lower trophic-levels and improve the soil. Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms ¾Bacterially dominant : annuals, grasses and vegetables – creates a pH above 7 (alkaline). ¾Fungal dominant soils: perennials, trees, shrubs – creates a pH below 7 (acid). Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms

Fill a Swimming Pool with Salt =

Osmotic Shock Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms Just Say No To Garden and Lawn Drugs =

Osmotic Shock Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms Soil Soil microbes Plants Everybody Feeds the Soil Principals of Organic Horticulture Function of Soil Organisms If the microbes in the soil are disrupted and the is out of balance then we have the recipe for Pest, Weeds and Pathogens. Principals of Organic Horticulture Caring For The Soil As A Living System ¾ Three Aspects of & Fertility ¾ Physical ¾ Chemical – Organic Chemistry: cations – anions ¾ Biological ¾ Requirements of a Living System ¾ Food ¾ Air ¾ Water ¾ “Shelter” – Soil structure & Conservation ¾ Living Organism - Biota Principals of Organic Horticulture Caring For The Soil As A Living System The Organic Matter Cycle & The Soil Food Web Principals of Organic Horticulture Feeding the Soil a Balanced Diet ¾ Compost ¾ Cover ¾ Organic ¾ Other Organic Residues ¾ Lime, Other Natural Minerals and Organic Nutrients Questions? Compost Happens Compost Happens Walt Whitman, This Compost “Behold this compost! Behold it well!...It gives such divine materials to men, and accepts such leavings from them at last.” Don’t Do This At Home! Do This, Instead Why Compost

¾ Healthier Soil & Plants ¾ More ¾ No Chemistry 501 ¾ Less –Icides (Pest, Herb, Fung) ¾ Less Chemical ¾ Less Chemical Stink ¾ Less $$$ Why Compost Bottom Line ¾Cheap ¾Simple ¾No Chemicals which Kill the Soil Organisms ¾Better Plant and Water Quality What is Composting?

What Are The Types Of Composting? Yard Waste (Thermal), Worm, Biosolids & Compost Tea

Worm Your Way Into Composting! Compost Can Be Used To:

¾Add Beneficial Organisms ¾Add Nutrients ¾Help Sandy Soil Hold Moisture ¾Loosen Heavy Soils ¾Make Potting Soil ¾ Excellent Compost Materials Excellent Compost Materials

"BROWNIES“ “GREENIES“ () (Nitrogen) Hay Coffee Grounds Leaves Cover Crops Straw Seaweed Nutshells Vegetable scraps Shredded paper Egg shells Pine needles Fruit Saw dust Weeds Garden stalks Grass clippings 60% 40% Other Excellent Sources Of Compost My Friend Flicka Elsie the Cow Bugs Bunny And all the Friends of the Colonel Don’t Use Rin Tin Tin’s Residue Sylvester’s Exhaust Or Little Johnny’s John Quests More Problem Stuff

¾ Disease & insect infested plants ¾ Noxious weeds ¾ Meat scraps ¾ Dairy products ¾ Cooking oils & grease Smaller compost materials increase compost maturity. Yard Waste Compost Bins More of the Same Piled Higher and Deeper Alternate Carbon and Nitrogen Materials Add Soil or Compost Add Water Repeat Layers Turning Speeds Compost Troubleshooting Problem-Solution

¾ Symptom The compost is damp and warm only in the middle. ¾ Problem Compost pile too small. ¾ Solution Collected more material and mix the old ingredients into the new pile. Problem-Solution

¾ Symptom The compost pile is damp and sweet smelling. ¾ Problem Lack of nitrogen source. ¾ Solution Mix in a nitrogen source like fresh grass clippings, fresh or another “green” material. Problem-Solution

¾ Symptom The center of the pile is dry. ¾ Problem Not enough water. ¾ Solution Chop course material; add green waste; moisten and turn the pile. Problem-Solution

¾ Symptom The compost has a bad odor. ¾ Problem Too wet and not enough air. ¾ Solution Add dry material and turn the compost. In-The-Garden Composting Sheet Composting Trench Composting "Compostholing" The End Result – Excellent Additives Questions? Worming Your Way Along

What is worm composting (vermicomposting) and why do it? Worming Your Way Along

Vermicomposting is employing red wigglers, most often, (Eisenia fetida) to process organic matter into worm castings – the richest compost material to use. Worming Your Way Along Location, location, location They feed best at temperatures between 59-77°F

¾ How close do you want the worm bin?

¾ Are you the kind of person who will enjoy visiting?

¾ Will your household separate organics from other waste only if a container for them is right at hand?

¾ Do you prefer a “healthy distance” between the species? Worming Your Way Along

Buying or building your worm bin. Worming Your Way Along

Setting up the bin and moving in the worms. Worming Your Way Along Setting up the bin and moving in the worms.

