Aphids – are occurring on some of their favorites including fuchsia, million belles, and various herbs.
Cultural Controls: Avoid high nitrogen fertilization which promotes lush growth. Remove weeds that harbor aphids and other pests. Inspect incoming plants by gently tapping the foliage over a sheet of white paper to look for the aphids.
Biological Controls: The parasitic wasps are very host specific. You need to know what type of aphid is feeding upon your crops. There are more than 30 different aphid species that can feed on greenhouse crops. There are also other specific types of aphids that can feed upon herbaceous perennials such as the small, black sedum aphid.
Three of the more common aphids in annual spring crops include foxglove aphids, green peach and melon aphids. Here are a few tips to distinguish between the species in the field. With a handlens, you should be able to see these characteristics.
Foxglove Aphids
Pale green
Dark green spots or flecks at the base of their cornicles “tailpipes”
Dark black markings on their leg joints and antennae
Indentation between antennae
Tend to fall off of plant
Can cause more severe leaf distortion and curling than green peach aphids
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Green Peach Aphids
Light green; sometimes pink/orange
Black tips on cornicles or “tailpipes”
Cornicles are ling (approximately the length of the body)
Indentation between antennae
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Cotton/Melon Aphids
Vary in color: Light green/dark green to yellow to very dark green (“ black”)
Short, black cornicles or “tailpipes” that are approximately the width of the body (1/3 inch)
No indentation between antennae
Antennae are typically shorter than the body
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There have been some reports in past years of a tobacco aphid (Myzus nicotianae) on million belles.
Host specific parasitic wasps
Aphidius colemani for green peach aphid or cotton/melon aphids.
Aphidius ervi or Aphelinus abdominalis for larger aphids such as foxglove or potato aphids.
Parasitic wasps may not be working as well as desired on sticky leaved plants such as vegetative petunias or million belles. You may need to spot treat with a “compatible” material such as Endeavor.
If you are releasing aphid predators they so host specific. For example, the predatory gall midge (Aphidoletes aphidimyza) will feed on over 60 aphid species.
Chemical Controls: Systemics such as Endeavor, or tristar, or flagship (spray) or Safari (drench) seem to be working well, according to growers. On herbs, oils or soaps may be an option (follow plant safety precautions). Repeated applications may be needed.
Thrips – continue to be coming in on incoming plants. See previous message for suggestions on thrips control.
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Previous UConn IPM Greenhouse Updates - 2009 |
| February 4, 2009 |
| March 23, 2009 |
| New England Greenhouse Update now online. University Extension Specialists in New England, in conjunction with USDA's Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, contribute information to this new website. Timely updates are provided for commercial growers of greenhouse crops and flowers in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. You can use this additional resource for more information about current observations and recommendations on environmentally safe production practices. |
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GREENHOUSE IPM COORDINATOR (commercial interests and growers) |
LEANNE PUNDT | 860-626-6240 |
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HOME GREENHOUSE
QUESTIONS |
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Information on our site was developed for conditions in the Northeast. Use in other geographical areas may be inappropriate.
The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. The Cooperative Extension system does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available.All agrochemicals/pesticides listed are registered for suggested uses in accordance with federal and Connecticut state laws and regulations as of the date of printing. If the information does not agree with current labeling, follow the label instructions. The label is the law.Warning! Agrochemicals/pesticides are dangerous. Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions on labels. Carefully handle and store agrochemicals/pesticides in originally labeled containers immediately in a safe manner and place. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for current regulations.The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kirklyn M. Kerr, Director, Cooperative Extension System, The University of Connecticut, Storrs. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System offers its programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an equal opportunity employer.
