Page 23 - Griffin Gazette - September 2025

ROOTING AIDS: PROPAGATION SUCCESS work best when pest populations are still low,
WITH HORTUS IBA making propagation the ideal entry point.
Root initiation is where the magic begins, and
Microbial insecticides like Principle WP,
Hortus IBA Water Soluble Salts and Advocate
BotaniGard 22WP, NoFly WP, and LalGuard M52
have become industry staples. Whether applied
OD target larvae and adults of various common
as a spray, basal dip, or soak, these water-based
pests with minimal plant stress and re-entry
rooting hormones offer user flexibility and reliable
interval concerns. These fungal-based products
performance. Growers appreciate their clean
also thrive in propagation environments that rely
solubility and range of application strategies. It’s
on moderate temperature and high humidity.
suitable for nearly every propagation setup and
Tank mixing contact microbial insecticides with
encourages consistent root formation across a
azadirachtin-based products such as Azatin O,
wide variety of species. Just remember: using
AzaGuard, or Aza-Direct can further boost pest
clean tools and applying evenly across trays
control efficacy by preventing fungal spores from
ensures the best results.
being molted off and keeping insects at more
vulnerable juvenile life stages. Utilization of these
EARLY PEST MANAGEMENT: BROAD-
SPECTRUM SPRAY TOOLS unique modes of action as weekly maintenance
sprays helps reduce reliance on conventional
Early-season pests like thrips, fungus gnats, and
chemistry options as that can be later used in
mites don’t wait to strike, and neither should
finish production.
growers. A well-planned rotation of broad-
spectrum sprays is essential to getting ahead of Beneficial insects and entomopathogenic
pest populations before they explode. nematodes offer biological support from the soil
up. Biological control agents (BCAs) Stratiolaelaps
Products like XXpire, Pradia, Citation, and Altus
and Amblyseius cucumeris are two powerhouse
provide effective coverage against key insects.
predatory mites that help control fungus gnats
For early disease control, especially Botrytis in
and thrips, respectively. Use Steinernema feltiae
mist-heavy environments, turn to fungicides like
nematodes to target both fungus gnat larvae
Medallion, Palladium, Postiva, Avelyo, Affirm,
and pupating thrips found in propagation media.
Pageant, and Mural.
Keep in mind: BCAs thrive in clean environments.
Don’t forget to include a reliable spray surfactant Introduce them preventatively, not reactively,
such as CapSil or UpTake PRO in the tank mix and maintain a suitable climate to support their
when compatible. Their superior spreading and activity. GGSPro works with growers on a daily
coverage properties are especially useful on basis developing customized BCA programs to
hairy or waxy young foliage, improving contact balance budget, labor, and economic threshold
and control. Spray early, spray smart, and adjust needs.
based on scouting data.
STICKY TAPE: SMALL TOOL, BIG IMPACT
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL & MICROBIAL Don’t overlook the power of Yellow and Blue Sticky
OPTIONS Tape. These simple tools serve two critical roles:
An increasing number of growers are integrating monitoring pest trends and physically reducing
“soft chemistry” and biocontrol strategies into flying adult pest populations. Sticky rolls or cards
propagation, and for good reason. Biological tools placed at bench level and near doors, vents,
Continued 

GRIFFIN GAZETTE 20 25 | 23