T’is poinsettia sticking season once again, and the question always comes down to the same thing: do I use chemicals to control Bemisia whitefly and hope it works this year? Or do I switch to biological control? Here we show some head to head comparisons that can help you decide.
An in-depth discussion of this topic was also captured by MSU’s “Bug Bites” last year, and I’ve included the video below.
Continue reading “Comparing Biocontrol to Pesticides for Bemisia Whitefly Control in Poinsettia”
Need a refresher on specific pests of floriculture, and what to do about them? Want to see how Canada – a world leader in biological control in ornamental crops – does things?
Then the following IPM training videos, made by specialists and consultants in Ontario, are for you!
Keep reading to learn how to access these videos, and the topics they cover.
Continue reading “NEW: Free Online IPM Training for Greenhouse Staff”
Pesticide resistance is something most growers have run into at some time or another. High pesticide resistance in species like western flower thrips and Bemisia whitefly is something we’ve learned to work around. But how can we avoid resistance in pest species where we still rely on pesticides? For pests like spider mites and powdery mildew, this is an ongoing battle.
Three OMAFRA specialists are hosting a series on pesticide resistance that will include question and answer periods after each session. Contributors are Hannah Fraser (Entomologist), Dr. Katie Goldenhar (Plant Pathologist) and Kristen Obeid (Weed Management). Read on for dates and how to register.
Continue reading “Questions About Pesticide Resistance? OMAFRA Lunch and Learn Series has Answers.”
A new pesticide is available for greenhouse ornamental production in Canada that has shown potential for effective suppression of difficult-to-control thrips and whitefly species.
But to keep this new tool effective, growers will have to use this chemical wisely. Keep reading for efficacy data on ornamental crops and best management practices for incorporating this chemical into your IPM toolbox.
Continue reading “New Chemical Control Option for Thrips and Whitefly”
It’s that time of year again where it’s “do or die” time in Poinsettia: either your biocontrol program is on track, or it’s time to see if pesticides work.
Here’s what to look for in your crop to help you make the decision, including acceptable infestation levels and evidence of successful biocontrol.
This post also contains information on chemical options for Bemisia whitefly in 2019.
Continue reading “Biocontrol of Bemisia: 7 Things to Consider Before You Turn to Chemicals.”
T’is poinsettia sticking season once again, and the question always comes down to the same thing: do I use chemicals to control Bemisia whitefly and hope it works this year? Or do I switch to biological control? Here we show some head to head comparisons that can help you decide.
Continue reading “Poinsettias: To Spray or Not to Spray, that is the Question”
As suspected, it’s turned out to be a heck of year for Poinsettia. Many growers faced Erwinia, others had rooting issues, and all faced significant pressure from Bemisia whitefly from infested cuttings.
As the time approaches for the plants to go out the door, this post covers whitefly control successes/failures in 2018, and what to do with remaining populations.
Whitefly and other poinsettia issues are also being discussed at the Niagara Poinsettia Open House on Tuesday, November 20th. This will take place at Jefferys Greenhouse (Plant II) starting at 10 am. See the latest issue of Greenhouse Canada Magazine for more information (pg. 28). Hope to see many of you there.
Continue reading “2018 Poinsettia Wrap Up: Whitefly and Pesticides”
The floriculture industry in Ontario seems to have mostly avoided heavy aphid AND thrips pressure this spring/summer. But from everything I’ve been hearing, we are NOT going to be that lucky with whitefly on poinsettia this year.
This post goes over preventative measures that should be taken as soon as cuttings come in the door, biocontrol programs for whitefly on poinsettia, and WHEN and WHAT to spray for this so you can avoid resistance issues.
Continue reading “Worried About Whitefly? Control Strategies in Poinsettia for 2018.”
With spring crops behind us and summer approaching, most of you are probably concentrating on the Big 3: thrips, aphids and whitefly. But recent alerts put out by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), bring a new emphasis to caterpillar control. Read on to understand what’s happening, how to control occasional pests like cabbage looper, and avoid potential issues at the border.
Continue reading “Lassoing Loopers: why you NEED to care about caterpillar control”
As much as we all hate thrips, there are, frankly, worse problems to have. And it’s name is Leafminer. These flies cause just about the ugliest damage we see in floriculture (Fig. 1), and they have incredible pesticide-resistance capabilities. Outbreaks seem to go in cycles, and I’ve had quite a few gerbera and mum crops come across my desk with leafminer this past 2 weeks.
This post covers chemical options (BawHawHawHa!!! Oh… Sorry… I’ll get myself under control now) and non-chemical options for leafminer, as well as how their control fits into the big picture in greenhouse IPM programs.