Implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) program for your greenhouse is about more than just insect control; it's about creating a sustainable practice that will continue to improve your bottom line well into the future. Taking an integrated approach to managing pests in your greenhouse will also help minimize risk across the board, from financial to health to environmental risks.
Insect management is most effective when tailored to meet the needs of each individual greenhouse. Let's take a look at some tips to help you develop and optimize an IPM program designed for your operation:
1) Manage Weeds and Dispose of Plant Debris
- Insects are drawn to moist, warm places where they can operate underneath the radar. Clutter, weeds, and plant debris provide them with the coverage they need.
- Make sure to keep your greenhouse clean and clear of all debris. Always inspect clothing, cuttings and soil so insects are not carried into the greenhouse inadvertently.
- Eliminate weeds inside and outside of the greenhouse to remove a common source for insects and disease.
2) Protect the Perimeter and Maximize Air Flow
- Shutting off points of entry is key for insect prevention in your greenhouse.
- Install screens on doors and vents to make it more difficult for insects to enter.
- Seal cracks and crevices to protect your greenhouse's perimeter.
- Warm temperatures in greenhouses attract insects and make it easier for insect populations to thrive, damage plants and transmit disease. Air flow in your greenhouse will lessen these favorable conditions for insects.
3) Identify Problem Insects and Monitor Activity
- Infestations can be controlled much easier when a grower is familiar with insect behavior and detects a problem early.
- Monitor plants on a daily basis to catch infestations and damage early.
- Keep detailed records including the type of insect, its location and the treatment methods used.
4) Control Infestations with Targeted Products
- Mavrik Aquaflow® Insecticide/Miticide is designed to control listed greenhouse insects. Labeled for both indoor and outdoor use, the quick-killing action of Mavrik Aquaflow® Insecticide/Miticide provides broad-spectrum insect control. The product is a nonphytotoxic, water-based formulation for use on all greenhouse crops, even open blooms. Effective against adult insects, Mavrik Aquaflow® Insecticide/Miticide interferes with the target insect's central nervous system on contact and through ingestion.
- Enstar® AQ, an insect growth regulator (IGR), works by preventing immature stages of insects from becoming breeding adults. By inhibiting adult emergence, reproduction is halted and the infestation cannot continue. With continued use, Enstar® AQ can prevent the buildup of future infestations of invading insects. There is no need to rotate Enstar® AQ out of a control program because of insect resistance buildup concerns. And, it will not harm beneficial parasites or predators. Dried residue is not harmful.
- Together Mavrik Aquaflow® Insecticide/Miticide and Enstar® AQ provide excellent control, flexibility, and effective resistance management with two modes of action. The combination is unbeatable.
Building an IPM program with these approaches can help make your greenhouse healthier and more sustainable across the board. Let Mavrik Aquaflow® and Enstar® AQ be included in your IPM Program.
For more information on controlling insects in your greenhouse with Mavrik Aquaflow® Insecticide/Miticide and Enstar® AQ Insect Growth Regulator, contact a distributor or call 1-800-248-7763.