¾ Materials Needed to Make an Easy Harvester Worm Bin: ¾ Two 8-10 gallon plastic storage boxes (dark, not see through!) as shown in pictures Cost: about $5 each ¾ Drill (with 1/4" and 1/16" bits) for making drainage & ventilation holes ¾ Newspaper ¾ About one pound of redworms Worming Your Way Along Setting up the bin and moving in the worms. Step 1 Drill about twenty evenly spaced 1/4 inch holes in the bottom of each bin. These holes will provide drainage and allow the worms to crawl into the second bin when you are ready to harvest the castings. Worming Your Way Along Setting up the bin and moving in the worms. Step 2 ¾ Drill ventilation holes about 1 – 1 ½ inches apart on each side of the bin ¾ near the top edge using the 1/16 inch bit. Also drill about 30 small holes in the top of one of the lids. Worming Your Way Along Setting up the bin and moving in the worms. Step 3 ¾ Prepare bedding for the worms by shredding Newspaper into 1 inch strips. Worms need bedding that is moist but not soggy. Moisten the newspaper by soaking it in water and then squeezing out the excess water. Cover the bottom of the bin with 3-4 inches of moist newspaper, fluffed up. If you have any old leaves or leaf litter that can be added also. Throw in a handful of dirt for "grit" to help the worms digest their food. Worming Your Way Along Setting up the bin and moving in the worms. Step 4 ¾ Add your worms to the bedding. One way to gather redworms, is to put out a large piece of wet cardboard on your lawn or garden at night. The redworms live in the top 3 inches of organic material, and like to come up and feast on the wet cardboard! Lift up cardboard to gather the redworms. An can consume about 1/2 of its weight each day. For example, if your food waste averages 1/2 lb. per day, you will need 1 lb. of worms or a 2:1 ratio. There are roughly 500 worms in one pound. If you start out with less than one pound, don't worry they multiply very quickly. Just adjust the amount that you feed them for your worm population. Worming Your Way Along Setting up the bin and moving in the worms. ¾ Step 5 ¾ Cut a piece of cardboard to fit over the bedding, and get it wet. Then cover the bedding with the cardboard. (Worms love cardboard, and it breaks down within months.) Worming Your Way Along Setting up the bin and moving in the worms.

Step 6 ¾ Place your bin in a well- ventilated area such as a laundry room, garage, balcony, under the kitchen sink, or outside in the shade. Place the bin on top of blocks or bricks or upside down plastic containers to allow for drainage. You can use the lid of the second bin as a tray to catch any moisture that may drain from the bin. This "worm tea" is a great liquid fertilizer. Worming Your Way Along Setting up the bin and moving in the worms. Step 7 ¾ Feed your worms slowly at first. As the worms multiply, you can begin to add more food. Gently bury the food in a different section of the bin each week, under the cardboard. The worms will follow the food scraps around the bin. Burying the food scraps will help to keep fruit flies away.

¾ What do worms like to eat? Feed your worms a vegetarian diet. Most things that would normally go down the garbage disposal can go into your worm bin (see the list below). You will notice that some foods will be eaten faster than others. Worms have their preferences just like us. Worming Your Way Along Feeding your little waste managers! Worms LOVE Breads & Grains Cereal Coffee grounds & filter Fruits Tea bags Worms HATE Dairy Products Fats Meat Feces Oils Worming Your Way Along

Tips On Good Worm Bin Care

These are a few good practices for the new worm bin. If you do these, you need not worry about having any significant problems.

¾ Do not add water to the worm bin unless a large part of the bin material lacks water. ¾ Dig under the bedding now and again, and every few weeks, to peek at the bottom-most material. If even a little bit is becoming waterlogged, that’s a sign that you need to promote more aeration and/or drainage. Worming Your Way Along Tips On Good Worm Bin Care ¾ Smell the worm bin. If there’s any foul odor, think “what did I add or do differently, recently, that could have led to this odor?” ¾ Check to see that the temperature remains reasonably good. With changes in season, and the amount of sun that shines, a worm bin can change temperature significantly. Watch out you don’t cook the worms! ¾ Watch for worm predators if this is an outdoor bin. Moles find worms delicious, as do birds and some dogs! Make sure the bin has a lid (and a secure bottom, if necessary for your location). Worming Your Way Along Troubleshooting the bin Problem Worms are dying or trying to escape Probable Cause/ Solution Too wet - Add more bedding Too dry - Moisten bedding Bedding is used up - Harvest your bin Worming Your Way Along

Troubleshooting the bin Problem Bin smells bad Probable Cause/ Solution Not enough air - Leave lid off or drill more ventilation holes Too much food - Do not feed for 1-2 weeks Too wet - Add more bedding Worming Your Way Along

Troubleshooting the bin Problem Fruit Flies Probable Cause/ Solution Exposed food - Bury food in bedding Worming Your Way Along Harvesting Worms and Using Castings

When to Harvest

¾ Generally, a worm bin will have produced a significant amount of good at between two and three months along in the process.

