Insecticides/miticides serve as an essential tool in any greenhouse or nursery insect control strategy. But while these products should be routinely rotated to prevent the development of resistance, the inclusion of Enstar® AQ Insect Growth Regulator should be the constant in any plan.
As an insect growth regulator, Enstar® AQ IGR prevents the development of targeted insect larvae into adults. This helps ensure long-term control of labeled insects including whiteflies, thrips, aphids, soft-bodied and armored scales, mealybugs, leafminers, glassy-winged sharpshooters, and fungus gnats. While insecticides and miticides offer immediate knockdown, Enstar® AQ IGR prevents the next generation of pests from infesting plant material.
When tank-mixed with commonly used insecticides and miticides, such as Mavrik® Aquaflow, Enstar® AQ IGR helps offer a different control method that can be more effective against insect populations that may have developed resistance to the insecticide. Whenever tank mixing, follow all precautionary statements and instructions on the more restrictive product label. For the most effective insect control, all insecticide and miticide use should be supported by a comprehensive IPM program.
Why Implement an IPM Program?
An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest control strategy that utilizes multiple complementary methods that make up a four-part program consisting of:
- Biological control integrating beneficial insects
- Cultural control establishing and implementing best sanitation practices around the facility
- Mechanical control including scouting and trapping
- Chemical control using conventional insecticides to kill adult forms of the problem pests
Identify Problem Insects and Monitor Activity
The first step to implementing an IPM program is discovering the insects that are posing a threat. Be familiar with insect behavior to detect problems early on. It's critical to check and monitor plants regularly to catch infestations or damage. Keep detailed records of the type of insect, its location and the treatment methods used.
To ensure the most effective IPM Program, adjust the program based on insect type and product mode of action. Utilize products of different modes of action that control the same pests affecting your operation to prevent insect resistance. Enstar® AQ is a low-risk, high-performance solution that can serve as the foundation for any greenhouse product utilized in an IPM program. It inhibits adult emergence as well as reproduction and has a low potential to develop resistance. Tank-mix it with an insecticide like Mavrik® Aquaflow for an unbeatable combination. Mavrik® Aquaflow offers immediate and residual control for insects, works well for high pressure and low pressure infestations alike.
The most effective IPM programs utilize all four phases, including the critical chemical control component. Adding Enstar® AQ IGR as a tank-mix partner to the insecticides and miticides used in this phase can help enhance their effectiveness. Enstar® AQ IGR is the perfect tank-mixing partner for any product used in a greenhouse operation. Enstar® AQ IGR along with Mavrik® Aquaflow make a winning combination against insect infestation.
To learn more about IGRs, visit www.centralgrower.com or call 1-800-248-7763.
