|
Common insect pests on vegetable bedding plants include aphids, fungus gnats, shore flies, whiteflies, thrips and two-spotted spider mites. The following are brief descriptions, life cycles and monitoring tips for the major pests. See Tables 21 and 23 (pages 63 and 72) for additional scouting guidelines, registered pesticides and biological control options.
Aphids
Lifecycle: Several species can occur on vegetable transplants, but the most common are green peach, melon and foxglove aphids. Aphids are small, 1/16-inch in length, round, soft-bodied insects that vary in color from light green to pink or black. The green peach aphid is yellowish-green in summer and pink or yellowish in fall and spring. Winged forms are brown with a large dusky blotch on the abdomen. Melon aphids are greenish-yellow to very dark green with black mottling and short dark cornicles (tubular structures on the posterior part of the abdomen). Foxglove aphids are smaller than potato aphids but larger than melon and green peach aphids. The foxglove aphid is a shiny light yellowish green to dark green in color with a pear-shaped body. The only markings on the bodies of wingless adults are dark green patches at the base of the cornicle. The legs and antennae also have black markings. Foxglove aphids cause more leaf distortion than green peach or melon aphids. Aphids feed by inserting their piercing, sucking mouthparts into plant tissue and removing fluids. In greenhouses, aphids are usually females that produce live young called nymphs. Each female can produce 50 or more nymphs. Nymphs mature to adulthood and begin reproducing in as little as 7 to 10 days. Adults are usually wingless, but some will produce wings when populations reach outbreak levels. Large numbers of aphids will stunt and deform plants. In addition, aphids produce a sticky digestive by-product called honeydew. Honeydew can cover leaves and provide a food source for a superficial black fungus known as sooty mold. Aphids are present on weeds and may enter the greenhouse through vents.
Monitoring: Examine the foliage, along stems and new growth of key plants such as peppers, eggplants, cole crops and leafy greens to detect an early aphid infestation. Signs of aphid activity include shed white skins, shiny honeydew, curled new leaves, distorted growth and the presence of ants. Yellow sticky cards help detect the entrance of winged aphids into the greenhouse from outdoors. Yellow cards will not, however, allow you to monitor aphids within the crop, as most of the aphids will be wingless.
Whiteflies
Lifecycle: The silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii) and greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) may infest vegetable bedding plants. However, greenhouse whitefly is the most common species. Both adult and immature whiteflies have piercing sucking mouthparts, are able to remove fluids and produce honeydew that also results in sooty mold fungus. Winged adult whiteflies are 1/16-inch in length, and found on the undersides of the youngest, most tender leaves. Females may lay from 150 to 300 eggs, which hatch into first-instar nymphs in about a week. The crawlers move for a short distance before settling down to feed. After three molts, a pupal stage is formed from which adults emerge in about six days. Whiteflies complete their egg to adult cycle in 21 to 36 days depending upon greenhouse temperatures.
Monitoring: To monitor whiteflies, check susceptible plants such as tomatoes at ten locations in an area of 1,000 square feet, examining plants on each side of the aisle. Look on the undersides of one or two leaves per plant, for nymphs, pupa and adults. Yellow sticky traps can also be used to detect adult whiteflies once populations have reached higher densities. Begin treatments as soon as the first sign of infestation is noted.
Fungus Gnats and Shore Flies
Lifecyle: The damp, moist environment in greenhouses favors both fungus gnats and shore flies. Fungus gnat larvae are translucent, white and legless, about 1/4 inch long when mature, and have a shiny black head. The mosquito-like adult is about 1/8 inch long, with long legs, a pair of clear wings and long antennae. There is a distinct "Y" vein on each wing. Fungus gnats are weak fliers and are frequently observed resting on pot media or running over the foliage or other surfaces. The larvae feed on fungi and decaying organic matter, and often injure seedlings and plants. Larva feeding occurs on young, tender roots and in the stem at the base of the plant. This feeding injury provides an entry for disease pathogens. A female fungus gnat may lay up to 300 whitish eggs in clusters of 20 or more. The eggs are deposited on the surface or in the crevices of moist soil or potting media. Eggs hatch in about six days. Larvae feed for 12 to 14 days before changing into pupae. The pupal stage may last five to six days. Adults live up to ten days. The life cycle from egg to adult requires approximately four weeks depending on greenhouse temperatures.
Adult shore flies also occur in greenhouses and are confused with fungus gnats. The adult shore fly is about 1/8 inch long and has a robust body, very short antennae, shorter legs and dark wings with about five light spots. Larvae are off-white and do not have distinct head capsules. Shore flies do not injure plants through direct feeding, but can carry root rot pathogens from diseased to healthy plants. Their fecal spots or droppings can also be unsightly. To manage shore flies, control algae which are their food source.
