Introduction In 2006, a series of agricultural trials were conducted in Jordan to evaluate the effectiveness of Bionatrol-I and Bionatrol-M, two natural pesticides produced by NTS in Canada. These trials aimed to assess their efficacy in controlling various pests and diseases in different crops, including squash, cucumber, and tomato. This blog presents the key findings and insights from these trials.
Overview of Trials The trials were conducted on multiple farms in Jordan, with each trial focusing on a specific crop and pest. The trials compared Bionatrol-I and Bionatrol-M against conventional chemical pesticides to determine their effectiveness in real-world agricultural settings.
Trial 1: Squash (Powdery Mildew)
- Location: Manga – Madaba
- Pests/Diseases: Powdery mildew
- Results: Bionatrol-M showed a 95% efficiency in controlling powdery mildew, with no observed side effects on plants. It was more effective compared to the chemical fungicide Anvil, which left burn spots on infection sites.
Trial 2: Squash (Whitefly)
- Location: Manga-Madaba
- Pests/Diseases: Whitefly
- Results: Bionatrol-I demonstrated a 95% efficiency in controlling whiteflies. However, it had no effect on whitefly eggs, leading to a resurgence of the pest within five days. Compared to the chemical insecticide Confidor, Bionatrol-I was effective but required more frequent applications.
Trial 3: Cucumber (Aphids and Red Mites)
- Location: Um Alamad – Madaba
- Pests/Diseases: Aphids and red mites
- Results: Bionatrol-I achieved a 95% efficiency in controlling aphids and red mites, with an efficacy duration of 12 days. It performed better than the chemical insecticide Vertamic, which had a shorter efficacy period.
Trial 4: Tomato (Powdery Mildew)
- Location: Um Alamad – Madaba
- Pests/Diseases: Powdery mildew
- Results: Bionatrol-M was tested at lower concentrations than recommended, resulting in a lower efficiency of 20%. When the concentration was increased, the efficiency improved to 75%. This trial highlighted the importance of using the correct concentration for optimal results.
Conclusion The Jordan trials demonstrated that Bionatrol-I and Bionatrol-M are effective natural alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides. They provided excellent control of various pests and diseases, with minimal side effects on plants. These natural pesticides can be integrated into sustainable agricultural practices, offering an eco-friendly solution for pest management.