Grant: Engage Grants Program

Heritage Memorials Ltd., located in Windsor, Nova Scotia, is a manufacturer of high quality memorial and monument products, primarily comprised from granite. Industrial rock-cutting for memorial manufacturing generates a significant amount of rock dust powders byproduct as a result of the stone-cutting process. Preliminary research by the company has shown promise for this 'ai' (active ingredient) as a beneficial soil amendment and a potential insect control method. The use of inert dust powders (such as diatomaceous earth, silicates and kaolin clays) is known to be highly effective in managing insect populations. Therefore, this product may provide a novel mechanism for environmentally-friendly insect pest management. The goals of this new research partnership will be to: 1) undertake controlled trials to determine the efficacy of this product as a pest repellant by reducing feeding damage or deterring egg-laying (oviposition deterrent); 2) examine the range of applications for this product - both in terms of the potential insect species vulnerable to its effects, and its compatibility with different management systems (i.e. greenhouse or field, on different crops, for ant-nest removal); and 3) examine insects treated with the ai to determine mode of action of any of the effects noted from point (1). This endeavor will provide critical data for the product development of the ai for Heritage Memorials Ltd., and if commercialized, will result in market delivery of innovative inert rock dust powders, which may provide environmentally safe alternatives to standard chemical insect repellents. In addition to facilitating original, globally relevant, scientific study, results of this study will be used to inform growers on appropriate organic bio-pesticide alternatives with an aim to minimize chemical inputs to agriculture. Growing concerns regarding pesticide residues in commodities for human consumption, restrictions on pesticide application, and pressure for quality assurance have created high demand for alternative, integrated pest control strategies.