Greenhouse Update - March 3, 2006
Leanne Pundt, Extension Educator, University of Connecticut
Algae – Over watering and compacted growing media, especially in newly planted bedding plants and hanging baskets, often leads to the buildup of algae on the surface of the growing media. Train employees on proper watering practices so that the upper surface of your media dries out between watering.
Avoid excessive fertilization, runoff and puddling water on floors, benches, and greenhouse surfaces to discourage algae growth. Proper drainage is needed so that water, especially water containing fertilizer, does not stand on the floor.
A number of different algaecides are commercially available. Read the labels carefully before use. Many algaecides including Green-Shield, GreenClean and Triathlon are only labeled for use on greenhouse surfaces.
ZeroTol, Physan 20, and TerraCyte have broader uses listed on their labels so may be used on both greenhouse surfaces and plants –but read the labels carefully for plant safety use restrictions. For example, Physan 20 is only labeled for use on orchids, roses and African violets. According to the Terracyte label, it states to test a small section of plants at labeled rates for potential phytoxicity before large-scale use. Repeated applications of TerraCyte can also raise the soil pH.
Many growers have reported good results using Selectrocide. Phytotoxicity may occur at concentrations above 20 ppm – so the shock treatment to clean irrigation lines needs to be done between crop cycles – when the greenhouse is empty of plants. Once the lines have been cleaned, the continuous dose is below the 20 ppm level. For more information see: www.griffins.com/tech_service/pdfs/selectrocide_faqs.pdf
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 |
| February 25, 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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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.