Category Archives: Greenhouse IPM

March 22, 2016

Greenhouse IPM Update 3.22.16

So they are saying snow but I am encouraged by the blooming of the tree outside my office window and the things that keep appearing at home!

There is just a TON of information out at the moment.  Let’s see if I can squeeze a lot in a small space here.

Greenhouse Product News’ Ornamental Disease Digest- Diseases by crop and lots of articles by Margery Daughtrey and Ann Chase – always edifying and entertaining.

It’s dinnertime but still –  “Edible Alerts’?  They are e-GRO’s list of information on topics relating to vegetables and herbs grown in the greenhouse and hydroponic production.  Things like basil fusarium wilt, greenhouse tomato diseases and disorders, and pythium on hydroponic lettuce.

And don’t forget the regular e-GRO alerts – this year we have already had some on black root rot (Thielaviopsis to those of you in the know who like to use lots of letters), scouting plug trays (you all do, right?) and aphids in hanging baskets.

We have a project on-going looking at aphid management and plant nutrition.  Overfertilized plants have more aphids, right?  Well maybe – but stay tuned.  Still, using controlled release fertilizers can help prevent waste of nutrients.  What do you know about them?  Check here for lots of information!

Do you know what Pycnanthemum is?  Pollinators don’t care what it is called, they just like it.  It keeps coming up on top in  pollinator ‘ taste trials’ – for NYS IPM trials and at Penn State, too.  I’ve already had requests for where it can be purchased! (psst – It’s mountain mint)

Do you know your pythium from your phytophthora?  It does matter when you want to control them.

A use for humidity?

I know you are all busy with the early spring so have a great week!

March 22, 2016

Greenhouse IPM Update 3.9.16

Back in the saddle again!  I think there are about 5 partial updates on my computer.  But I promise not to send them all at once.  This should keep you out of trouble for a while!

Rain predicted for tomorrow so it’s a good time to talk about humidity.  Which Premier Tech kindly did for us, through Horti-Daily.  They didn’t mention pest management (Hey!) but you know that it has an effect.  Can we all say together: Botrytis!

Things to keep on your calendar – The Greenhouse Canada Grower Day June 15 in Niagara Falls.  The topic this year is Whiteflies – with some great speakers and interesting ideas.

Five wasps in one!  Koppert is unveiling a new mix of 5 parasitic wasps to manage aphids – especially to find the earliest infestations.  Not available in the US yet – but maybe?
Turns out Bioline has a 3 in 1 aphid wasp mix.  Has anyone tried it and is it better than just 2?

Do you use Met 52?  Monsanto BioAg says it will keep producing it but it won’t be available from Feb – Oct 2016.
Pit bull bees – that can bite the legs off the varroa mites that plague them! Breeding better bees

What’s in your water (sorry American Express)?  Do you know? And does it affect sanitation?

Well, this just looks like fun! A roof cleaner for greenhouses – but will it work on kitchen floors?
Pest management from the comfort of your couch?  It sounds like they are trying to get there. An automated pest monitoring system!

Growing vegetables on a cruise ship. Does the grower get to go along?

Koppert has an IPM app.  Has anyone tried it?

Poinsettias as landscape plants . In NYS?

Enjoy our mini-spring – and keep your fingers crossed.  Winter aconite and snowdrops and crocuses out!

Have a great week!