Organic Pesticides & Wormers

Importance of Organic Pesticides

• Pesticides used in weed management fulfill an essential role in the production of crops. Weeds impact the yield of crops by competing with plants for nutrients, water and light. Once weeds grow large enough to deprive a crop of resources, the yield potential of the crop decreases. The lower the yield, the lower the financial return the producer receives on the crop. Hartzler recommends controlling weeds before the critical period of growth in order to protect crop yields. Organic pesticides work in the same ways as synthetic pesticides in the control of weeds in crops. Application times, rates and methods vary according to the type of pesticide and crop.

Types of Organic Pesticides

• Organic certification allows for the usage of pesticides in both vegetable and berry production. Organic pesticides use chemicals derived from natural sources. Colorado State University warns that these chemicals are still toxic in many ways, but break down faster in the soil. Organic pesticides are either botanical or mineral based. Botanic-based organic pesticides include nicotine sulfate, sabadilla, rotenone, ryania, neem and pyrethrum. Mineral-based pesticides includeboric acid, cryolite, diatomaceous earth, sulfer, lime sulfer and bordeaux.

Importance of Organic Wormers

• Animals raised for the production of organic meat, milk or eggs still require management to control parasites. The raising of animals on pasture naturally introduces parasites to livestock. Low numbers of internal parasites are normal in all animals and rarely cause a problem. However, if internal parasites get out of control, it can directly reduce the weight gain and production of animals. Infected animals may suffer rough coats, scours, susceptibility to disease, inability to breed and possibly death. Mothers with worms produce less milk, reducing the weight gain and growth of offspring. The control of parasites through organic wormers adds an additional level of protection when combined with other parasite management strategies, such as crop rotation and good nutrition.

Types of Organic Wormers

• Organic wormers for animals and livestock are largely based on herbs and other natural remedies. The University of Vermont suggests using herbal wormers with other management practices that reduce the parasite contamination of pastures. This prevents new infestations from reoccurring in animals. Organic wormers used in livestock include ingredients such as garlic, wormwood, onion, parsley, cayenne pepper, mustard seed, black walnut hull, food-grade diatamaceous earth and rosemary.