¾ If you wait even longer, like 4-6 months, you’ll have more finished looking vermicompost (it will look more like soil and have more plant-ready nutrients in it). Worming Your Way Along Harvesting Worms and Using Castings Harvesting Methods 1. Dump And Sort

¾ It’s just like it sounds! Dump the entire contents of your worm bin down onto a table or driveway (you may want to protect the surface with a sheet of plastic first.) ¾ Put a light bulb above the table (or use natural light.) Now remove any very fresh-looking bedding, and toss it back into the worm bin for the next go-round. ¾ Then, make many small mounds of vermicompost. Watch and you’ll see the worms move downward, away from light, and bury themselves in the bedding. After a few minutes, you can remove the outer layer of this mound, and put it in your vermicompost bucket. Again the worms will move downward. ¾ Just continue like this until you have many little piles of worms. Worming Your Way Along

Harvesting Worms and Using Castings Harvesting Methods 2. Worms Sort Themselves ¾ A very simple method indeed. You move all the vermicompost in the bin over to one side, and add fresh bedding to, and begin feeding on, the opposite side. ¾ Then, just give the worms time to finish up all the nutrition on the first side (give them a couple of months) and wiggle on over to the fresher bedding and food. ¾ The advantage is that it’s really easy; the disadvantage is how long it takes, and that for a period of time, you’re only feeding one half of the bin. Worming Your Way Along Harvesting Worms and Using Castings Harvesting Methods 3. Divide and Dump ¾ This is simplicity itself! Just harvest two-thirds of the worm bin, leaving one-third for the next batch. ¾ Yes, you’ll be harvesting worms with the vermicompost you remove, but that’s ok. ¾ When you feed your plants, these worms brought along will, eventually, turn into extra nutrients. The worms left behind will repopulate the bin in a few months’ time. ¾ Be aware that your worm bin will process less material while the population of worms is diminished.

Save The Worms! TEA TIME The Soil Food Web and Compost Tea TEA TIME

¾ Why Use It - Soil Food Web – Adds Beneficials to the leaves and roots of plants.

¾ Where to Use It – Foliar & Soil Drench

¾ Aerobic vs. Anaerobic TEA TIME Types Of Teas

¾ Manure Tea ¾ Compost Extract ¾ Compost Leachate ¾ Actively Aerated Compost Tea (AACT) TEA TIME Components of Actively Aerated Compost Tea: ¾ Soluble Nutrients ¾ Humic substances ¾ Bacteria ¾ Nematodes ¾ Protozoa ¾ Microbial metabolites ¾ Goal = maximum diversity of “good guys” TEA TIME

Benefits of Compost Tea

¾ Inoculate (root zone) = soil drench

¾ Inoculate phyllosphere (leaf zone) = foliar spray

¾ Occupy plant surface with beneficial organisms = colonization & competitive exclusion TEA TIME Advantages of AACT ¾Beneficials use & microbial food source = = Enhanced Pathogen Antagonist ¾Develop Disease Suppressive Soils ¾Biocontrol = induced resistance and control of existing disease ¾Soluble nutrients, growth-promoting substances, metabolites TEA TIME “Active” Components in Compost Tea

Yeasts: Sporobolomyces, Cryptococcus

Bacteria: Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Penicillium, etc

Fungi: Trichoderma, Gliocladium, etc

Key: 1. Microbial + 2. Components of a healthy soil foodweb 3. Beneficial Bacteria, Nematodes, Fungi and Protozoa TEA TIME

Rhizosphere Benefits for Microorganisms

Root Excretions 1. Amino acids 2. Organic acids 3. Carbohydrates = Sugars 4. Nucleic acids 5. Growth factors 6. Sloughed-off tissue

Key: Food + Energy for Microbes TEA TIME Compost Teas as a Natural “Fungal Deterrent” Helps Prevent: ¾Gray mold – Botrytis cinerea

¾Downy & Powdery mildew – Plasmopora viticola, Uninula necator

¾Apple scab – Venturia conidia

¾Late blight of potato and – Phytophthora infestans TEA TIME “Brewing” a Compost Tea

Bacterial Tea = Foliar Spray (Good for Annuals and Veggies) • Bacterial Compost • Simple Sugars = Molasses, etc •Kelp • Plant extract (yucca, nettle, comfrey) Fungal Tea = Soil Drench (Good for Perennials, Shrubs and Trees) • Fungal Compost • Humic &/or Fulvic Acids •Kelp • Yucca Extract TEA TIME Compost tea Production Methods

Bucket-Fermentation Method: [aerobic + anaerobic] ¾ Compost in burlap sack immersed in water, compost “extract’ vs. compost “tea”

Bucket-Bubbler Method: [aerated = aerobic] ¾ Small-scale buckets, aquarium air bubble

Trough Method: ¾ Farm-size tanks, sump pumps and trickle lines

Commercial Brewers: ¾Small to large scale ¾Tank, pump, aeration, leachate sock or basket TEA TIME Example of Compost Tea Recipe

Initial Recipe: 100 gallons of dechlorinated water 10 gallons of compost (worm or humus) Add: 1 pound cold pressed kelp powder 1 pound fish powder 1 gallon black strap molasses 1 gallon barley malt Fulvic and Humic acids as desired TEA TIME Compost Tea Application Foliar: ¾ 70% leaf Coverage ¾ 5 gallons per acre