Monitoring: To monitor for fungus gnat larvae, place raw potato chunks with peel removed on the soil surface. Larvae are attracted to the potato chunks, under which they move and congregate. Check the potato chunks after two days for larvae. Potato disks cut one inch in diameter and 0.5 to1 inch thick work well. In addition, choose plants on each bench and inspect the soil surface and around the base of the plant including the stem just below the soil line. Record the location and the level of infestation. Badly infested plants should be removed as they serve as a source of infestation.
Adult flies can be monitored with yellow sticky cards placed at the base of the plant at soil line. Weekly inspections of yellow sticky cards can detect the onset of an infestation, and continued recording of the number of adults per card per week can aid in evaluating the efficacy of control efforts.
Thrips
Lifecycle: The most injurious species is the western flower thrips (WFT). They often do considerable damage before they are discovered, because thrips are small, multiply rapidly and feed in plant buds in which they can remain undetected. WFT also vector tospoviruses. Feeding marks from the rasping mouthparts of thrips appear as white streaks on the leaves. Infested new growth may curl under and leaves are often deformed. Adult WFT are about 1/16-inch long, with narrow bodies and fringed wings. Females are reddish brown and males are light tan to yellow. The immature stages are light yellow. Female thrips insert eggs (several hundred per female) into plant tissue. The tiny yellowish larvae molt twice and feed on plant fluids as they mature. Larvae drop off the plant into the soil and pass through two stages, after which adults emerge. The egg to adult lifecycle can be completed in 7 to 13 days depending upon greenhouse temperature. During warmer temperatures development is more rapid than at cooler temperatures.
Monitoring: Early detection of a thrips infestation is critical for effective management because populations are lower and it is easier to obtain good coverage when plant canopies are small. Symptoms of their feeding are often not noticed until the damage has occurred. Eggplant, tomato and pepper are prone to thips infestations. Yellow sticky cards, key plants and indicator plants provide an easy way to detect the onset of an infestation. Yellow sticky cards should be placed just above the crop canopy, and near doors, vents and over thrips-sensitive cultivars to monitor the movement of thrips. Recent research has shown the light to medium-blue sticky cards catch more thrips than yellow ones. However, it is more practical to use yellow cards for general pest monitoring to attract fungus gnats, whiteflies and winged aphids. The number of thrips per card should be recorded and graphed weekly to monitor population levels and movement in or out of the greenhouse, and thus aid in control decisions. See section on key plants and indicator plants for more monitoring information.
Spider Mites
Lifecycle: Two-spotted spider mites can be found on vegetable bedding plants. Adult females are approximately 1/50-inch long, and slightly orange in color. All mobile stages are able to pierce plant tissue with their mouthparts and remove plant fluids. Most spider mites are found on the underside of leaves. Feeding injury often gives the top leaf surfaces a mottled or speckled, dull appearance. Leaves then turn yellow and drop. Large populations produce visible webbing that can completely cover the leaves. Eggs are laid singly, up to 100 per female, during her 3 to 4 week life span. Eggs hatch into larvae in as few as 3 days. Following a brief larval stage, several nymphal stages occur before adults appear. Egg to adult cycle can be completed in 7 to 14 days depending upon temperature. Hot and dry conditions favor spider mite development.
Monitoring: Checking for mites must be done by examining foliage. Adult mites are not found on sticky cards. Mites often develop as localized infestations on particular groups of plants such as beans or tomatoes. Sample plants by turning over leaves and with a hands-free magnifier (Optivisor) or hand lens, check for the presence of spider mites.
Cyclamen Mites
Life Cycle: The shiny, orange-tinted cyclamen mites prefer to hide in buds or deep within the flowers. Cyclamen mites can complete their life cycle in one to three weeks. Females can live up to one month and can reproduce without mating. Adult females can lay two to three eggs per day for up to three weeks. Eggs are oval, smooth and about one-half the size of the adult female. They are deposited in moist places at the base of the plant. The eggs hatch in three to seven days. The slow moving white larvae feed for four to seven days. Cyclamen mites prefer high relative humidity and temperatures of 60°F.
Monitoring: Cyclamen mites pierce tissue with their mouthparts and suck out cell contents. Look for signs of damage which may be concentrated near the buds or on the entire plant. Symptoms include inward curling of the leaves, puckering and crinkling. Pit-like depressions may develop. The mite is only 1/100 of an inch long. Examination under a microscope is often needed to confirm the presence of cyclamen mites.
