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Green Thumb – Fungus-Based Insecticides

February 9, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Free
Emerging from the trunk of an ash tree, an emerald ash borer is infected with Beauveria bassiana, an insect-pathogenic fungus that may prove to be a valuable biocontrol for this pest.
Emerging from the trunk of an ash tree, an emerald ash borer is infected with Beauveria bassiana, an insect-pathogenic fungus that may prove to be a valuable biocontrol for this pest.

Fungi have been assisting humanity in many ways for eons. They are essential in the decomposition process, as well as in farming, fermentation, medications and as food. Now, fungi may be able to help us control pests as a natural insecticide. Join Clallam County Master Gardener Muriel Nesbitt for the Green Thumb Education Series presentation “Fungus-Based Insecticides” to learn more about the potential for these fabulous fungi-based pest killers.

Join the presentation on Zoom via this link.

Or join us in person at the Port Angeles Food Bank.

Traditional synthetic pesticides may not be right for every situation, and some are overused so much that pests are becoming more resistant to them. Biopesticides—or fungi that kill pests—will be discussed as a potential alternative to these traditional pesticides. The discussion will help provide some gardeners with an additional tool for controlling insect pests. “I have not yet used such insecticides but became interested in the topic due to observing fungus-killed insects in the garden, and being fascinated by the ability of some fungi to control the behavior of insects,” Muriel said.

Muriel will discuss how fungus-based pesticides work using their individualized “chemical weapons,” and their potential benefits to gardeners, farmers, and homeowners. In addition, she will offer insights into the difficulties of making such insecticides.

Muriel began her career as a high school teacher in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She went on to become a graduate student at the University of Washington where she earned a Ph.D. in genetics. Muriel was a Professor of Biology at University of California, Los Angeles for two years and then taught biology at University of California, San Diego for 35 years before retiring to Port Angeles in 2008.

Clallam County Master Gardener Muriel Nesbitt checks for pests on her squash plants.
Clallam County Master Gardener Muriel Nesbitt checks for pests on her squash plants.

The Green Thumb Education Series presentation “Fungus-Based Insecticides” will be held in person on Thursday, February 9th from noon – 1:00 p.m. at the Port Angeles Food Bank located at 632 N Oakridge Drive in Port Angeles and on Zoom. Once at the Food Bank, please proceed upstairs to their Community Meeting Room for the live presentation. There will be signs directing you. Parking is available at the front of the building, but you can also park behind the building to leave room for the Food Bank’s other visitors.

You can join the Zoom Meeting via Phone: 253-215-8782

Meeting ID: 936 2989 8830

Passcode: 676224

The “Green Thumbs Garden Tips” education series, sponsored by the Washington State University Clallam County Master Gardeners, is held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month through October. In November, December, and January, one lecture is offered. Scheduled presentations are subject to change. Visit the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar for the latest information on upcoming presentations. For questions, call 360-565-2678. 

Details

Date:
February 9, 2023
Time:
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Cost:
Free
Event Category:

Organizer

WSU Extension Master Gardener Program
Phone:
(360) 565-2679
Email:
laurel.moulton@wsu.edu
Website:
https://extension.wsu.edu/clallam/

Venue

Port Angeles Food Bank
632 N. Oakridge Dr.
Port Angeles, WA 98362 United States
+ Google Map
Website:
http://www.portangelesfoodbank.org