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What are Biorational Pesticides?

A biorational pesticide (insecticide) is one that is environmentally friendly, organic, and

commercially produced. (See Table 1.)
Table 1. Biorational pesticides
Biorationals Target Pest
Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki Caterpillars, gypsy moth
B. thuringiensis var. tenebrionis Leaf-feeding beetles, Colorado potato beetle
B. thuringiensis var. japonesis Scarab larvae, including white grubs
B. popilliae Japanese beetle larvae
Beauveria bassiana Larval stages and soft-bodies adults
Horticultural oil Scale, aphids, mites, lacebugs
Insecticidal soap Soft-bodied insects (aphids, scale crawlers, mites)
Neem Thrips, caterpillars
Nematodes Soil dwelling and boring insects

The routine examination of garden plants, or scouting, helps to determine when pest problems
are reaching a critically damaging threshold. Scouting also helps to determine the stage (larva,
pupa, adult) of the insects. Insect traps can be used to monitor insect populations before they
build up to harmful thresholds. If damage is noticed before an insect population is firmly
established and when the insect is at a vulnerable stage, many problems can be easily thwarted
by environmentally-kind measures ranging from hand-picking to hosing off the insects with
water to using soaps and oils.

Gardeners must make decisions on when to apply a pesticide, by analyzing their expectations of
"perfect" produce and recognizing the trade-offs involved in seeking the perfect product.
Damage thresholds are related to both the level of damage a plant can tolerate, called injury
threshold, and the amount of damage a gardener can tolerate, called aesthetic tolerance. Such
trade-offs include potential harmful effects to soil and water quality, encouraging resistance to
pesticides within pests, and possibly killing beneficial insects. Caution: honey bees actively
forage in your garden during the day, so to avoid bee kill apply insecticide in the evening after
the bees return to their hives.

When chemical pesticides are necessary, use the least toxic one available and only spot spray.
Carefully follow the label instructions and wear gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing.
Ready-to-use, premixed products are convenient and avoid the problem of disposing of out-of-
date, unused chemicals. For your safety and the safety of others, securely lock up all pesticides.
(See Table 2.)
Table 2. Organic pesticides: botanicals
Organic
Target Pests Mode of Action
Pesticide
Is a feeding deterrent; stops
Neem Chewing insects (caterpillars, beetles)
growth of insect
Toxic to ground and soil pests
Nicotine Aphids, thrips, other sucking insects
by contact
Pyrethrum Most insects Injestion, contact
Leaf-feeding caterpillars and beetles, insects
Rotenone Paralyzes insects on contact
with sucking mouthparts
Acts on contact; is a stomach
Ryania Codling moth, caterpillars, leaf beetles, thrips
poison
Sabadilla Leaf-feeding caterpillars Paralyzes insects on contact

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