Fair warning, this is going to be a longer post. But partly that’s because there are so many pictures. I will start with the overview, then go a bit deeper into the weeds (literally and figuratively). To help you navigate more quickly, here’s a sort of table of contents that will quickly take you to … Continue reading Creating habitat for beneficial insects: Project update at the end of the first year
As I mentioned in my January post, I am excited to be working with two NYS IPM colleagues (Dr. Betsy Lamb and Brian Eshenaur) to demonstrate the costs, labor, and effectiveness of different methods for establishing habitat plants for pollinators and other beneficial insects. Remember, habitat for pollinators is also habitat for insects and mites … Continue reading Creating habitat for beneficial insects – early summer 2018 project update
From time to time I write a short post to let you know about the availability of new biocontrol resources. For example, a database to learn about insect classical biocontrol agents, spreadsheets summarizing biopesticide efficacy data, or biopesticide profiles. Today I’m excited to share with you the next phase of the Biocontrol section of the … Continue reading Now available at the NYSIPM Biocontrol Website: Biocontrol Agent Profiles
Perhaps you have heard that “fall is for planting.” Did you also know that fall is not just for transplanting perennial plants, it’s also a great time to plant seeds of perennials. Here I will focus on seeds of perennial plants that will provide food (pollen and nectar) and shelter for insect natural enemies and … Continue reading Fall is for planting perennial wildflower seeds
For years, the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYSIPM) has been demonstrating how to create habitat for pollinators and insect natural enemies of pests by growing (especially native and perennial) flowers and grasses that feed and shelter these important insects. You may have attended a past Beneficial Insect Habitat Open House at our … Continue reading NYSIPM co-hosts Geneva Grows Native Event August 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2024
For the past six years, we’ve been cultivating perennial grasses and wildflowers that feed and support beneficial insects. All of these plants came from seeds—whether sown by us or by others—and we’ll focus this year’s annual open house on these wonderful seeds. Come join folks from New York State Integrated Pest Management, and Petra Page-Mann … Continue reading Harvesting and sowing your own native seeds – August 17, 2023
Hopefully we can all agree that protecting friendly insects (pollinators and natural enemies of pests) on our farms and in our gardens and landscapes is important. We want to manage pests, without hurting bees, butterflies, ladybugs, parasitoid wasps, minute pirate bugs, hover flies, ground beetles, and so many more of our insect friends. Using IPM … Continue reading Protect Pollinators and Natural Enemies of Pests, Choose Pesticides Carefully
You’ve probably heard that fall is the best time to plant perennials (including seed for perennial wildflowers). Are you planning to start or expand a planting that supports pollinators and natural enemies of pests (beneficial insects) this fall? Trying to decide what to plant? I wanted to make sure you know about some resources from … Continue reading Fall is for planting…these resources can help!
Next week is full of great biocontrol events! If you are in the Geneva, NY area, don’t miss out! Thursday August 11 5:30-7:30 PM We are in our 5th year of establishing perennial wildflowers and grasses to support pollinators and natural enemies of pests. Perhaps you’ve been following our progress (although admittedly I owe you … Continue reading Some great biocontrol events coming up!
You may recall that we started a new project on Christmas tree IPM this year. Now you can come hear more about how the project is going, and see the in-progress treatments in person! When The event will be held outdoors on August 19, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM in Geneva, NY. Please register … Continue reading Come to our Christmas Tree IPM Field Day!