Chester Boone's Horticultural Soaps Insecticide/Fungicide/Miticide

Chester Boone’s Horticultural Soaps: A Superior Solution for Pest Control

Chester Boone’s horticultural soaps are not just another pest control product in the battle against mites, thrips, aphids, and other greenhouse pests. Instead, they are a light-chemistry, 25(b) exempt Minimal Risk Pesticide solution that excels in both prevention and treatment of infestations.

By carefully selecting specific inputs, ensuring their quality, and utilizing a state-of-the-art kettle cooking system, Chester Boone’s has developed a specialty soap with a modern formula that is more cost-effective than competing brands.

Chester Boone’s horticultural pesticides are custom-made from organic olive oil, coconut oil, and other proprietary vegetable oils. These ingredients are cooked in 600-gallon kettles with lye and balanced with citric acid. This process allows the oils to saponify, resulting in a high-value horticultural pesticide that functions not as an oil, but as a soap. Understanding this distinction is crucial for knowing when and where to use Chester Boone’s products. For further clarification, please read the information below.

This product is suitable for food and cannabis crops (please check with your local agricultural commissioner’s office prior to use). It contains no harsh alcohol, toxic petrochemicals, synthetic detergents, or aromatic oils, which is essential for maintaining the quality of your final product.

After over 30 years of experimenting with soaps and testing various formulations, Chester Boone’s offers two products: All Purpose and Pure Power.

Chester Boone’s All Purpose is a horticultural pesticide that is safe, effective, and natural. It is formulated to be gentle on plants and can be used on seedlings, cuttings, during the vegetative stage, and through harvest. This product is highly effective against all soft-bodied insect pests, including eggs, larvae, and adults. Additionally, it contains sorbic acid, which acts as a mildewcide and fungicide. The formulation includes organic olive oil, coconut oil, and other proprietary vegetable oils.

Chester Boone’s Pure Power Formula is an insecticide/miticide enhanced with stronger oils that are more effective against adult hard-bodied insect pests. It effectively targets adult mites, thrips, aphids, scale, fleas, and ticks. This product is best suited for indoor, greenhouse, and outdoor cops, particularly in areas where wild insect populations may pose a threat. Like the All Purpose product, the Pure Power Formula is also made from organic olive oil, coconut oil, and other proprietary vegetable oils.

Chester Boone's products are crafted from organic olive oil, coconut oil, and proprietary vegetable oils. They are non-toxic and safe for use around children and pets. However, while the All Purpose product is gentle on plants and targets soft-bodied insect pests, the Pure Power Formula is designed with stronger oils to combat adult hard-bodied insect pests. The All Purpose product can be used at various stages of plant growth and includes sorbic acid for added protection against mildew and fungi, while the Pure Power Formula is ideal for larger infestations that occur when prevention fails and adult, hard-bodied insect pests are present.

Gain control with Pure Power and maintain control with All Purpose.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Mix 1-2 fluid ounces with one gallon of water.

CHESTER BOONE’S ALL PURPOSE: All Purpose is formulated to be gentle on plants yet tough on pests. It can be used on delicate seedlings, cuttings, during the vegetative stage, and through harvest. When spraying final products such as flowers and buds, it is important to check for compatibility to ensure there is no discoloration or damage. Growers find it effective against soft-bodied insect pests, eggs, larvae, and mature adults. All Purpose helps keep plants free from dust, ashes, and insect pests. Use it as the foundation for a comprehensive Integrated Pest Managment program or mix it into a spray to compliment other proudcts as a broad spectrum insecticide and spreader.  Growers can expect increased yields, reduced crop damage from sprays, and better pest control when using All Purpose. Be sure to target only crop pests and avoid harming beneficial insects. Regular use can prevent pest issues before they escalate.

• ALL PURPOSE is highly effective against soft-bodied insect pests, eggs, larvae, and mildews.
• ALL PURPOSE contains added sorbic acid, functioning as a mildewcide and fungicide.

