Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast · Tad Hussey

Episode 142: Isopods, Pyrethrins, REIs, and More with Suzanne Wainwright Evans Pt. 2

·44 min·2 clips

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This episode continues host Tad Hussey's conversation with entomologist Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, focusing on practical pest management for cannabis growers. They compare specific pesticide products and discuss the importance of accurate pest identification. Wainwright-Evans, known as the Bug Lady, brings over 25 years of IPM experience. The discussion details the advantages of SuffOil-X, a mineral oil-based product with a small particle size for coating tiny mites and eggs. They contrast it with EpiShield, a newer botanical product requiring a much lower application rate of 0.1% but demanding precise measurement. Wainwright-Evans clarifies that most thrips in cannabis are onion thrips, not western flower thrips, which requires different management. She shares a story of misidentifying a rare thrips species last documented in the 1960s. The conversation covers new beneficial insects like brown lacewings (*Micromus*) and the whirligig mite (*Anystis*), which recently received permits for sale. A surprising insight is that research shows SuffOil-X can suffocate about 50% of western flower thrips eggs inside leaf tissue. Wainwright-Evans warns that even products with a zero REI (Re-entry Interval), like EpiShield, should be treated with respect due to potential allergen risks from long-term exposure. She emphasizes that beneficial insect application rates are highly variable and depend on plant size, spacing, and leaf texture. The episode reveals that different commercial strains of the predatory mite *Persimilis* exhibit varying cannibalism rates. The tone is highly educational and conversational, with the host actively learning and asking for corrections. The style is dense with specific product names, application rates, and entomological details. Cannabis growers seeking advanced IPM strategies and product comparisons will find immense value. Listeners looking for beginner-level growing tips or non-scientific content should skip this technical deep dive.

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