Research services

We conduct research projects for in-house procedures:
     This type of research project is often conducted on-site.

   Here is an example of such project:

Management of the two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) in nursery-grown potentilla shrubs (research conducted in 1999).

Container-grown potentilla shrubs were monitored weekly and leaf samples were collected for microscope examination of spider mite activity. Plants were separated into different beds to allow the introduction of predatory mites on some plants, but not on others.

The introduction of predatory mites had little impact on the population of two-spotted spider mites.  Plants treated early in the season with a broad-spectrum insecticide had a high population of spider mites during the summer, whereas plants not treated had a lower population of spider mites and a much higher population of Orius predators.  The naturally-occurring  predators provided an excellent control of noxious mites.

The recommendation to the grower was to stop applying broad spectrum insecticides in May against other insect problems, which destroyed the native Orius predator population and allowed a flare-up of spider mite activity.  The program was put in place in 2000.  No spider mite treatment has been required since.

This project was conducted by Christina Custer, with funding from the National Research Council. 


We conduct research projects for new products:
     These projects can be conducted on residential sites, agricultural fruit orchards, agricultural vegetable farms, or on ornamental plants in urban areas.

   Here is an example of such project:

Trials on lawn, field-grown tomatoes, and container-grown flowers with RainGrow liquid and solid fertilizers (research conducted in 2000).

RainGrow is a new "organic"-based liquid fertilizer made from composted chicken manure.  The objective of this study was to evaluate application rates and plant response for use of the product by home owners.  Trial set-up was a randomized block design.

Tomato plants fertilized with RainGrow at label rate had fruit production similar to plants fertilized with a commercially-available fertilizer, and significantly better than plants not fertilized.

When applied to lawn at a low rate (2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 feet² per year), RainGrow gave better results than unfertilized areas, but the improvement was slower over the season than a commercially-available fertilizer of good reputation.

Project funding came from the manufacturer and a government technical assistance program.  Leah Thompson provided technical assistance.


We conduct research projects for pesticide efficacy:
     These projects can be conducted on agricultural crops including fruit trees (apples, cherries, peaches), ornamental plants (field grown and container grown), or greenhouse flower crops.

   Here is an example of such project:

Ornamental herbicide treatments on various nursery crops for weed control and crop tolerance in the Central Okanagan (research conducted in 1999).

An experimental herbicide was applied at regular intervals and at different rates over the top of different container-grown ornamental plants.  The trial was set-up in a Latin Square design to allow statistical analysis of the results.  Monthly measurements were made for weed content, weed growth, plant quality and phytotoxicity.

Containers treated with the herbicide had much fewer weeds than containers not treated, including a reduced number of difficult weeds such as common groundsel, snapweed, liverwort and pearlwort.  There was no detrimental effect on plant quality or growth.

The project was conducted in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture & Food.  Funding came from the manufacturer.

GLP procedures

GLP stands for "Good Laboratory Practice".

   - GLP is a recent standard for the conduct of field experiments in agriculture that has been adopted by the governments of Canada, the United States and other countries.

   - The standard was developed primarily for the testing of new pest control products for the purpose of registration, but the same practices can be applied to other field studies.

GLP practices cover the organization and conduct of a field trial:

   - The proper preparation of the experiment, including standardized procedures and trained personnel;

   - The proper application of tested materials, including a chain of custody for test substances and complete documentation of study events;

   - The proper use of measuring equipment, including equipment calibration and equipment maintenance logs;

   - The proper recording of data, including reliable measures and evaluation of data before publication.

Our company has the training to use GLP practices:

   - "Training Certification" was received in 2000 for the "Application of GLPs to Field Studies" (see the page "GLP certificate").

Recent projects

- Impact of various potting mixes on the growth of perennial flowers (2001);


- Efficacy of an insecticide at three different rates for control of codling moth (Cydia pomonella (L.) and Western tentiform leafminer (Phyllonorycter elmaella D. & M.) (2001);


   - Trials on lawn, container-grown roses, and container-grown flowers with RainGrow liquid and solid fertilizers (2001);


- Impact on varying amounts of lime on the media pH and plant growth for five container-grown ornamental shrubs (2001);


   - Field studies on the life cycle, potential for biological control, and development of an IPM program for aphids affecting maple trees (Acer sp.) in the Okanagan Valley (2000);


   - Field studies on the life cycle, potential for biological control, and development of an IPM program for the green ash leafcurl aphid (Prociphilus americanus) and the oak leaf phylloxera (Phylloxera glabra) in the Okanagan Valley (1999);


   - Trials with cultural and chemical management of red thread disease (Laetisaria fuciformis) in residential lawns of the North Okanagan (1999);