They Die Happy: Ethanol a Potential new IPM Tool
They Die Happy: Ethanol a Potential new IPM Tool
They Die Happy: Ethanol a Potential new IPM Tool
by: George B. Brooks, Jr. Ph.D. CEO NxT Horizon
What if there was an IPM tool with comparatively low toxicity to most other organisms but also effectively kills insects and leaves no residual? There is. It is called Ethanol. Here at NxT Horizon, we have been testing it for the past 3 years as a potential new tool for IPM (Integrated Pest Management) in aquaponic and soil gardens, and we wanted to release this idea for your evaluation.
For many in aquaponic aquaculture, IPM is the preferred method of pest control. By its nature and in order to be cost effective, aquaponics must produce large amounts of food in comparatively small spaces. The challenge here as is with all agriculture is that wherever there is food, there are other organisms that wish to take part in this bounty beyond its intended target of man. We commonly call these pests. The question is how to deal in way that reduces the pest’s economic impact without poisoning the fish or leaving toxic residue on the leaves that could affect the consumer. This is where IPM comes in.
As defined by the EPA, “Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests an their interaction with the environment. This information in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment.”
Though they are normally the approach of last resort, IPM employs a number of chemical methods to control in this case insects including:
Pyrethrin based products
Soaps
Azadirachtin based products
Neem oil and neem oil derivatives
Part of the challenge is to expand this tool base. The more choices we have the greater our opportunity to find better solutions. One such new opportunity is Ethanol.
Ethanol C2H5OH or Ethel alcohol is the natural by product of the anaerobic respiration of yeast and various plants. Since man first got drunk by eating some fermented fruit, we have been a fan of this chemical for likely hundreds of thousands of years. The thing about it is that Ethanol is a metabolic poison. So periodically we poison ourselves because we like the effect. In the case of IPM, because it is a chemical that is found in nature that contains energy, there are organisms everywhere that will eat it (biodegradable). It is also extremely volatile. Because of these factors, it does not persist in water or leave residues. As seen in the MSDS sheet (http://www.pharmcoaaper.com/pages/MSDS/MSDS_E/ethanol_pure_190.pdf), it is also of comparatively low toxicity to fish. However any chemical in a large enough concentration can be toxic. But concentration is relative. The small amount of ethanol sprayed on an insect would be comparatively harmless to our fish and to us, but deadly to them. We have seen however that it can damage the leaves of certain plants such as sweet potato vines.
By using an off the shelf spray bottle for spot treatments directly on the target insect, we have tested 95% Ethanol on the following types of pests with nearly 100% success.
Squash bugs
Leaf footed bugs
Stink bugs
Cabbage Loopers
Hornworms
Cucumber Beatles
Mealybugs
Aphids
A note of caution. Though there is 100% no residue remaining after ethanol evaporates, if you spray it directly on a bee you will kill it. So don’t.
Ethanol has several different isomers (same chemical with slightly different arrangements of the atoms) but these are not suitable due to their toxicity and properties. Also NEVER USE DENATURED ETHANOL! It is also toxic so not appropriate.
In that ethanol is the same chemical we drink, it is a controlled substance and thus only adults can use it and it is tends to be expensive. The easiest source is the product known as Everclear. But in that you only need to spot treat directly on the insect, makes its use in our opinion, cost effective.
Again, we have been experimenting with ethanol for IPM for about 3 years now with excellent results. In fact it can seem to work so well that it would be easy to over use. As with all IPM method you must rotate them so the insects can’t adapt and chemical means are ALWAYS the last resort. Please write us at info@nxthorizon.com so we can hear your results.
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Saturday, July 9, 2016