Pink hibiscus mealybug found in Grand Cayman
Pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), has been identified in Grand Cayman, according to N. American Plant Protection Organization. that Samples were collected in George Town, which were submitted to and confirmed by Fla. Division of Plant Industry on June 21. Dept. of Ag in Grand Cayman has instituted an integrated pest management plan to control the pest since conventional chemical controls are ineffective. The mealybug has no local predators on Grand Cayman and can infest numerous plant species. The mealybug is easily moved on infested plants, equipment, wind and animals. It appears as cottony masses on its host. Feeding may cause stunting, distortion and plant death.
LULAC president criticizes House immigration bill
Hector Flores, nat'l. pres. of League of United Latin American Citizens, said meetings conducted by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R.-Wis., on immigration reform do nothing to help solve the problem. In a press release, LULAC said the congressman has sensationalized border enforcement without taking into account the expense to taxpayers, the needs of law enforcement or the cost to human life if HR 4437 is passed. Flores said the congressman's focus on enforcement only is costly, highly ineffective and deadly. Flores said comprehensive immigration reform would attempt to address a broken immigration system that is outdated and unworkable.
Control thrips while houses are empty
As greenhouses empty out for the summer, Mich. St. Univ. ext. IPM specialist Dean Krauskopf said it's a good time to eradicate thrips. He said thrips can't survive for long without plant material, so growers should eliminate weeds and leftover plants, including pet plants, in their greenhouses. Three to 4 weeks is adequate to starve the insects before poinsettias or fall crops are moved in.
Predatory mite controls pests in summer, winter
Swirski mite, Amblyseius swirski, is a predatory mite that controls thrips and whitefly, reports Geri Cashion at EcoSolutions Inc. The mite, which has a very high rate of reproduction, can be introduced in warm temperatures. It is also not susceptible to diapause and can be introduced during winter months. Swirski mite can provide control of spider mite infestations in conjunction with other predatory mites. It controls both greenhouse and tobacco whitefly species. It preys on the eggs and 1st larval stages of whitefly, and on the 1st larval stage of thrips. Without prey, Swirski mite can establish on pollen.
Tospoviruses can cause significant losses
Tospoviruses have a large host range including more than 600 plant species in 62 families. Univ. of Mass. ext. floriculture specialist Tina Smith said most greenhouse crops, with the exception of roses and poinsettias, are susceptible. Young plants are especially prone to infection. There is no cure for these viruses. Once viruses are detected, remove and destroy infected plants. Eradicating weeds, which can serve as hosts, and strict thrips management practices can help prevent serious losses. Smith said growers have had success controlling thrips populations using spinosad (Conserve).
Worth a visit
Former Proven Winners national spokesperson Josh Schneider talks about his new company, introducing new plants and the changing role of growers. Only on GreenBeam.com.
|
Vibrant, strong & sturdy! Stimulate early spring sales with this free-flowering beauty. Large flowers and strong stems handle the rigors of retail. Bred by Goldsmith.
Dramm Autofog. Save TIME and CHEMICALS. Kill bugs and disease AUTOMATICALLY!
DRAMM Pressure Compensated Drippers. Even Watering. Greater Longevity. Excellent Accuracy.
|
