Bioassays use living organisms either in the laboratory or under semi-controlled greenhouse conditions to test products for effects on the target pest. These experiments normally use topical applications or dietary incorporation of increasing rates of the test substance.

The pesticide bioassay determines commercial rate range to begin field testing for efficacy against a target organism, as well as plant safety validation. In some cases, a product's effective pest control rate range is above the safety threshold for phytotoxicity. In these cases, the product must be reformulated prior to development. Our laboratory and greenhouse bioassays will help determine these specific values and conditions for each candidate pest and/or crop plant in the development program.

Field populations of insects and disease organisms are also bioassayed for pesticide resistance. Pacific Ag technicians collect field samples of infected plant parts in the case of plant pathogens, or insect specimens directly from infested crops. These discrete samples are used to establish laboratory colonies. A rate response is then determined through exposure protocols that have been developed at Pacific Ag. Results may be compared to previous data from these same agricultural areas, allowing the client to monitor how sensitive pest populations are to their product following registration and use. Hence, the bioassay is a true measuring device for product effectiveness and crop safety, which every management team needs to successfully navigate product development.