Seed Treatments: ¾ Mist or soak seeds prior to planting

Soil Drench ¾ Apply at transplant and seedling stages ¾ Apply to base of full grown plants TEA TIME Resources on Compost Tea ¾ The Compost Tea Brewing Manual (4th edition) Elaine Ingham, Soil Foodweb, Inc www.soilfoodweb.com ¾ Compost Teas for Plant Disease Control Steve Diver, ATTRA www.attra.org/attra- pub/comptea.html ¾ Compost Tea Industry Association http://www.composttea.org/ ¾ International Compost Tea Council http://www.intlctc.org/ TEA TIME TEA TIME TEA TIME TEA TIME Questions? Principals of Organic Horticulture BioIntensive IPM Pest and Weed Control Without Poisons The Good, The Bad and The Ugly „ 95% of Pest and Disease Control is attributable to plant health. „ 99%+ of Plant Health is dependent on healthy soil. „ 100% of Soil Health is dependent on good organic content and biological diversity. „ 100% of Soil Health problems are due to chemicals, and other man-made interference. Also Keep the 4 “Bs” in Mind when we Battle the Backyard Bad Boys The Good, The Bad and The Bugly &Bugs &Birds & Bats &Botanicals &Biota (microbes or the Teeny Team)

OK, 5 “Bs” The Good, The Bad and The Bugly

Just When You Thought It Was Safe Quiz Time The Good, The Bad and The Bugly STOMP OR NO-STOMP? The Good, The Bad and The Bugly STOMP OR NO-STOMP? The Good, The Bad and The Bugly STOMP OR NO-STOMP? The Good, The Bad and The Bugly STOMP OR NO-STOMP? BioIntensive IPM

“When we kill off the natural enemies of a pest we inherit their work” - Carl Huffaker The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Function of Soil Organisms

¾ Soils rich in organic matter tend to suppress plant pathogens. ¾ In addition, it is estimated that 75% of all insect pests spend part of their life cycle in the soil, and many of their natural enemies occur there as well. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficials A Quick Review of Basic IPM 1. Recognize the problem

2. Identify the pest or pests and determine whether a control is warranted for each condition

3. Determine your goal(s)

4. Learn what control tactics are available

5. Evaluate the benefits and risks of each tactic or combination of tactics

6. Choose the strategy that will be most environmentally effective

7. If you use chemical controls, follow the label directions for use and storage of . ....the label is the law Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficials Basic BioIntensive IPM

1. Physical – Soil and Such 2. Cultural – Plant Diversity 3. Mechanical – Hoses, Barriers, Digital Extraction 4. Biological – Natural Enemies - Bugs and Microbes, etc 5. (Bio)Chemical – Plant & Organic Extracts Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficials Basic BioIntensive IPM Host Resistance The ability of a plant or to resist an attack by a pest Cultural Altering the environment, the condition of the host plant or animal or the behavior of the pest to prevent or suppress an infection. This is during the growth period of a plant. Mechanical Removal of a pest from the host through the use of physical controls, traps, devices, and other objects. Biological Use of natural enemies, parasites, predators, and pathogens. Chemical – Plant & Organic To destroy pests, control their activities or prevent them from causing damage. Materials based on plant extracts and microbial antagonists. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficials Don’t Be A Herbicidal Maniac BioIntensive IPM “Conventional” And “Biointensive” Why Move to Biointensive IPM? ¾ Pesticides don’t solve pest problems. ¾ Pesticides are hazardous to human health. ¾ Pesticides cause special problems for children. ¾ Pesticides often contaminate food. ¾ Pesticides are particularly hazardous for farmers and farmworkers. ¾ Pesticides are hazardous to pets. ¾ Pesticides contaminate water and air. ¾ Pesticides are hazardous to fish and birds. ¾ Pesticide health and safety testing is conducted by pesticide manufacturers. ¾ Pesticides have too many secrets. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficials If You Can’t Say It Don’t Spray It Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficials Quiz Time Again NOT AGAIN Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficials What’s This Used For? * N-nitrosodiumethylamine

And This?

* trichloroallyidiisopropylthiolcarbamate BioIntensive IPM Biological Control Biological control is the use of living organisms —parasites, predators, or pathogens—to maintain pest populations below economically damaging levels, and may be either natural or applied. BioIntensive IPM Biological Control It should be noted that some groups of beneficials (e.g., birds, spiders, ground , bats) may be absent or scarce on some landscapes because of lack of . These organisms might make significant contributions to pest management if provided with adequate habitat (shelter, water, alternative food source). BioIntensive IPM Biological Control Beneficial organisms should be viewed as mini-livestock, with specific habitat and food needs to be included in horticulture planning. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects Our Bug Buddies Biological Control Agents ¾ Predators ¾ Parasitoids ¾ Pathogens ¾ OMRI certification not needed for use in organic Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

Everyone recognizes the familiar Ladybug, or ladybird . Many species have an enormous appetite for aphids--one of our most common plant pests. Others prefer scale insects and mites and are very effective in reducing infestations. Important ladybird beetles in VA

Harmonia axyridis

C. septempunctata

From Asia

Native

From Europe

Coleomegilla maculata Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

Ladybug larvae are equally relentless predators. Their colorful, but ferocious appearance often causes unknowing gardeners to assume that they must be harmful. Nothing could be further from the truth. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

The Praying Mantis is another widely-recognized insect predator. Nymphs and adults alike lie in wait for an unlucky insect which strays too close, then strike out to grab it with their modified front legs. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