Broad Mites
Life Cycle: Broad mites are closely related to cyclamen mites. They can be distinguished from cyclamen mites by their egg stage. Eggs are covered with bumps that look like a row of diamonds and are best seen using a dissecting microscope. Adults and larvae are smaller than the cyclamen mites and walk rapidly on the underside of leaves. Broad mites can also attach themselves to whiteflies and use them as a carrier for their dispersal. The development of broad mites is favored by high temperatures of 70° to 80°F. Broad mites can complete their life cycle in as little as one week. Females lay from 30 to 75 eggs.
Monitoring: Broad mites can affect a number of ornamentals including gerbera daisy, New Guinea impatiens, salvia, ivy, verbena and zinnia. They may migrate to peppers or tomatoes. Look for characteristic damage including leaf edges curling downward. Terminal buds may be killed. As they feed, broad mites inject toxic saliva, which causes the characteristic twisted and distorted growth. Do not confuse broad mite injury with herbicide injury, boron deficiency or physiological disorders. With a 20X hand lens, inspect the undersides of the leaves for mites and their eggs.
Table 23. Selected insecticides labeled for insects and mites on vegetable bedding plants.
Stomach poison most effective against first instar larvae. Apply as soil drench. May be applied through irrigation system. Do not combine with fungicides or fertilizers containing copper or chlorine.
Insecticide |
Target Pests |
Labeled Crops |
Comments |
|
azadirachtin
(Aza-Direct)
4 hr. REI
Group UN
OMRI Listed
(Azatrol)
4 hr. REI
Group UN
OMRI Listed
-(Azatin XL)
4 hr. REI
Group UN
----------------------------------
(Ornazin 3% EC)
12 hr. REI
Group UN
---------------------------------
(Neemix 4.5)
12 hr. REI
Group UN8
OMRI Listed |
Many including: aphids, beetles, weevils, thrips, true bugs, caterpillars, leafhoppers, leafminers, whiteflies, mites, and fungus gnat larvae
Aphids, caterpillars & loopers, fungus gnat larvae, leafhoppers, leafminers, thrips, mites and whiteflies
Aphids, caterpillars & loopers, cutworms, leafminers, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies, and fungus gnat larvae
--------------------------------------------
Aphids, beetles, caterpillars, fungus gnat larvae, leafhoppers, leafminers, thrips, and whiteflies
--------------------------------------------
Aphids, whiteflies, thrips, leafminers, loopers, caterpillars, armyworms, cutworms |
Many vegetables including bulb, cole, curcurbit, leafy and fruiting types (eggplant, tomato, peppers) |
Insect growth regulator for immature stages of insects. Repeat applications needed. Repels some insects and can be used as an antifeedant. |
Azadirachtin & Neem Extract
(Agroneem Plus)
4 hr. REI
Group UN
OMRI Listed |
Aphids, caterpillars & loopers, leafminers, mites, thrips, and whiteflies |
Many vegetables including fruiting vegetables, baby vegetables, etc. |
Each treatment has two applications. |
Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai
(Agree WG, XenTari)
4 hr. REI
Group 11
OMRI Listed |
Certain caterpillars (see label) |
Greenhouse vegetables such as tomatoes, cole crops, peppers (see label) |
Stomach poison that must be eaten by target insect to be effective. Most effective against small, newly hatched larvae. Insects stop feeding and dies 1 to 5 days later. |
Bacillus thuringiensis
subsp. kurstaki
(Deliver, DiPel Pro DF, Dipel DF)
4 hr. REI
Group 11
OMRI Listed |
Certain caterpillars (see label) |
Many vegetables including leafy and cole crops, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes and squash |
Stomach poison that must be eaten by target insect to be effective. Most effective against small, newly hatched larvae. Insects stop feeding and dies 1 to 5 days later. |
Bacillus thuringiensis
subsp. israelensis
(Gnatrol)
4 hr. REI
Group 11
OMRI Listed |
Fungus gnat larvae |
Vegetable plants such as leafy and cole crops, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and eggplants |
|
Beauveria bassiana
(Botanigard ES)
4 hr. REI
---------------------------------
(Botanigard 22WP)
4 hr. REI
(Mycotrol O)
4 hr. REI
OMRI Listed
(Naturalis L)
4 hr. REI
OMRI Listed |
Aphids, thrips, whitefly, psyllids, mealybugs (See labels for more information) |
Many vegetables including cole crops, greens, eggplant, peppers, and squash. Do not use ES formulations on tomatoes. |
Contains a fungus that must contact the target pest. Thorough spray coverage needed for this contact material to be effective. Treat when insect populations are low. Repeated applications may be needed. |
|
Bifenazate
(Floramite SC)
12 hr. REI
Group UN |
Spider mites |
Greenhouse tomatoes. |
Not effective against rust mites or broad mites. Compatible with beneficial predatory mites. Is rapidly degraded in alkaline water of high temperature. Use solutions promptly or add a commercial buffering agent. |
|
Buprofezin
(Talus 40 SC Insect Growth Regulator)
12 hr. REI
Group 16 |
Whiteflies, mealybugs, and leafhoppers |
Greenhouse tomatoes |
Active against nymph stages. Chitin synthesis inhibitor, suppresses oviposition of adults and reduces viability of eggs. Treated pests may remain alive for 3 to 7 days, but feeding damage is low. Apply no more than two applications per season. |
|
Chlorfenapyr
(Pylon)
12 hr. REI
Group 13 |
Caterpillars (many), spider mites, broad mites, and western flower thrips |
Tomato, tomatillo, ground cherry, peppers, eggplant, pepinos.
