Page 21 - Griffin Gazette Issue 1 - 2019

SCOUTING METHODS

Tap tests (aka beat tests) are an effective method to quickly observe
1.
the pests occurring on the surface of leaves. Use a white piece of
paper on a clipboard or white cardboard and tap plant leaves on the
surface of the board. Inspect the white surface for plant feeding insects
such as thrips, mites and aphids.

SCOUTING TO
CONTROL ROOT

APHID

Root aphids are an especially
problematic pest. They're
easily overlooked because
they occur primarily below
the soil line. Growers have a
low tolerance for root aphids
because plants decline rapidly
when pest populations build.
Beating Tray GGSPro: Tap test will reveal pests feeding on leaves Frequent scouting is the best
method to detect an early pest
Yellow sticky cards are used for determining winged insect populations. infestation. Scout consistently
Whiteflies, fungus gnat adults, winged aphids and thrips will be
and thoroughly, treat quickly
2. with the correct insecticides
captured on sticky cards. Place yellow sticky cards 1/3 below plant
preventative
use
and
canopy at a rate of 1 to 2 sticky cards per 250 to 500 square feet.
measures to prevent root
Replace sticky cards on a weekly basis and count pests on used cards.
aphids for the long term.

Fungus Gnat, Adults on Yellow Sticky Cards

Inspect the entire plant with a 20X magnification hand lens. Spend
at least 1 to 5 minutes inspecting 10 plants per 1,000 square feet
3.
using the hand lens. Scouts should be trained to recognize beneficial
insects and mites, too. Predatory mites on plants generally move faster
than pests.
Inspect roots for fungus gnat larvae and root aphids. You can find root
aphids attached to plant roots. They can be difficult to find because
4.
they can be olive green colored, similar to media. The root aphids will
contrast against the white plant roots. You can also find root aphids in
trays and floating in irrigation water.
GRIFFIN GAZETTE 2019 | 21