Ambush bugs use the same lie-in-wait tactic. Notice that their front legs are also enlarged and modified. The bright yellow colors of this species them in their favorite hideout--goldenrod flower. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

The Lacewing Larvae are miniature monsters when viewed at close range. They are deadly enemies of small caterpillars, aphids, and other soft-bodied insects. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

The lowly Ground beetle, so common under logs and debris, is another friend of man. Both larvae and adults are predaceous and feed on a wide variety of insects. Carabid ground beetles „ Many, many species - usually ground- dwelling generalist predators

Lebia grandis • adults are predators of eggs and small larvae • larvae are ectoparasites of pupae Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

Less common, but still important, Robber flies are deadly enemies of grasshoppers, wasps, and other flies which they capture on the wing. Some of their prey are as large or larger than they are. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

Tachinid flies are parasites of other insects. This fly has laid its small white eggs just above the legs of the caterpillar in front of it. Upon hatching, the fly maggots will burrow through their hosts skin and feed on its internal organs. The caterpillar will die just as the larvae emerge and complete their development. Syrphid flies • Larvae are predators of aphids mainly Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

In addition to these flies, many Small Wasps are important parasites of other insects. Adult parasites range in size from very small. Most range in size from 2 to 15 mm. Larvae of most parasites develop inside the bodies of their prey, but some feed externally or pupate outside the host's body. These parasites are important in suppressing populations of many insects. They are important for control of loopers, cutworms, and aphids. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

Tiphia Wasps are important parasites of Japanese Beetles. Adult parasites range in size from very small. Larvae of most parasites develop inside the bodies of their prey, but some feed externally or pupate outside the host's body. Braconid parasitic wasps „ Parasitoids of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera

Cotesia congregata Bracon spp. • can parasitize up to 80% • attack noctuid larvae of Diamondback moth larvae • May parasitize ~25% of larvae Tiny parasitic wasps (Chalcidoids)

Trichogramma Tetrastichus asparagi • egg parasitoids of • can parasitize > 80% lepidopteran pests beetle larvae • adults eat beetle eggs Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

Predaceous Stinkbugs Three predaceous species. This stinkbug is shown feeding on a caterpillar. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

MINUTE PIRATE BUGS Adults are oval shaped, about 3 mm long, very flat, and marked conspicuously with black and white. Nymphs are soft-bodied, yellow or amber colored. Pirate bug adults and nymphs are very active predators and may be found on all above ground parts of plants. Active stages feed by sucking the body fluids from aphids, spider mites, and immature stages of many small insects. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

Predator mites control spider mites as well as other pest mites. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Insects

Damselflies Feed on aquatic insects like mosquitoes, and midges. Dragon Flies or Mosquito Hawks Feed on aquatic insects and mosquitoes Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Plants that Attract Beneficial Insects There is a technique called Farmscaping. Farmers plant a patch of plants that attract beneficial insects at the end of crop rows. We can use this same principle – Gardenscaping. One bed or border that has exclusively plants that beckon the good guys. That way we know for certain that a majority of the bugs on those plants are ‘our buddies.’ Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Plants that Attract Beneficial Insects Plants that attract lacewings: Achillea filipendulina - Fern- Coriandrum sativum - Coriander leaf yarrow Cosmos bipinnatus - Cosmos Anethum graveolens - Dill white sensation Angelica gigas - Angelica Daucus Carota - Queen Anne's Anthemis tinctoria - Golden lace marguerite Foeniculum vulgare - Fennel Atriplex canescens - Four- Helianthus maximilianii - wing saltbush sunflower Callirhoe involucrata - Purple Tanacetum vulgare - Tansy poppy mallow Taraxacum officinale - Dandelion Carum Carvi - Caraway Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Plants that Attract Beneficial Insects Plants that attract ladybugs: Achillea filipendulina - Fern-leaf Foeniculum vulgare - Fennel yarrow Helianthus maximilianii - Prairie Achillea millefolium- Common yarrow sunflower Ajuga reptans - Carpet bugleweed Penstemon strictus - Rocky Mt. Alyssum saxatilis - Basket of Gold penstemon Anethum graveolens - Dill Potentilla recta 'warrenii’ - Sulfur Anthemis tinctoria - Golden cinquefoil marguerite Potentilla villosa - Alpine cinquefoil Asclepias tuberosa - Butterfly weed Tagetes tenuifolia Marigold - lemon Atriplex canescens - Four-wing gem saltbush Tanacetum vulgare - Tansy Coriandrum sativum - Coriander Taraxacum officinale - Dandelion Daucus Carota - Queen Anne's lace Veronica spicata - Spike speedwell Fagopyrum esculentum - Buckwheat Vicia villosa - Hairy vetch Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Plants that Attract Beneficial Insects Plants that attract Tachinid Flies, Hoverflies Minute Pirate Bugs and Parasitic Mini-Wasps : Allium tanguticum - Lavender Lobelia erinus - Edging lobelia globe lily Melissa officinalis - Lemon balm Alyssum saxatilis - Basket of Mentha pulegium - Pennyroyal Gold Mentha spicata - Spearmint Aster alpinus - Dwarf alpine aster Petroselinum crispum - Parsley Astrantia major - Masterwort Potentilla recta 'warrenii‘ - Sulfur Callirhoe involucrata - Purple cinquefoil poppy mallow Rudbeckia fulgida - Gloriosa daisy Chrysanthemum parthenium - Sedum kamtschaticum - Orange Feverfew stonecrop Lavandula angustifolia - English Sedum spurium & album - Stonecrops lavender Thymus serpylum coccineus - Crimson thyme Zinnia elegans – Zinnia (liliput ) Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Plants Landscape Examples of Gardenscaping Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Plants Landscape Examples of Gardenscaping Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Plants Landscape Examples of Gardenscaping Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Plants Landscape Examples of Gardenscaping Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficials All Da Little Birdies The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Beneficial Birds

