In New Zealand, horticulturalists, dedicated gardeners, and food producers often engage in a nuanced and delicate relationship with the environment. We invest substantial care and attention into nurturing our plants, while simultaneously cultivating habitats that encourage pollinators and other beneficial insects. Nonetheless, we face challenges posed by pests and plant diseases that threaten the health and vitality of our treasured flora. Although our commitment to sustainable practices remains, our reliance on certain chemical pest controls raises concerns about the long-term repercussions of these toxic substances within our ecosystems.
Historically, a limited selection of chemical agents have been the cornerstone of pest management in horticulture. As responsible custodians of our land, it is essential to critically assess the toxicity of these substances—not only in terms of their immediate effects but also regarding their potential persistence in the environment and within crops intended for human or animal consumption. We need to stay informed about alternative pest management strategies that prioritize human health and the integrity of the ecosystems we seek to protect. By pursuing innovative and sustainable solutions, we can work towards a coexistence with nature.
It is important to recognize that natural predators of pests are often more vulnerable to pesticides than the pests themselves. The loss of these beneficial organisms can lead to a resurgence of previously controlled pest populations, resulting in a cycle of dependency on chemical interventions. Effective pest control frequently necessitates the rotation of various insecticides to mitigate the risk of resistance development; however, this practice can heighten environmental concerns.
Lost Coast Plant Therapy offers a more environmentally friendly alternative for managing small insects, utilizing non-toxic organic compounds that dilute at a rate of 1 in 100 for economical application.
Lost Coast Plant Therapy is a versatile and environmentally friendly solution specifically designed to protect crops by managing pest infestations and addressing plant diseases.
Pest Control: This innovative therapy effectively targets soft-bodied insects, focusing on not only the adult pests but also their eggs and larvae. Upon contact, the formulation adheres to the pests, disrupting their respiratory and digestive systems by suffocation and dehydration. This rapid action renders it an invaluable tool for mitigating insect pressure across a diverse range of plants and crops.
Fungal Control will be the topic of the next blog and Instagram series.
When used as directed, Lost Coast Plant Therapy is safe for application on both food and medicinal plants making it uniquely suitable for various users, including commercial farmers,
For greenhouse operators, horticulturists, food produces and home gardeners, regular applications, typically every 7 to 10 days during the growth phase, will significantly enhance plant vigor by alleviating pest and disease-related stresses. This, in turn, allows plants to allocate more energy toward robust growth and development.
In summary, Lost Coast Plant Therapy is a highly effective and sustainable solution for those looking to maintain healthy crops in an eco-conscious manner.
CHEMICALS IN COMMON USE.
Organophosphates
These are used to control a wide variety of insect pests including, Thrips, Whitefly, Aphids, Leaf Hoppers and mites all of which are controlled by the environmentally friendly Lost Coast Plant Therapy. Lost Coast will not control Fleas and Mosquitos.
Organophosphates, a common class of insecticides, have recently attracted scrutiny from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), which recommends their use only when no viable alternatives are available. Plans are underway for the phased-out usage of organophosphates by 2028, reflecting rising concerns regarding their toxicity.
These substances primarily exert their toxic effects by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to the accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Such overstimulation can disrupt synaptic function across both the peripheral and central nervous systems, contributing to various acute and chronic health issues associated with exposure
Organophosphates are highly toxic to aquatic environments, terrestrial vertebrates, and especially to beneficial terrestrial invertebrates such as pollinators. They are classified under several toxicological categories.
They are suspected as human reproductive or developmental toxicants.
Identified as harmful to key human organ systems.
Although organophosphates generally exhibit rapid metabolism and excretion in both flora and fauna, they can persist in the food chain. Their long-term exposure poses risks not just to individuals experiencing direct contact but also to communities located near contaminated environments.
Carbaryl
The list of insects controlled by Carbaryl is exactly the same as organophosphates and of course Lost Coast Plant Therapy is an economical environmentally friendly alternative.
Carbaryl, a synthetic insecticide, targets insects by disrupting neurological functions through acetylcholinesterase inhibition, similar to organophosphates. Due to safety and environmental concerns, numerous jurisdictions have restricted its application in residential areas. Currently, carbaryl products are not registered for indoor use or near pets.