Do not use on tomato varieties with a diameter of less than one inch when mature. |
Do not apply more than 3 applications during a crop cycle. Do not apply more than two consecutive applications before rotating to a chemical in a different class. |
|
Dinotefuran
(Safari 20 SG)
12 hr. REI
Group 4A |
Aphids, leafminers, mealybugs, thrips (suppression), whiteflies (including silverleaf whiteflies – B and Q biotypes) |
Vegetable transplants |
Do not make more than one application per crop. |
|
Horticultural oil
(Ultra-Pure Oil)
(Pure Spray Green)
4 hr. REI
NC
OMRI Listed
Petroleum Oil
(Saf-T-Side Spray Oil Emulsion Fungicide, Insecticide and Miticide)
4 hr. REI
NC
OMRI Listed |
Many including aphids, leafminers, mites, thrips, whiteflies, leafhoppers, mealybugs and others
Aphids, leafhoppers, leafminers, thrips, mites and whiteflies |
Many vegetables including cole crops, lettuce, eggplant, pepper, squash and tomato
Vegetable crops (see label) |
Works by contact. See label for information on plant safety. All applications should be preceded by a phytotoxicity check to ensure that the material is safe for that particular plant variety. |
|
Petroleum Oil
(SuffOil-X Spray Oil Emulsion Fungicide, Insecticide and Miticide)
4 hr. REI
NC |
Aphids, leafhoppers, leafminers, mites, thrips, whiteflies |
Vegetable crops (see label) |
See label for information on plant safety. |
|
White Mineral Oil
(JMS Stylet Oil)
(Organic JMS Stylet Oil)
OMRI Listed
4 hr. REI |
Leafhoppers, leafminers, mites, whiteflies |
Many vegetables (see label) |
See label for information on plant safety. |
|
Imidacloprid
(Marathon II)
12 hr. REI
Group 4A
-----------------------------------
(Marathon 60WP)
12 hr. REI
Group 4A
----------------------------------
----------------------------------- |
Aphids, fungus gnat larvae, leafhoppers, leaf miners, thrips (suppression). |
Vegetable bedding plants intended for resale only. |
|
|
Insecticidal soap
Potassium salts of fatty acids
(M-Pede)
12 hr. REI
OMRI Listed |
Aphids, mites, thrips, whiteflies, broad mites, leafhoppers and others |
Many vegetables including bulb, cole, leafy, fruiting and cucurbit types |
Works by contact. Good coverage is needed. Avoid treatment when plants are stressed. Certain species of cultivars may be sensitive. Spot treat first. When used with hard water, a compatibility agent may be needed. |
|
Iron phosphate
(Sluggo Snail and Slug Bait) 0 hr. REI
OMRI Listed |
Slugs and snails |
Many vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, cucumbers, eggplants, lettuce, onions, peppers, squash, and tomatoes |
Ingestion causes the slugs and snails to cease feeding, become less mobile and begin to die in 3 to 6 days. |
|
Malathion
(Gowan Malathion 8 F)
12 hr. REI
Group 1B |
Aphids, cabbage loopers, leafhoppers, spider mites, thrips, whiteflies and others depending upon the crop (See label) |
Cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes and others |
Apply to give complete coverage. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Parasitic nematodes
(NemaShield, Nemasys, Scanmask) |
Fungus gnat larvae
Nemasys: western flower thrips |
Greenhouse vegetables |
Remove screens and filters from the sprayer. Nematodes are very sensitive to ultraviolet light and desiccation. For soil dwelling pests such as fungus gnat larvae: Spray on soil surface and then water in. Apply to moist growing media at temperatures between 50°-85°F.
