Greenhouse Update - February 25, 2006
Leanne Pundt, Extension Educator, University of Connecticut
Cooler Greenhouse Temperatures – Many growers have been running their greenhouses cooler than normal, to reduce heating costs. In addition to slowing crop development and flowering, cooler temperatures also influence pest and disease activity.
With the cooler soil temperatures, the surface of the media stays moist for longer periods of time. This leads to the development of algae growth on the media surface, which helps encourage fungus gnat activity. The revised article, Fungus Gnats are Serious Pests, on the IPM website, lists cultural, biological and chemical options for control.
Leaves, plants and greenhouse floors stay wet longer after each watering. This leads to the development of foliar diseases such as Botrytis blight, and downy mildew as well as stem and root diseases. Scout regularly for these diseases and continue protectant fungicide treatments.
Two-spotted spider mites prefer hot, dry conditions - the threshold for their development is 54oF. Two-spotted spider mites overwinter as non-feeding, diapausing (dormant-like) females. The adult female is bright orange in color. See photo.
Do not confuse these adult females with beneficial predatory mites!
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| Overwintering two-spot
spider mite. Leanne Pundt photo |
Predatory mite |
Controlled Release Fertilizers – are often used at reduced rates in mixed planters and hanging baskets to supplement liquid fertilizer programs. Be careful not to apply the prills too close to tender young transplants or high soluble salts can burn the tender tissue. (See photos). Topdressing the fertilizer before planting the young plugs may result in the fertilizer prills dropping down into the planting hole resulting in injury to the tender, young roots.
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| Controlled release
fertilizer prills Leanne Pundt photo |
High soluble salts |
Growth Regulators on Perennials – As more greenhouse growers are producing herbaceous perennials, a frequent question is what growth regulators may be effective. See the publication by Joyce Latimer and Holly Scoggins from Virginia Tech for more information at: http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/greenhouse/430-103/430-103.html
If you would like to receive an email notice when new greenhouse updates are posted on the website, please email me at: leanne.pundt@uconn.edu . This will be an undisclosed list, and your email address will remain private.
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Previous 2006 UConn IPM Greenhouse Updates |
| January 31, 2006 |
| February 17, 2006 |
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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 |
phone toll free |
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.