While carbaryl is less persistent in the environment and exhibits reduced effects as the inhibited enzyme recovers, it still poses notable risks to ecosystems. Beneficial insects, including pollinators like bees, as well as various aquatic organisms, can suffer detrimental effects, even at minimal exposure levels. Therefore, users must consider these potential impacts when evaluating the use of carbaryl in agricultural and residential contexts.
Imidacloprid
Imidacloprid is a widely used pesticide in both agricultural and horticultural arenas, effective against a variety of sap-sucking insects such as aphids and whiteflies, all of which can be managed with Lost Coast Plant Therapy. We don’t claim that our product will deal with Fleas and Ticks but for all other insects Lost Coast Plant Therapy can replace this toxic spray.
This systemic insecticide is absorbed by plants from the soil or through foliar application, effectively distributing the chemical throughout plant tissues. We at Lost Coast would love to tell you we can de flea your cats and dogs we can’t. Imidacloprid is commonly found in consumer pest control products intended for home use and in treating pets for fleas.
It is critical to note that imidacloprid has mutagenic and teratogenic properties, though it is not classified as a carcinogen. Its systemic nature and environmental persistence raise concerns about chronic exposure to non-target species. The potential negative impacts on pollinator populations, particularly honeybees, as well as sensitivity in birds and aquatic life, require careful consideration of runoff and drift into sensitive ecosystems.
In conclusion, there are safer and more sustainable alternatives to conventional pest management practices. By considering environmentally friendly solutions, such as those provided by Lost Coast Plant Therapy, we can safeguard both our beloved plants and the vital ecosystems that we depend on.
Metaldehyde:
This chemical is used for Thrips, Whitefly and Aphids and can be replaced by Lost Coast Plant Therapy for these applications.
At Lost Coast, we share the common frustration with slugs and snails. However, it is important to clarify that we cannot classify our products as molluscicides. For home gardeners seeking effective solutions, while it may be the waste of a beer, a common method is to place a container flush with the soil and fill it with beer. This has proven to attract and trap these pests.
It is critical to note that metaldehyde, poses significant environmental risks. Its solubility in water can lead to contamination of drinking water sources and escalate water treatment costs., Metaldehyde poisoning primarily affects pets, especially dogs and cats, following the ingestion of molluscicides.
Pyrethrins and Tau Fluvalinate (a synthetic pyrethrin)
When used for Aphids, Mites, Whiteflies and Thrips these chemicals can be replaced by Lost Coast plant Therapy.
While some pesticides are derived from natural sources, it is essential to recognize that "natural" does not equate to "safer" for humans and other organisms. Pyrethrins, are also marketed as organic insecticides for controlling pests such as mosquitoes, fleas, flies, moths, and ants, target insects of a larger size than those typically affected by Lost Coast products.
While pyrethrins have low toxicity to birds, they are highly toxic to honey bees and pose significant risks to aquatic life, including fish, lobsters, shrimp, oysters, and aquatic insects. Their toxicity is often heightened in cooler temperatures.
Tau-Fluvalinate, a synthetic pyrethroid: This chemical is classified under HSNO as very ecotoxic in aquatic environments, with the potential to be fatal if inhaled. Its effects can be permanent and significantly detrimental to aquatic ecosystems.
In summary, by prioritizing sustainable pest management solutions, we can protect our plants and maintain ecological balance. We encourage everyone to adopt safer practices and be mindful of the products they choose.
9. Rotenone
Rotenone is an insecticide that exhibits insecticidal activity against various pests, including aphids, sawflies, caterpillars, beetles, leafhoppers, thrips, stink bugs, whiteflies, and certain mites.
Aphids, Leafhoppers, Thrips and mites are the target species for Lost Coast Plant Therapy.
A significant concern regarding the use of rotenone is its high toxicity to fish, and they should not be used near ant aquatic environment. Recent studies have raised alarms about potential chronic exposure to rotenone being linked to certain forms of Parkinson’s disease in animal models, resulting in its removal from approved substances for organic production systems. There is also evidence that rotenone may induce tumor formation in rats.