For western flower thrips (Nemasys). Foliar application. Do not apply in direct sunlight. Lightly mist plants before application. Efficacy will be variable depending upon relative humidity, temperature, concentration, frequency of application and insect growth stage. |
|
Pyrethrins
(PyGanic EC)
12 hr. REI
Group 3A
OMRI Listed |
Many including aphids, caterpillars, fungus gnat adults, thrips, leafhoppers, whiteflies and others |
Many vegetables including bulb, leafy, cole, fruiting and curcurbit types |
Flushes insects from hiding with knockdown effects. |
|
Pyrethrins plus PBO (piperonyl butoxide)
(Pyrethrum TR aerosol)
12 hr. REI
Group 3A
-----------------------------------
(Pyreth-It Formula 2)
12 hr. REI
Group 3A
----------------------------------
(Pyrenone Crop Spray)
12 hr. REI
Group 3A |
Aphids, cabbage worms, adult fungus gnats, mealybugs, mites, thrips, whiteflies and others
--------------------------------------------
Aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers, beetles, thrips, leafrollers, whiteflies and others.
----------------------------------------
Aphids, caterpillars, adult fungus gnats, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies and others |
Many vegetables including bulb, leafy, cole, fruiting and cucurbit types
-----------------------------------------
Many different vegetable crops (see label)
------------------------------------------
Many different vegetable crops (see label) |
See label for specific directions for placement and use for successful application.
--------------------------------------------
May be combined with other insecticides. |
|
Pyrethins and rotenone
(Pyrellin E.C)
12 hr. REI
Group 3A and Group 21B |
Aphids, cabbageworms, leafhoppers, leafminers, mites, leafrollers, plant bugs, thrips and whiteflies |
Many different vegetable crops (see label) |
May be combined with other insecticides. |
|
Pyriproxyfen
(Distance Insect Growth Regulator)
12 hr. REI
Group 7C |
Whiteflies (greenhouse, silverleaf and sweet potato), aphids (suppression)
fungus gnat larvae, shore fly larvae (apply as heavy spray (sprench) or drench) |
See supplemental label for use on indoor-grown fruiting vegetables.
Do not apply to tomato varieties less than one inch in diameter or to non-bell peppers. |
See label for specific use instructions on rates and plant safety for use as a drench or sprench against fungus gnats or shore flies. Do not make more than 2 applications per season. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Soybean Oil
(Golden Pest Spray Oil)
4 hr. REI
NC
OMRI Listed |
Aphids, mites, leafminers, certain caterpillars, whiteflies, thrips and others |
Vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, curcurbits, lettuce, melon, peppers, squash and tomatoes |
See label for information on plant safety. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Spirotetramat
(Kontos)
24 hr. REI
Group 23 |
Aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies |
Vegetable transplants |
Will not control heavy population of spider mites. |
|
Sucrose Octanoate Esters
(SucraShield)
48 hr. REI
OMRI Listed |
Aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers, mites, thrips and whiteflies |
Vegetables |
Contact insecticide with limited residual activity. |
Table 24. Selected fungicides and bactericides labeled for vegetable bedding plants.
