First page of document

Greenhouse Insect Pest Management 2024

DOWNLOAD

April 3, 2024 - <jubenvi3@msu.edu>,

Starting and staying clean(er)

Prevention and sanitation are critical in reducing the risk of insect, mite, and disease outbreaks in the greenhouse. Incoming plant material, even if it appears uninfested, is a common way that pests and pathogens are introduced into floriculture production facilities. Ideally, growers should segregate all incoming plugs and liners (particularly vegetatively propagated material) into a clean quarantine area where the new plants can be regularly monitored and, if necessary, treated for an infestation before moving them into the main production area. Prior to transplanting, some growers proactively treat specific kinds of plants for common pests while they are still in plug trays, especially if they intend to finish them in overhead hanging baskets.

Older plants can become reservoirs for pests and pathogens. Operations that maintain stock plants for cuttings should strive to keep insect and mite numbers on these plants as low as possible. Stock plants often develop a dense canopy, which can reduce the penetration and efficacy of spray applications. In such cases, an integrated approach that includes beneficial organisms could prove to be the most effective and resource-efficient option over time.

Weeds can also serve as sources of insect pests and diseases. Removing broadleaf weeds from the greenhouse perimeter and indoor production areas will help the operation stay cleaner. Using grass or gravel to cover the area directly outside the range and installing weed barrier underneath benches are time-tested methods for keeping broadleaf weed pressure to a minimum.

Cutting dips

Research has shown that any plant material entering the greenhouse is likely to have a small number of pests. Because of this, some floriculture growers dip unrooted cuttings and plugs into reduced-risk pesticides to help lower the number of these hitchhikers. This technique was evaluated by researchers at Canada’s Vineland Research & Innovation Centre and has since been adopted by many growers in Ontario. In the United States, there are currently several commercially available products on the market that include labelled uses for dipping: 

Insect management products labelled for cutting dip application

Trade name

Active ingredients

MoA Group

REI (hours)

BotaniGard 22WP

Beauveria bassiana

Insect pathogen

4

EpiShield*

Botanical oils

Unclassified

0

Hexygon IQ

Hexythiazox

10A

12

LalGuard M52 OD

Metarhizium brunneum

Insect pathogen

4

M-Pede

Potassium salts of fatty acids

Unclassified

12

TetraCURB MAX*

Botanical oils

Unclassified

0

Note: Some plants may be sensitive to these treatments (see Phytotoxicity)

Regulatory considerations:

Cutting dips are considered pesticide applications. In practical terms, this means:

  • Applicators are required to wear all appropriate label-required personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing cutting dips.
  • Employees involved with sticking cuttings immediately following treatment should be trained as Worker Protection Standard (WPS) handlers and be provided PPE as specified on the product label.
  • All employees are required to follow label-required restricted-entry interval (REI) specifications for treated areas.

Note that some of these products (*) qualify for exemption from EPA registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and may not carry WPS or Agricultural Use requirement statements. Precautions and Restrictions typically located within the Agricultural Use section, such as those pertaining to PPE and REI, might be detailed under the label's Precautionary Statements.

For more information on WPS training requirements or using cutting dips to treat vegetative cuttings, contact a member of the Michigan State University Extension floriculture team (canr.msu.edu/floriculture/experts).

Scouting is important

Managing a small population of pests is much easier than managing a large one, particularly when the plant canopy is dense and flowers are present. Regular scouting/monitoring can help growers detect infestations early and prevent damaging outbreaks. