“How-to” Videos: Checking the Quality of Entomopathogenic Fungi and Nematodes

*Nematodes infecting thrips. Photo by R. Buitenhuis, Vineland.*

In this installment of our “how-to” video series, we’re bringing you two related videos about entomopathogens in the soil.

The first is a new addition that can help you determine if your microbial pesticides are alive and kicking after application. This can be super important after temperature fluctuations like the heat wave we just had.

The second video is an oldie but a goodie. It demonstrates quality control and proper application of parasitic nematodes in potting media.

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“How-to” Video of the Week: Plant Washes and Other Tools to Make Detecting Parvispinus Easier

*OMAFA Summer Student Avery Johnson demonstrating plant washes on-farm.*

In this week’s “how-to” video, we’ll explore using plant washes on-farm.

Plant washes are a simple but effective method to detect low levels of critical pests, such as Thrips parvispinus.

Once you’ve washed out your pests, we’ve also developed a quick “decision tree” to help you easily determine if you’re dealing with Thrips parvispinus or another thrips pest.

Keep reading to find the link to the video and additional resources.

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Garden Mums 2024 – Tips, Tricks, and Production Bits

This post was contributed to by Abigail Wiesner, Drs. Sarah Jandricic, and Chevonne Dayboll.

As we feel temperatures rising, summer is on its way – and so are garden mums! This post has updated information to help you optimize your irrigation, fertilizer, pest management programs and more in garden mum production.

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“How-to” Video of the Week: Checking the Quality of Predatory Biocontrols

In this week’s “how-to” video, we’ll continue exploring how to assess the quality of the biocontrol agents you receive. This video focuses on predators, such as mites, Aphidoletes, Orius, Dalotia (Atheta) and more.

Keep reading to find the link to the video and addional resources. The next few videos will look at quality control guidelines for other types of biocontrol agents, so make sure to subscribe to the blog if you haven’t already!

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“How-to” Video of the Week: Biocontrol Failures – Why Do They Happen?

For the past few weeks we’ve been releasing short videos demonstrating important greenhouse IPM strategies based on current best practices.

In this week’s video, Dr. Rose Buitenhuis from the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre discusses several factors that cause a biocontrol program to fail, and explains the importance of assessing the quality of the biocontrol agents you receive. This is a great video for anyone who’s had ups and downs with their biocontrol program in the past.

Keep reading to find the link to the video and further reading on what can cause a biocontrol program to succeed or fail. The videos for the next several weeks will dive into the details of quality control guidelines for specific natural enemies.

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“How-to” Video of the Week: Monitoring for Pests

Last week we introduced you to the first video in our “how-to” series, designed to demonstrate important greenhouse IPM strategies based on the current information and best practices. This week’s video is about a keystone of IPM: effective monitoring of pests.

With each video being under 10 minutes long, they can be a useful tool in training new staff. They also contain some helpful tricks and tips for more experienced pest management practitioners!

All videos were developed by the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and are applicable to both greenhouse flower and vegetable producers.

Keep reading to find the link to the video and further reading for successful monitoring. And, stay tuned for next week’s video, all about quality assurance testing of natural enemies!

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“How-to” Video of the Week: Releasing Biocontrol Agents Successfully

The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), has produced a number of videos demonstrating important greenhouse IPM practices.

These videos are based on current information and best practices, and are in an easy-to-follow format. Better yet, they are all under 10 minutes long!

Each week, we’ll be releasing a new video. All videos in the series are applicable to both greenhouse floriculture and vegetable pest management.

Keep reading to find the link to the video and further reading for successful IPM!

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Guide to Biocontrol Agents for Greenhouse Pests Available for Download

MSU Extension has updated a 16 page guide to biocontrol agents that are commercially available to control greenhouse pests.

Developed in collaboration with Kansas State University and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, this fantastic resource includes pictures of each organism, their active temperature ranges, and key facts that will help growers find success using biological control. Read on to download your copy now!

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Saving “Bank” with Banker Plants

This guest post was written by Ashley Paling, a research technician at the Horticulture & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) and part-time instructor at Niagara college.

Banker plants can be an effective part of a greenhouse IPM program.

Using biological controls to control aphids as part of an IPM strategy is a popular choice among growers (Jacob, 2023). Aphid parasitoids can, of course, be purchased weekly from suppliers. However this is an expensive option that leaves you at the mercy of waiting for weekly deliveries to control your greenhouse pests.

Enter the Banker Plant System: a relatively inexpensive option that provides you with a constant supply of beneficial biological controls. This article covers the ins and outs of how to use a banker plant system properly, and what you need to consider if you are going to set up a banker plant program in your greenhouse.

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Poinsettia Pest Management Pointers 2023: Late Production and the Whitefly “Tipping Point”

It’s that time of year again, when problems early in the crop may have caught up with you. This includes root rots, Lewis mite, and Bemisia whitefly.

Now, you’ll be forced to make a choice with your poinsettia crop. Do you stay the course with a biocontrol program? Or spray for pests? And, as always, the question is “spray with WHAT”?

This post has tips on pest management decision making when it comes to common poinsettia problems in October.

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