THE FORMULA IS THE KEY: The secret to Chester Boone’s success lies in their closely guarded recipe. By combining the correct quantities of various oils and saponifying them through a proprietary manufacturing process, they have created a product that is more effective against pests, better at removing unwanted substances from crops, and superior to other brands of horticultural soaps.

Walker Sanders, a generational farmer and the formulator of Chester Boone’s, has spent over 30 years conducting experiments with different oil inputs, cooking methods, and quantities to develop a product that outperforms major brands of well-known soaps while maintaining a competitive price. Within his first year of experimentation, he discovered a formulation that surpassed the efficacy of existing brands, and over the next three decades , he made incremental improvements until he arrived at the perfect formulation.

This product is designed for commercial crop producers who prioritize the quality of their harvest, seek to neutralize pests effectively, and desire the best return on investment (ROI) to minimize wasteful spending. Chester Boone’s products make sense for any scale of operation and across various crop types. Growers interested in effective pest control using a light-chemistry product that is safe for the environment, workers, and the produce should consider trying Chester Boone’s.

HIGHER HARVEST VALUE, IMPROVED QUALITY, LESS COST: Chester Boone’s horticultural insecticides are formulated from organic, farm-grown vegetable oils and vegetable glycerin, saponified with potassium hydroxide. They are particularly effective against soft-bodied insects such as aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and mites, as well as their egg masses and larvae.

This is not just a horticultural pesticide; it is Chester Boone's proprietary recipe, specifically targeted and formulated for high-value horticultural production. The oils selected for the formulation have a high percentage of lauric acid, which creates a robust lather for initial knockdown of pests. Survivors do not last long due to the oleic acid surfactant and the ricinoleic acid penetrant, which enhance the product's effectiveness.

For growers interested in learning more about this process, additional information is available through their MORR Sales Representatives.

Most importantly, the active ingredient citric acid moderates the solution's pH, harmonizing the formula and allowing the other ingredients to work effectively without harming the plants.

In summary, Chester Boone’s horticultural soaps offer a unique and effective solution for pest control, combining years of research and development with high-quality, organic ingredients. Whether you are a commercial grower or a home gardener, these products can help you achieve healthier plants and a more bountiful harvest.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• We have a licensed cannabis farm and grow indoors under lights. Our farm relies on high-value, high-quality harvests rich in terpenes, colors, and actives. Traditional agricultural pest control oils and chemicals can smother terpenes and reduce value. How can Chester Boone’s help?

Chester Boone’s products effectively remove pests and contaminants, improve hygiene, and enhance crop value. Spray Chester Boone’s All Purpose regularly from the cutting or seedling stage through the vegetative stage and even up to the day of harvest if desired. Ensure that ventilation and fans are sufficient to dry the plants after spraying; a wet time of fifteen to twenty minutes is ideal.

• How can we eliminate spider mites and russet hemp mites from our greenhouse crop?

Spider mites typically reside on the undersides of leaves, where they puncture plant cells to feed. Hemp russet mites prefer the crotches of branches. To eliminate spider or russet mites, spray Chester Boone’s PURE, focusing on the undersides of leaves, the vertical stem, branch crotches, and where the petiole (leaf stem) meets the branch. Repeat the application of Chester Boone’s PURE three days later, then follow up three times a week with Chester Boone’s All Purpose to maintain hygiene. Regular use of Chester Boone’s All Purpose will help prevent pest outbreaks if used as directed.

• How can we eliminate fungus gnats?

Fungus gnats can be effectively prevented by adding Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) larvicide to the irrigation water, which interrupts their life cycle. Follow the label directions. Adult fungus gnats closely resemble adult root aphids and will startle into flight if disturbed. Any adult flyers of either species can be controlled by contact with Chester Boone’s spray.

• What can we do about aphids and thrips?