|
Fungicide |
Targeted Pest |
Labeled Crops |
Comments |
|
Basic Copper Sulfate
(Cuprofix Ultra 40 D Disperss)
12 hr. REI
Group M1 |
Many diseases including angular leaf spot, downy mildew, Alternaria blight, anthracnose, bacterial blight, bacterial spot (depending upon the crop) |
Many including cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and others |
Crops grown in the greenhouse may be more sensitive to copper injury so the user should determine plant sensitivity. Observe for 7 to 10 days for symptoms of injury. |
|
Bacillus pumilus
(Sonata)
4 hr. REI
Group 44
OMRI Listed |
Downy mildew, powdery mildew |
Many including cole crops, curcurbits, fruiting, leafy vegetables |
Begin applications when conditions in the greenhouse favor disease development. |
|
Bacillus subtilus,
(Serenade)
4 hr. REI
Group 44
OMRI Listed |
Many diseases including downy mildew, powdery mildew, bacterial spot, early blight and others |
Many vegetables including broccoli, leafy vegetables, cucurbits, peppers, tomatoes and others. |
Preventative biofungicide. Thorough coverage essential. |
|
Bacillus subtilis
(Cease)
4 hr. REI
Group 44
OMRI Listed |
Many diseases including leaf spots, powdery mildew, botrytis blight, downy mildew |
Many including cole crops, curcurbits, fruiting vegetables, leafy vegetables, |
Begin applications when conditions in the greenhouse favor disease development. Thorough coverage is essential. |
|
Copper Hydroxide
(Champ DP Dry Prill, Champ Formula 2 Flowable, Champion WP,
Champ WG (OMRI Listed), Kocide 101, Kocide 2000, Kocide 4.5LF, Kocide DF)
24 hr. REI
Group M1 |
Leaf spots, Anthracnose, bacterial spots and other diseases (see label) |
See labels for specific crops. |
See labels for specific usage instructions. |
|
Copper salts of fatty and rosin acids
(Camelot)
12 hr. REI
Group M1 |
Many including bacterial leaf spots, leaf spots and blights, downy mildew, powdery mildew and others |
Greenhouse vegetables (see label for specific crops) |
See label for specific usage instructions. |
|
Cuprous oxide
(Nordox 75 WG)
24 hr. REI
Group M1 |
Anthracnose, Phomopsis, Botrytis, various leaf spots and blights (see label) |
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant |
Begin applications when disease first threatens. |
|
Dichloran
(Botran 75-W)
12 hr. REI
Group 14 |
Botrytis, white mold (Sclerotinia) |
Cucumbers, leaf lettuce, and tomatoes |
Seedlings or newly set transplants of tomatoes may be injured by drenching. |
|
Fenhexamid
(Decree 50WDG)
12 hr. REI
Group 17 |
Botrytis |
Fruiting vegetables, tomatoes, cucumber and leafy greens (except spinach) |
Thorough coverage needed. Do not make more than two consective applications. Do not apply in the field. |
|
Horticultural oil
Paraffinic Oil
(Ultra-Pure Oil)
4 hr. REI
NC
(Saf-T-Side
Spray Oil Emulsion Fungicide, Insecticide and Miticide)
12 hr. REI
NC
OMRI Listed |
Powdery mildew |
Cucurbits, melons & squash and others |
Contact fungicide. Application should be made when disease is first noticed. See label for information on plant safety. Use lower label rates in the greenhouse. Applications should be preceded by a phytotoxicity check to ensure that the material is safe. |
|
Hydrogen dioxide
(Oxidate)
0 hr. REI (non-spray)
1 hr. REI (spray)
OMRI Listed |
Many including mildews, leaf spots and blights, and root |
Tomatoes, peppers, leafy and cole crops, cucurbits and others |
Strong oxidizing agent. Contact, oxidizing sanitizer. |
|
Insecticidal soap
Potassium salts of fatty acids
(M-Pede)
12 hr. REI
OMRI Listed |
Powdery mildew |
Greenhouse cucumber |
Works by contact. See label for usage instructions. |
|
Kaolin
(Surround WP)
4 hr. REI
Group NC
OMRI Listed |
Powdery mildew |
Curcurbit vegetables |
Forms a mineral-based particle film resulting in a dry, white film. May be unsightly for retail sales. Uniform coverage important for effectiveness. |
|
Mancozeb
(Dithane F45, DF)
24 hr. REI
Group M3 |
Leafspot diseases, seed treatment for damping off, seed rots and seedling blights, and downy mildew |
Tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, summer squash and others |
Broad-spectrum protectant fungicide. |
|
Maneb
(Maneb 75 DF, Maneb 80WP, Manex)
24 hr. REI
Group M3 |
Anthracnose, leaf spots, early blight, late blight |
Tomatoes (greenhouse) |
Protectant fungicide. |
|
PCNB
(Terraclor 75 WP, Terraclor 15G, Terraclor 400 Flowable, Turfcide 10% Granular)
12 hr. REI
Group 14 |
Root and stem rot, damping off (Rhizoctonia solani) |
Vegetable bedding plants: limited to container-grown broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, peppers and tomatoes |
Protectant fungicide.
