Suffoil-X & Mite Control

 Pest control options in hemp and cannabis can be limited– growers must either apply beneficial insects or choose from a short list of approved sprays for specific issues. Luckily, the list of approved sprays includes some versatile options, such as Suffoil-X from BioWorks. Suffoil-X, a horticultural oil comprised of mineral oil, can be used as a general insecticide, miticide, and fungicide. As with any spray, however, some care is required. Let’s review best practices when it comes to applying horticultural oils on your crops. Following these practices limits your risk of phytotoxicity or burning after spraying any oil product.

•           Always test new sprays on a small number of plants before applying to the entire crop.

•           Apply when temperatures are under 85F / 30C.

•          Ensure that foliage will dry within 1-2 hours of application.

•          Avoid spraying drought-stressed plants.

•           Remember, never mix oil and sulfur sprays!

Suffoil-X is one of GGSPro’s go-to products when it comes to curative (i.e. knockdown) sprays for mite. Once applied and the insects or mites are fully covered, spiracles (air holes) of the pest become blocked. Suffocation of pests quickly follows. A great benefit of oils like Suffoil-X is that they provide no residual action; once oils have dried, it is safe to release beneficial insects or pollinators.

    How do you know you’ve got a mite problem? Symptoms differ depending on which mites have moved in. Two-spotted spider mites are the easiest to spot and can sometimes be seen with the naked eye. Typical symptoms include a wide-spread stippling, giving leaves a dusty appearance. Severe infestations develop webbing across and between leaves. Broad mite infestations lead to severe distortion of the new growth. This cupping can give young leaves a canoe- or taco-like shape. Russet mites are the most difficult to spot, with early symptoms most closely resembling the general chlorosis similar to a nutritional deficiency. Russet and broad mites cannot be seen with the naked eye and require 20x or greater magnification.

 Application details of Suffoil-X, from BioWorks:
1.25 fl oz per gal or 1 gal per 100 gal as a foliar spray. Full coverage is essential, acts as a suffocant. Apply when rapid drying will occur and when air temperatures are below 85° F to avoid phytotoxicity. Flower caution on label. 4 hr REI. MOA UNE. OMRI listed.