Aphids and thrips can be managed with Chester Boone’s All Purpose if used regularly. Greenhouse thrips hatchlings tend to congregate on the undersides of lower leaves. Spray both the undersides and tops of lower leaves, as well as the stems and crotches.

• What can we do about root aphids?

Adult root aphids lay eggs on lower foliage and branches. Like all aphids, adult female root aphids give birth to live juvenile pregnant aphids in addition to laying eggs, leading to rapid population growth. Spray Chester Boone’s PURE, tank-mixed with the larvicide Beauveria bassiana, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves, crotches, and the main stem. There is no need to flood the area; simply ensure it is thoroughly wet and repeat every three to five days to disrupt the reproductive cycle. Chester Boone’s and Beauveria bassiana are spray-compatible. Always follow label directions.

It is possible to soak or drench potting media with Chester Boone’s to target hiding root aphids; however, timing and drainage are critical. Potting media that remains too wet for too long with any pesticide may not be well tolerated by plants already stressed by insect feeding. This is another reason to use well-drained sterile media or Redrock grow blocks. Always follow label directions.

Chester Boone’s Horticultural Pesticide effectively removes pests and contaminants, improves hygiene, and raises crop value. Spray Chester Boone’s All Purpose regularly from the cutting or seedling stage through the vegetative stage and even up to the day of harvest if desired. Ensure that ventilation and fans are sufficient to dry the plants after spraying; a wet time of fifteen to twenty minutes is ideal.

Spider Mites and Russet Hemp Mites: Spider mites generally live on the undersides of leaves, where they puncture plant cells to feed. Hemp russet mites prefer the crotches of branches. To eliminate spider or russet mites, mix 1 fl oz of Chester Boone’s PURE per gallon of water, concentrating on spraying the undersides of leaves, the vertical stem, branch crotches, and the petiole (leaf stem). Repeat the application of 1 fl oz of Chester Boone’s PURE per gallon of water three days later, then follow up three times a week with 2 fl oz of Chester Boone’s All Purpose per gallon of water to maintain hygiene. Regular use of Chester Boone’s All Purpose will help prevent further mite outbreaks if used as directed.

Fungus Gnats: Fungus gnat larvae can be effectively controlled by adding Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) larvicide to the irrigation water, which interrupts their life cycle. Follow the label directions. Adult fungus gnats closely resemble adult root aphids and will startle into flight if disturbed. Any adult flyers of either species can be controlled by contact with Chester Boone’s All Purpose mixed at 2 fl oz per gallon of water. Always follow label directions.

Thrips: Greenhouse thrips hatchlings congregate on the undersides of lower leaves. Spray 2 fl oz of Chester Boone’s All Purpose per gallon of water on both the undersides and tops of lower leaves, as well as the stems and crotches.

Aphids: Aphids are highly mobile and can appear throughout your crop. Wherever aphids are present, wet them with 1 fl oz of Chester Boone’s PURE per gallon of water to eliminate them. Maintain heightened hygiene in the greenhouse, on the floor, and in the surrounding area. Apply 2 fl oz of Chester Boone’s All Purpose per gallon of water three times a week to sustain hygiene and prevent reinfestation.

Root Aphids: Like all aphids, adult female root aphids give birth to live juvenile pregnant aphids in addition to laying eggs, leading to rapid population growth. Although they spend most of their life in the soil, adult root aphids lay eggs on lower foliage and branches. Spray 1 fl oz of Chester Boone’s PURE per gallon of water, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves, crotches, and the main stem. Repeat the application of Chester Boone’s PURE three days later, then wait three days before following up three times a week with 2 fl oz of Chester Boone’s All Purpose per gallon of water to maintain hygiene. Consider using the larvicide Beauveria bassiana early in the crop cycle for added protection.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

• Chester Boone’s All Purpose Horticultural Insecticide is formulated to be gentle on plants. It can be used on seedlings, cuttings, during the vegetative stage, and through harvest. It is highly effective against all soft-bodied insect pests, including eggs, larvae, and adults. All Purpose contains added sorbic acid, which acts as a mildewcide and fungicide. This product helps keep plants clean of dust, mildew, and insect pests. Use it for an outdoor garden or as part of an indoor/greenhouse Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan, targeting only crop pests and avoiding harm to beneficial insects. Regular use can prevent most pest issues before they escalate.