400 Flowable and 75WP: Apply as a soil drench.
15G and Turfcide: Used as growing media mix. See label for additional information. |
|
Potassium bicarbonate
(EcoMate Armicarb "O" )
(Kaligreen)
4 hr. REI
(Milstop)
1 hr. REI
Group NC
OMRI Listed |
Powdery mildew and others |
Many vegetables including cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes and squash |
Contact fungicide. Through coverage essential. Potassium bicarbonate disrupts the potassium ion balance in the fungus cell, causing the cell walls to collapse. |
|
Propamocarb HCl
(Previcur Flex)
12 hr. REI
Group U |
Pythium, Phytophthora |
Tomatoes, cucurbits, peppers, leaf lettuce |
For prevention of root rot and damping-off. Phytotoxicity may occur if applied directly to dry growing media, especially in intense sunlight. |
|
Pyrimethanil
(Scala SC)
12 hr. REI
Group 9 |
Gray mold (Botrytis), early blight (Alternaria) |
Tomatoes |
Apply only in well ventilated greenhouses and ventilate for at least 2 hours after application. Phytotoxicity may occur in unventilated greenhouses with relative humidity above 80%. |
|
Streptomyces griseoviridis
(Mycostop, Mycostop Mix)
4 hr. REI
Group NC
OMRI listed |
Fusarium, Alternaria,
Suppression of Botrytis, and root rots of Pythium, Phytophthora and Rhizoctonia in the greenhouse |
Many including lettuce, cole crops, cucumbers, melons, peppers, tomatoes and others |
Preventative biofungicide. Contains a beneficial bacterium. Repeat applications may be needed. Use as a soil spray or drench. |
|
Streptomycin lydicus
(Actinovate SP)
1 hr. REI
Group NC
OMRI Listed |
Suppression of downy mildew, powdery mildew, Botrytis, Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia |
All greenhouse vegetables |
Preventative biofungicide that suppresses diseases. |
|
Streptomyces lydicus
(Actino-Iron)
4 hr. REI
Group NC
OMRI Listed |
Suppression of Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora and others |
Greenhouse vegetables. |
Preventive biofungicide that suppresses diseases. Also, contains iron and humic acid. |
|
Streptomycin sulfate
(Agri-mycin 17)
12 hr. REI
Group 25 |
Bacterial Spot |
Tomatoes and peppers |
Repeated applications can result in resistant bacteria. Do not apply through any irrigation system. |
|
Sulfur
(Microthiol Disperss)
(Micro Sulf)
24 hr. REI
Group M2 |
Powdery mildew |
Microthiol Disperss: Crucifers, cucurbits, peppers and tomatoes
Micro Sulf: Many including cole crops, cucumbers, eggplants, greens, peppers, tomatoes |
Crops grown in greenhouses may be more sensitive to sulfur injury, so the lowest label right should be tried initially. Do not use within two weeks of an oil spray treatment. |
|
Trichoderma harzianum
(PlantShield HC)
(RootShield Granules)
0 hr. REI
Group NC
OMRI Listed |
Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Cylindrocladium and Thielaviopsis |
Fruiting vegetables, leafy vegetables and cole crops |
Preventative biofungicide. It will not cure diseased plants. Avoid applications of fungicides at least one week before or after application. (Foliar applications only for non-food crops.) |
This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement implied. Due to constantly changing regulations, we assume no liability for suggestions. If any information in these tables is inconsistent with the label, follow the label. Always follow label instructions regarding registered uses and note cautions. To avoid any phytotoxicity problems, spot test first before widespread use.
Organic Materials Review Institute (www.omri.org/) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to publish information on lists of materials allowed for organic food production. Final decisions regarding organic use production reside with the USDA.
Table 25. Scouting guidelines and biological control options for bedding plants.
|
Pest |
How to Monitor |
Where to Look |
Biological Control Options |
|
Aphids |
Monitor weekly. Rely on plant inspection, not sticky cards. Look for small, 1/16 inch long aphids with two cornicles or "tailpipes" at the rear of their body. |
Underside of leaves and along stems on tips of new growth on eggplant, pepper, tomatoes and many different leafy vegetables. Signs of aphid activity: shed white skins, shiny honeydew, presence of ants, curled new leaves, and distorted growth. |
Aphidoletes aphidimyza (aphid midge, predator)
Aphelinus abdominalis (aphid parasite)
Aphidius matricariae (aphid parasite)
Aphidius colemani (aphid parasite)
Aphidius ervi (aphid parasite)
Chrysoperla spp. (green lacewing, predator)
Beauvaria bassiana (insecticidal fungus) |
|
Bacterial Leaf Spot |
At first, chocolate-brown spots are less than 1/4 inch in diameter, & water-soaked in appearance on pepper. Severely spotted leaves appear scorched and defoliation may occur. Some strains cause leaf spot on tomatoes. |
Seed-borne disease.
