Tag Archives: Downy mildew

January 21, 2020

Greenhouse IPM Update 1.20.20

Trying to start out on the right foot with the 2020 IPM Updates.  A journey of a year starts with one week, right?

 

Speaking of resolutions, did you get a 2019 Census of Horticultural Specialties to fill out?  Please do as the information is very helpful to us in determining the research and education that is helpful to growers.  You can get an online copy, see FAQs and read what was found in previous surveys here.  Feb 5 is the deadline!

 

Bees have been used to deliver biopesticides in greenhouse crops (Flying Doctors from Biobest), but now there is researchthat suggests that beneficial mites like Swirskii and Cucumeris can deliver Beauveria bombs (an entomopathogenic fungus – say that 3 times fast) to thrips on foliage.  It isn’t a commercial product yet, but it might turn into one!

 

Application methods for biological controls evolve over time as we look for easier methods that maintain viability of the beneficials.  Bioline has a new blister pack system for Persimilis mites.  I’d like to see a mini drone for greenhouses (Toys, we need new toys!).

 

And speaking of toys, I mean, important equipment for your greenhouse – and it really is – do you know how to choose a pH/EC meter that works for you? e-GRO has an article on just that topic!

 

Confused about biostimulants?  I am but there is a useful new(ish) article out that explains them well.

 

Rutgers has a series of resistant cultivars and with the list is a lot of information on the research they are doing to make sure the resistance holds up.  They note that this resistance isn’t immunity but does delay the incidence of the disease so you need to consider an integrated system of management with good cultural practices to prevent the disease.

 

And here’s an E-Gro Edible Alert (do not lick your screen) on managing basil downy mildew in the greenhouse.

 

The sun is out and I am inspired to get out in it!  Have a great week!

 

January 21, 2020

Greenhouse vegetable IPM update 1.20.20

Working on that New Year’s resolution to get updates out more frequently!  So even one counts, right?  You have to start somewhere.

Powdery mildew on leafy greens can be an issue this time of year if ventilation is reduced and humidity levels rise.  Hort Americas has an article.

Looking for resistant varieties?  VegMD has a list – good for other crops and diseases, too.

Meg McGrath’s biopesticide list (Make sure they are labeled for greenhouse/high tunnel use.)

 

And a workshop on leafy greens, too! Extreme Season Extension of Salad Greens – January 25, 2020, 203 N. Hamilton St., Watertown NY – 1:00-3:00.  It’s FREE!

 

For a little extra flavor with that salad, how about downy mildew resistant basil?  Rutgers has a series of resistant cultivars and with the list is a lot of information on the research they are doing to make sure the resistance holds up.  They note that this resistance isn’t immunity but does delay the incidence of the disease so you need to consider an integrated system of management with good cultural practices to prevent the disease.

And here’s an E-Gro Edible Alert (do not lick your screen) on managing basil downy mildew in the greenhouse.

 

It’s a sunny day here and I hope it is for you, too!

 

Have a great week!

August 18, 2016

Greenhouse IPM Update 8.18.16

There are about 15 almost completed updates on my computer.  I have vowed to finish one today!  Ah, summer.

Deer-leerious plants?  That sounds like a deer approved program but it is really a marketing method for plants deer don’t like. Want the home grown angle?  Listen to Mark Bridgen’s talk from the Floriculture Field Day  and see his list of tried and true plants that make deer say ‘Yuck!’

And while you are there, check out the other videos from the Floriculture Field Day.  Carol Miller on Retail Changes, Connie Schmotzer on Pollinator Friendly Landscapes, and Paul Curtis on Deer Management – and the associated handouts and resources (scroll to the bottom).  Next year you should be there in person!

It’s been HOT (had you noticed?).  What do your plants think, and how can you tell?  You can measure crop temperatures with an infrared thermometer.  Connection to pest management?  Some insects and diseases – and beneficials – have temperature optima so finding literal hot spots in the greenhouse might answer the question of why they are pest hot spots.

Pumping iron!  We usually think about iron when we see deficiency symptoms in the spring crops. So while you are relaxing (!) this summer, here’s an article from Premier Tech Hort on the role of iron in plant growth so you’ll be ready next year!

New aphids?  Actually chrysanthemum aphid isn’t new but you don’t see it in the greenhouse much because – the main point in its favor – its only host is chrysanthemum! But as many aphids increase in number faster in warmer weather (and the best information I can find says the same about this aphid) and you may see distortion of foliage with chrysanthemum aphid, its a good idea to go scout those plants today!  (remember to check NYS labels for anything mentioned in this article)

And to give the plant pathologists equal time… how to control downy mildew on a variety of crops.  Since it has started raining again (at least around Ithaca) downy mildew is happy again.

Keeping up with pop culture!  Hey, if it sells plants . . .  And these critters sort of look like bugs.  Using Pokemon GO in your garden center.   Just watch out for players walking into things…..

Hurray!  I did it.  More soon.