Foothill Agricultural Research, Inc.
FAR INSECTARY
PRODUCERS OF BENEFICIAL INSECTS
Office cell/text 951-532-2692
Joe Barcinas' cell 951-285-5437
farinc@att.net
Going FAR..........
Biological Control Agents
Foothill Agricultural Research, Inc. specializes in developing and implementing scientifically innovative methods of rearing beneficial insects. With almost 50 years of experience, FAR, Inc. leads the industry in providing biological control solutions.
Why use Biological Control Agents?
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No Waiting
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No Re-entry interval
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No pre-harvest interval
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No secondary pest outbreaks
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Cheaper than pesticides
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No scheduling problems
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Environmentally friendly
Current Pest Problems in Southern California
Mealybug
Mealybug are scale insects in the family Pseudococcidae that cause damage to grapes, citrus, and others. Mealybug secrete a white, powdery, waxy layer for protection as they extract plant juices. Ants protect mealybug from predators and parasites. Mealybug are vectors of viruses in grapevines. In citrus, mealybugs reduce tree vigor and cause discolored, poor quality fruit. Recently, infestations have been increasing across the Central Valley and Coastal regions. The most effective biological control is the use of Anagyrus and Cryptolaemus during the spring and again in the fall to prevent overwintering.
California Red Scale
The California red scale is a pest of citrus that leads to leaf yellowing and drop, dieback of twigs and could in severe cases lead to tree death. Biologically-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has proven to be the most effective program for managing red scale problems in citrus. FAR uses an effective balanced approach to controlling your red scale problem. This is accomplished through the strategic use of the beneficial insect Aphytis melinus.