More prevalent during moderately high temperatures and long periods of high humidity and leaf wetness. |
Bacillus subtilus |
|
Botrytis blight |
Look for leaf blight and tan stem cankers. Botrytis blight produces characteristic gray fuzzy appearing spores on the surface of infected tissues during humid conditions. |
In areas where plants are spaced close together and where condensation may occur. |
Bacillus subtilus (biofungicide) (suppression)
Streptomyces griseoviridis (suppression)
Streptomyces lydicus (suppression) |
|
Broad Mites |
Look for symptoms of damage – leaf edges curling downward, twisted and distorted growth. Under a microscope, look on underside of leaves for mites and their eggs. |
Near ornamental crops affected with broad mites. |
Neoseiulus californicus (predatory mites)
Neoseiulus cucumeris (predatory mites) |
|
Cyclamen Mites |
Look for symptoms of damage – inward curling of leaves, puckering and crinkling. Under a microscope, look within buds for mites and their eggs. |
|
Neoseiulus cucumeris (predatory mites) |
|
Damping Off
(Pythium Root and Stem Rot) |
Visually examine roots for cortex that sloughs off leaving central core. |
Inspect plants weekly for signs of disease: Wilted, stunted off-color plants with discolored root systems. Focus on areas where plants stay wet or where there may be high populations of fungus gnats and shore flies that may carry disease spores. High soluble salts/fertility increases susceptibility. |
Bacillus subtilis (biofungicide)
Trichoderma harzianum (biofungicide)
Streptomyces griseoviridis (biofungicide)
Streptomyces lydicus (biofungicide) |
|
Damping Off (Rhizoctonia Root and Crown rot) |
Monitor seed flats of susceptible plants including cole crops, peppers, and tomatoes. Look for small, water-soaked spots on stems or leaves before seedlings collapse. |
Seed flats near walkways or near dust and debris. Overcrowded seedling flats are more susceptible to damping off. |
Bacillus subtilis (biofungicide)
Streptomyces griseviridus (biofungicide)
Streptomyces lydicus (biofungicide)
Trichoderma harzianum (biofungicide) |
|
Fungus gnats |
Use sticky cards to monitor for adults. Place cards horizontally above soil surface. Potato chunks can be used to monitor for larvae.
Check every two days. |
Favorable habitats include areas with standing pools of water, mud floors, spilled media and weeds. |
Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (pathogen)
Atheta coriaria (predatory beetles)
Hypoaspis miles (predatory mites)
Steinernema feltiae (nematodes) |
|
Powdery mildew |
Scout weekly. Look for faint, white fungal threads and spores on leaves. |
Scout near vents, or any location with a sharp change between day and night temperatures. |
Bacillus subtilis (biofungicide)
Streptomyces griseviridus (biofungicide)
Streptomyces lydicus (biofungicide) |
|
Spider Mites
(Two-spotted Spider mites) |
Rely on plant inspection. Look for light flecking, speckling or discolored foliage, and webbing if high populations have developed. |
Look in hot, dry locations in greenhouse (i.e. near furnace) or near entranceways. |
Amblyseius fallacis (predatory mite)
Feltiella acarisuga (predatory midge)
Neoseiulus californicus (predatory mites)
Phytoseilus persimilis (predatory mites) |
|
Thrips
(Western flower thrips) |
Rely on sticky cards (placed just above crop canopy) and foliage inspection of key plants for early detection and to evaluate treatments. Use petunia and fava bean plants to indicate early thrips feeding. |
Inspect plants by tapping tender new growth over a white sheet of paper. Watch for curled, emerging leaves, distorted new growth on pepper. Look for white scarring and black fecal spots on cucumber and eggplant. |
Amblyseius degenerans (predatory mite)
Amblyseius swirskii (predatory mite)
Chrysoperla spp. (green lacewing, predator) Hypoaspis miles (predatory mites)
Neoseiulus cucumeris (predatory mites)
Orius insidiosus (pirate bug, predator)
Beauveria bassiana (insecticidal fungus) |
|
Tospovirus
Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) &
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) |
Symptoms will vary depending upon the host. On pepper, look for necrotic spots on the leaf. Ringspots may also develop. On tomato, young leaves may develop small, dark brown spots. |
Thrips populations may be highest at front and rear of the greenhouse. Use fava bean or petunia indicator plants to determine if thrips are carrying the virus. Symptomless weeds may also be a source of virus. |
None
See thrips. |
|
Whiteflies |
Rely on plant inspection to detect immature stages. Use sticky cards to monitor adults. |
Egg laying adults are found on the uppermost tender leaves of tomatoes, eggplant and assorted greens. Immature stages are stationary and are found on the undersides of leaves. |
Chrysoperla spp. (green lacewing, predator)
Amblyseius swirskii (predatory mite)
Delphastus catalinae (predatory ladybeetle) Eretmocerus eremicus (whitefly parasite)
Eretmocerus mundus (whitefly parasite)
Encarsia formosa (whitefly parasite)
Beauvaria bassiana (insecticidal fungus) |
|
Vegetable Transplant Production 
