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 16, 2018

Greenhouse IPM Update 1.16.18

 

Nora’s e-GRO blog post on Bacterial leaf spot and blight – in case you need more information!

Can you tell the difference between a shore fly and a fungus gnat? Do you need to know? It sure helps if you want to control them. Griffin has a new fact sheet on them (just remember to check if listed pesticides are allowed in NYS). Keep scrolling down and you get to information on biological control!

Michigan State has 5 things to consider while gearing up for Spring 2018 – and most of them are IPM – hooray!

And another post on managing substrate pH in soilless substrates – be prepared!

Want to know more about lighting? Check out GLASE (such a clever acronym!)

April 6, 2016

Greenhouse IPM update 4.6.16

A lovely tour of Rochester greenhouses last week.  I think I was having a color deficit reaction.  Need More Flowers!

It’s all in the tank! How do beneficial nematodes get along with pesticides as a tank mix?  Sarah Jandricic checked it out.

Beating botrytis – yes, it is that time of year.
The temperature and humidity range information is very helpful!

Keeping up with calibration – for EC and pH meters.  Note that not all are constructed the same way – but the basic information is a good reminder.  In fact, I need to calibrate mine today!

Need more encouragement to scout? And even more?

Do plants need sunscreen – when you use UV light to kill fungal diseases?

Grown in the USA – more beneficials are available from Beneficial Insectary in CA.

A little light reading – if you can find the time now.  The presentations from the 2015 Canadian Greenhouse Conference. My favorite slide title – The bios are @#&%$ !!! A checklist before complaining to your supplier.

Margery says she always reads these in case I mention her.  Maybe I should start adding other people’s names, too.

Have a great week!

March 23, 2016

Greenhouse IPM Update 3.23.16

I just figured out how to hyperlink in my emails.  I’m quite the dinosaur!  Click on the blue words to get the link if you are a dinosaur like me.  Let me know if it doesn’t work for you!

It’s a rove beetle eat predacious mite world out there.  Great information from Sarah Jandricic (OMAFRA) on how to keep your thrips beneficials from eating each other!

A little early nursery scouting might be in order – things they are already seeing in Ontario – Bagworms, Viburnum leaf beetle egg masses, and gypsy moth egg masses.

Lots of information from Tina Smith at UMass and Leanne Pundt at UConn
Keeping an eye on those calis. Calibrachoa troubleshooting for diseases and disorders

Tackling thrips with bios and pesticides (remember to check for NYS labels on any pesticides)  Lots of other resources linked to this report.

Be nice to your nematodes.   This article makes the point about not storing nematodes in a refrigerator that is opened frequently.  Another temperature shock could be mixing chilled nematodes with too warm water.  Not sure we have the research on this yet, but it makes sense.

What are those strange lumps?  It could be crown gall – found on some lobelias this spring. It is caused by a bacterium and can be spread by water splashing, although it needs an entry point to get into the plant.  No good control so add it to your scouting list.

Do you have a pH and/or EC (electrical conductivity) meter stashed in your greenhouse that you last used last season?  It probably needs to be recalibrated.  Have you ever done that?  Here’s how!

And to go along with that – a short webinar on Diagnosing low substrate pH problems from Brian Whipker at NC State on Friday March 25.

To keep Margery happy – lovely photos of Thielaviopsis – and how to avoid having your own.

Where have all the archived updates gone?  Well, NYS IPM is in the process of getting a new website and we consolidated all the updates into one blog to archive them  Coming soon!

’Tis the season for greenhouse information!  From my email to yours.  Have a good week!