Greenhouse Update - July 27, 2006
Leanne Pundt, Extension Educator, University of Connecticut
Thrips Damage on Garden Mums -- Look for distortion and scarring on the leaves. (See photo). Some varieties may be more susceptible than others. Tap foliage over a sheet of white paper to look for the adult thrips and larvae. Often, once the plants are in flower, this leaf damage is not noticed by a home gardener.
Thrips damage on mums
Leanne Pundt photo - click for a larger image
Hornworms on Greenhouse Tomatoes -- look for holes in the leaves, or deposits of droppings (frass) on the leaves. If you only see a few caterpillars, they can be handpicked and crushed or dropped into a container of soapy water. With larger infestations, Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) (Dipel Pro or Javelin) can be used. BT products are most effective against the small, actively feeding caterpillars. For BT to be effective, they must be eaten, so good coverage is needed, to contact the caterpillars.
Inspect Incoming Poinsettia Cuttings
-- for whitefly eggs
and nymphs (adults are rarely found on the cuttings). If whitefly
are found, do not delay treatments. For the latest information on
whitefly, including the Q-Biotype see
http://www.q-biotypewhiteflies.com/
Look for fungus gnat larvae and their feeding damage (blunt, root tips), and signs of discolored, mushy roots. Many growers report that applications of Trichoderma harzianum (PlantShield) both offer some protection against root damaging fungi plus they see improved root growth. Roots often reach the edge of the pot more quickly when PlantShield is applied after planting.
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.
| 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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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.