Pest Management through Biocontrols
Growing of food, so critical to human survival, and maintenance of the landscape, so critical to human well being, must not compromise the ecosystem on which we all depend. Biological products will be an important tool in promoting that sustainability. Sustainability however, also implies economic viability—the products we require to meet our sustainability goals must also provide adequate financial reward to those who produce and sell them. The development of biological pest management products useful to growers is one of the primary goals of Kwantlen's Institute for Sustainable Horticulture. Under the direction of Dr. Deborah Henderson (Director, Institute for Sustainable Horticulture and LEEF Regional Innovation Chair designate in Sustainable Horticulture), the Institute's unique new research facility includes a lab and pre-commercial scale production incubator for microbial insect pathogens (fungal and viral) which will provide growers and landscape care providers with biological solutions to pest problems. This 'incubator' facility is a first for Canada and has the potential to put B.C. in the forefront of development of new microbial biocontrol products. In addition to developing these agents, ISH will also work with small and medium sized companies to commercialize the materials developed.