OIL VS. SOAP

• Many farms use horticultural oils to control pests and mildew, but these products can be harsh on crops. Each time you spray, you risk setting back your yield and quality, as the crop expends energy recovering rather than focusing on flowering.
• Why cover an oily and sticky plant with another oily and sticky substance?
• You are working hard to produce terpenes, oils, aromas, and crystals. When you spray oil on plants, you compromise the quality and hinder the results you strive to achieve.
• Oil can cause pests to stick to your plants, while soap effectively removes them.
• Oil covers the stomata of leaves, preventing transpiration and smothering the plant. In contrast, soaps attach to unwanted substances on the plant and remove them. If you have sprayed sulfur, fertilizers, oils, or any other substances that are now coating the leaves and inhibiting transpiration, soaps will eliminate these unwanted particles, allowing for improved transpiration rates, open stomata, and overall healthier plants.

SOAPS

• Growers are limited in what they can spray on their crops, with most options being contact-kill products.
• The logical solution is horticultural soaps. Soaps perform the same function as contact-kill products but are gentler on plants.
• Soaps are created by slowly cooking oils in a kettle with water and lye. This process alters the chemistry of the oil into a cigar-shaped molecule, with one end being hydrophilic (water-attracting) and the other end being hydrophobic (water-repelling). The molecule spins in water until the hydrophilic end attaches to something other than water. Under a microscope, you would see a bug covered in these molecules, resembling a porcupine. The water then pulls on the hydrophilic end of the molecule, stripping the bug of its outer protective layer, causing the bug, its eggs, and larvae to dry out and die.
• As with any spray, it is best to avoid spraying flowers. While you can use it during the flowering phase, it may cause flower hairs to turn brown.
• Gain control with PURE and maintain control with ALL PURPOSE.

ABOUT THE FORMULATOR

• The formulator includes his personal phone number on every bottle, which is a unique feature. I highly recommend giving him a call; he is very knowledgeable and great to speak with.
• Walker Sanders is a generational farmer whose family has owned nurseries in California and farmed exotic plants and fruits in Hawaii. Due to the high cost of importing basic goods to Hawaii, Walker began creating his own horticultural soaps for insect control. Starting in the 1990s, he began experimenting with different recipes in his wife’s 2-gallon crock pot. Within his first year, he surpassed the efficacy of Safer Insecticidal Soap, the leading brand, and has since perfected his craft, offering two products today: All Purpose and Pure.
• Although there are many brands of soaps available, Chester Boone’s stands out for several reasons:
• Quality Ingredients: Most oils used in horticultural products are derived from commodity sources such as canola oil, soy oil, and other inexpensive inputs. In contrast, Chester Boone’s sources high-quality organic oils directly from the farms that grow them. His products are freshly made, ensuring they do not sit on the shelf for more than 30 days before reaching customers, which enhances their effectiveness.
• Unique Formulation: While experimenting with the saponification of oils, Walker discovered that different oils produce varying acid profiles. Some oils can be harsh on pests but also detrimental to crops. The recipe used in Chester Boone’s products is designed to be gentle on plants while remaining tough on pests.

In summary, Chester Boone’s horticultural soaps offer a unique and effective solution for pest control, combining years of research and development with high-quality, organic ingredients. Whether you are a commercial grower or a home gardener, these products can help you achieve healthier plants and a more bountiful harvest. For those seeking to enhance their pest management strategies while preserving the quality of their crops, Chester Boone’s products are an excellent choice.