Purple Martin: Aerial feeders that forage over land and water, purple martins eat a variety of winged insects. These swallows range across the eastern half of the United States and parts of the Pacific Coast and Southwest. West of the Rockies, purple martins often nest in tree cavities and building crevices, while in the East they typically nest with as many as 30 pairs in hotel-like boxes or hanging, hollow gourds. The migrants often use the same nesting site each year. In addition to providing nest boxes in the East, attract the birds with ponds and wetland areas. The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Beneficial Birds

Red-Eyed Vireo: Until recent population declines, red-eyed vireos were one of the most common woodland birds in North America. These migrants forage in trees, feeding mainly on crawling insects--especially caterpillars--but also on other invertebrates and berries. They range from the upper Northwest to the East Coast, nesting in deciduous shade trees. Plant Virginia creeper, spicebush, elderberry, blackberry and dogwood to supplement insect diet. The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Beneficial Birds

Chipping Sparrow: Well-adapted to various landscapes, chipping sparrows are common throughout backyards in most of North America, except for areas of Texas and Oklahoma. They eat insects and seeds from the ground, shrubs and trees. These common birds tend to nest in evergreens, making nests out of grasses, weeds, roots and hair. Attract them with pines, spruce, arborvitae and yew. The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Beneficial Birds

Downy Woodpecker: Smaller than all other North American woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers readily visit backyards throughout the United States, excluding some areas in the Southwest. Their diet consists mainly of insects, though they also feed on sap, berries and seeds. The birds excavate nesting sites in dead trees and stumps, which are later used by other birds. They prefer deciduous trees such as aspen and willow, and may eat the berries of dogwood, mountain ash, serviceberry, Virginia creeper and poison ivy. The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Beneficial Birds

Yellow Warbler: Known for their sweet songs, yellow warblers eat a diet that is about 60 percent caterpillars. They also eat moths, mosquitoes, beetles and some berries. Widely distributed throughout North America, yellow warblers range from Alaska to the majority of the lower 48 states, except for areas of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida. They nest in small trees and shrubs and often prefer willow. Plant berry-producing plants native to your area. The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Beneficial Birds

Eastern Bluebird: With their numbers increasing due to nest-box projects along "bluebird trails," eastern bluebirds occupy semi-open areas east of the Rockies. They eat a variety of insects, other invertebrates and berries. Eastern bluebirds nest in tree cavities, old woodpecker holes and nest boxes. Plant elderberry, hackberry, dogwood, holly and Redcedar to supplement their diet. The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Beneficial Birds

Baltimore Oriole: Colorful migrants that readily visit backyards, Baltimore orioles eat insects, fruit and . The songbirds range from the central Midwest to the Northeast and nest in hanging pouches in deciduous trees. Plant blackberry, serviceberry and cherry for food, as well as elm, sycamore, tupelo and other shade trees as nesting spots. The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Beneficial Birds

House Wren: Regular backyard visitors, house wrens have diets that consist almost exclusively of insects and spiders. Not very fussy about sites, these birds may nest in nest boxes, mailboxes, building crevices--even in pockets of hanging laundry. House wrens range throughout most of the lower 48 states during parts of the year. Include low-lying shrubs (such as American beautyberry) or brush piles in your yard--sources for cover, nesting materials and food. The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Beneficial Birds – Recognize These Guys? Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Birds "Birds That Eat Japanese Beetles" --Although the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) has for some years been one of the East's worst summer insect pests, the only list of its bird enemies that I have been able to find is that of Hadley and Hawley (U.S. Dept. Agric., Circ. 332:19, 1934), who term the Purple Grackle, European Starting, Cardinal, Meadowlark, Catbird, English Sparrow and Robin "some of the more important" feeders on adult beetles, and credit the Grackle, Starling and Crow with feeding on larvae. I have already (Wils. Bull., 55: 79, 1943) mentioned the Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) and Louise F. A. Tanger (Bull. Lane. Co., Pa., Bird Club, No. 7: 5-6, 1945, miracog.) mentions the Brown Thrasher (Toxostomar ufum) as feeding on adults. Observations in Baltimore in 1945 and 1946 enable me to add the Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpese ythrocephalus) Blue Jay (Cyanocittac ristata), Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) , Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olAyacesa) and Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottost)o the roll of feeders on adult beetles. Of these, the Red-headed Woodpecker has been the heaviest feeder; a few of the birds visited a badly infested elm many times a day during more than a week that it was watched, and single birds captured beetles at rates as high as 12 in 10 minutes. As for the other species, I have from two to a number of observations for all but the Mockingbird, which I have only once seen eating beetles" The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Biorational Pesticides ¾ Although use of this term is relatively common, there is no legally accepted definition. ¾ Biorational pesticides are generally considered to be derived from naturally occurring compounds or are formulations of microorganisms. ¾ Biorationals have a narrow target range and are environmentally benign. ¾ Formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis, commonly known as Bt, are perhaps the best known biorational pesticide. OMRI – Organic Materials Review Institute

