Page 18 - Griffin Gazette Spring 2017
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SFpirningisHhainnggingCBaleskaents:
Calibrachoa
with thrips
feeding scars
By Rick Yates, GGSPro Technical Services Manager
Hanging baskets of task and others have hired professional Product MOA Primary Pests
all shapes and sizes plant scouts. However you decide to handle Controlled
are staple items in the scouting needs in your operation, the Flagship 4A
most spring green- key is to have someone whose first call is aphids, beetles,
houses as growers to scout, so it does not go by the wayside Kontos 23 leafminers,whiteflies,
seek to bolster their when things get busy(ier). mealybugs
bottom line with Mainspring 28
the additional pro- Pulling down baskets for a close GNL aphids, broad mites,
duction capacity. examination requires extra effort, but mealybugs spider
When the baskets the price for not being diligent may be Safari 4A mites, thrips, whiteflies
are hung up, they discovering an out-of-control pest problem
benefit from higher light levels, good air when the baskets are being pulled for aphids, caterpillars,
movement and warmer temperatures. shipping. Scouting pays rather than costs. leafminers, thrips
GGSPro has suggestions for protocols to
With the improved growing conditions plant assist growers with their scouting programs aphids, beetles,
growth accelerates, but the plants aren’t that are free upon request. (Check the leafminers,
the only things that benefit. The warmer bonus section of the online Gazette mealybugs, whiteflies
air and tissue temperatures that baskets for examples.)
receive up off the benches and floors All of the products listed above provide long
serve to ramp up the reproductive rates Systemic, longer-residual pesticides residual control from a soil drench. There
of pests. In addition, scouting baskets for applied as soil drenches are available for are many variables that make predicting
pests when they are hung up on purlins growers to consider in protecting their exactly how long each product will maintain
requires more effort than scouting plants on hanging baskets. If the crop is started on control impossible. On average, 5-7 weeks
benches at waist height. This may the bench or floor, growers may elect to of control can be anticipated when applied
allow pests to get a head start by avoiding treat pests by foliar sprays until it’s time to as directed by the label. Most of these
detection longer. Achieving uniform spray hang the baskets up. To extend the length products take 1 week or less to take
coverage can be an additional challenge of control, insecticide drenches can be up through herbaceous hanging basket
for hanging basket growers. Hanging applied as close to the time the baskets crops, however Kontos can take up to 3
baskets are here to stay, so it makes sense will be hung up as possible. There is no weeks to become fully effective. Kontos
to develop a strategy to manage insect and single product that is the best under all will cause phytotoxicity on geraniums
mite populations tailored specifically for circumstances, so consider these factors (pelargonium), dracaena, cordyline, ferns
overhead basket production. when weighing options: and a few other crops found on the label.
In addition, some growers have reported
Early detection of pests can lead to a wider • What are the primary pests of the crops that certain verbena varieties experience
selection of control options and overall to be treated? blooms that turn a lighter shade after
lower costs. Scouting is so beneficial that treatment. Flagship, Mainspring GNL and
some operations have staff devoted to that • Length of control needed? Safari have demonstrated excellent plant
safety, but growers are always encouraged
• Known phytotoxicity concerns?
18 | Griffin Gazette Spring 2017