¾ www.OMRI.org ¾ a private institute that provides a list of agricultural products that meet the requirements of the NOP ¾ Only products that are OMRI-certified can be used on certified “organic crops” Entomopathogenic Nematodes Steinernema (Neoaplectana) and Heterorhabditis Species Bacillus thuringiensis - Bt

¾ Crystalline proteins derived from soil bacteria ¾ Disruptors of insect midgut membranes resulting in gut paralysis and septicemia ¾ Different Bts may contain different cry proteins, which may have different target sites Bacillus thuringiensis - Bt

¾ All of the current OMRI-certified Bt products target lepidopteran pests The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Botanical Pesticides ¾ Botanical pesticides are prepared in various ways. They can be as simple as pureed plant leaves, extracts of plant parts, or chemicals purified from plants. Pyrethrum, neem formulations, oil extracts (rosemary, garlic, etc) and rotenone are examples of botanicals. Neem oil - azadirachtin

¾ Extracted from Neem tree seeds (almond- like) ¾ Only effects insects that feed on plants treated with Neem. ¾ Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) – Disrupts the larval and instar stages. ¾ Interferes with insect reproductive systems. ¾ Outright kills some insects. ¾ Fungal Deterrent The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Film/Mineral Barriers A relatively new technology, particle film barriers are currently available under the trade name Surround WP Crop Protectant which is a kaolin clay. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a standard product used as a barrier. The Good, The Bad and The Bugly

Just a Few More ¾ Rosemary and Peppermint Extract for Fungal Control ¾ Bacillus subtilis also for Fungal Control ¾ Steinernema carpocapsae nematode for Black Vine Weevil Control ¾ Spinosad for Thrips Control Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficials More Plants To Plant (Like We need a Reason) Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Plants

TRUE LAVENDER Lavandula The most fragrant lavender. Beautiful lavender flowers on long stems and narrow green leaves. When planted in the garden, it will deter pests with its fragrance. When dried and placed in closets and drawers with clothes, it will deter moths and lend its wonderful fragrance to the clothes. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Plants Garlic There are several types of garlic. Ornamental garlic is prized by flower arrangers for twisting stalks and large flower heads. Garlic has other uses in the garden. It is considered a companion plant to cabbage, eggplant, tomatoes, and lettuce, since it deters aphids. It may inhibit the growth of peas and beans growing nearby. Planted around fruit trees, it controls leaf curl and discourages borers. Controlling aphids, as well as deterring Japanese beetles, makes it a good companion plant for roses. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficials

¾ This is just the beginning of good stuff out there. The ‘To Be Continued’ includes: ¾ Beneficial Bacteria, Fungus and Nematodes ¾ Essential Oil Extracts ¾ Trap Crops ¾ Trap Ravines ¾ And Many More In The Gaia Brigade Principals of Organic Horticulture

Those Wild and Wacky Weeds

How to Purge Them Without Poisons Principals of Organic Horticulture Those Wild and Wacky Weeds How to Purge Them without Poisons

Where Do Weeds Come From? Who Discovered Weeds? Principals of Organic Horticulture Those Wild and Wacky Weeds How to Purge Them without Poisons The Scientists and Grass Seed Salesmen Principals of Organic Horticulture Those Wild and Wacky Weeds How to Purge Them without Poisons

What’s The Major Cause of Weeds? Principals of Organic Horticulture Those Wild and Wacky Weeds How to Purge Them without Poisons The Home Owner Principals of Organic Horticulture Those Wild and Wacky Weeds How to Purge Them without Poisons ¾ Disturbing the Soil The Causes ¾ Too Much Fertilizer (Mainly N) ¾ Too Much Watering ¾ Too Much Compaction ¾ Too Much Bare Soil = Mulch ¾ The Right Soil Conditions For the Weeds ¾ Too Wet ¾ Too Dry ¾ Something’s Out of Balance in the Soil = C:N-P-K-Mn-Ca- O2-CO2 ¾ Upsetting the Soil Biology/Foodweb = Chemical Interference ¾ And, of course, Cutting the Turf Too Short Principals of Organic Horticulture Those Wild and Wacky Weeds How to Purge Them without Poisons

¾ Too Short Mower settings (Less Than 2 ½”- 3”) ¾ Not Enough Organic Matter Return (/Grass Clippings or Compost) Principals of Organic Horticulture Those Wild and Wacky Weeds How to Purge Them without Poisons Solutions ¾Make a Weed Map – Only Treat Where You Get Weeds ¾ = Balance The Soil ¾Organic Content – Compost ¾Avoid All Chemicals ¾Proper Height of Mower Principals of Organic Horticulture Those Wild and Wacky Weeds How to Purge Them without Poisons

Alternative Solutions ¾ Corn Gluten Meal as pre-emergent deterrent but remember, this is a source of Nitrogen (N) ¾ Weed Flamer ¾ Vinegar (vegetable base) and Vinegar Based Weed Products for Spot Treatment ¾ Boiling Water ¾ Soil Balance – biologically and nutrients Principals of Organic Horticulture Organic Mulches – Why Use It?

¾ Conserve Moisture ¾ Suppress Annual Weeds ¾ Moderate Soil Temperatures ¾ Protect the Soil from Compaction ¾ Feed the Soil Life and Modify Nutrient Levels ¾ Harbor Insects ¾ Protect Plants from WeedEaterisium Principals of Organic Horticulture Organic Mulches - Types ¾ Hay – Straw ¾ Pine Bark – Shredded & Nuggets ¾ Pine Needles ¾ Wood Chips ¾ Crushed Oyster or Crab Shells ¾ Grass – Mulching Mower Cool Season Fescue ¾ Leaf ¾ Rice Hulls and other Grain Hulls if available ¾ Rock Principals of Organic Horticulture Lime, Other Natural Minerals and Organic Nutrients The “vitamins” in a soil’s “diet.” ¾ Aragonite - Naturally mined, volcanic mineral with over 66 minerals and trace elements ¾ Lime ¾ Elemental Sulphur ¾ Rock Phosphate (0-3-0) ¾ Colloidal Phosphate (0-3-0) ¾ Greensand – Ocean-deposit iron-potassium silicate ¾ Gypsum – Calcium sulfate ¾ Vermiculite – Lightweight mineral ¾ Perlite – Specially processed volcanic material ¾ Humates – Mineralized and stabilized decomposed prehistoric plant and animal matter Questions? The Good, The Bad and The Bugly

One LAST Quiz The Good, The Bad and The Bugly Is This A Good Guy or A Bad Guy? The Good, The Bad and The Bugly How About This One? The Good, The Bad and The Bugly And This One? Questions? A Rind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste Principals of Organic Horticulture Master Gardeners Training Course 2009 presented by Bill Garlette [email protected] nnmastergardeners.org

Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Plants Allelopathy - Allelopathic

BLACK LOCUST, FALSE ACACIA Robina Beautiful ornamental loaded with white fragrant flowers. An excellent shade tree with acacia type foliage. The fragrant flowers can be smelled for hundreds of ft. in spring. The bruised foliage mixed with sugar will attract and kill flies. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Plants

CHINABERRY TREE Melia Azedarach A handsome and dense tree. The profuse berries are used to make necklaces and insecticides. Also called Lilac Tree, Pride of India and Bead Tree. To make flea repellent for , mix 1 tablespoon of dry, powdered berries with one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent to a gallon of water and spray on lawns with a sprayer. This will also repel flying insects as well. Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficial Plants OSAGE ORANGE Maclura A fast growing shrub often grown as a hedge. Pretty foliage with greenish flowers. Good as a background or border plant. The crushed fruits of this plant are said to attract and kill cockroaches. The True Organic Rule

“Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” Dr. Albert Einstein Principals of Organic Horticulture Beneficials

¾ Insects & Spiders ¾ Birds ¾ Plants ¾ Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects ¾ Plant Extracts Principals of Organic Horticulture Quotes

¾ Leave Litter Be (insert Beatles’ music – “Let It Be” Principals of Organic Horticulture Quotes

¾ Plato’s Dialogue, The Critias, circa 400 BC - On the sad state of what was once rich soil “ What now remains of the formerly rich land is like the skeleton of a sick man, with all the fat and soft earth having wasted away and only the bare framework remaining. Formerly, many of the mountains were arable. The plains that were full of rich soil are now marshes. Hills that were once covered with forests and that produced abundant pasture now produce food only for bees. Once the land was enriched by yearly rains, which were not lost, by flowing from the bare land into the sea. The soil was deep, it absorbed and kept the water in the loamy soil, and the water that soaked into the hills fed springs and running streams everywhere.” Principals of Organic Horticulture Quotes

¾ Walt Whitman, This Compost “Behold this compost! Behold it well!...It gives such divine materials to men, and accepts such leavings from them at last.” Principals of Organic Horticulture Quotes

¾ In a journal entry from 1856, Thoreau summarized Nature’s approach to recycling, “In Nature nothing is wasted. Every decayed leaf and twig and fibre is only the better suited to serve in some other department, and all at last are gathered in her compost heap.” Principals of Organic Horticulture Quotes

¾ Teddy Roosevelt told the first-ever Governors Conference on the Conservation of Natural Resources, “..the time has come to inquire seriously what will happen when our forests are gone, when the coal, iron, the oil and the gas exhausted? We must handle the water, the wood, the grasses so that we will hand them to our children and our children’s children in better and not worse shape than we got them.” Principals of Organic Horticulture Quotes

¾ In a journal entry from 1856, Thoreau summarized Nature’s approach to recycling, “In Nature nothing is wasted. Every decayed leaf and twig and fibre is only the better suited to serve in some other department, and all at last are gathered in her compost heap.”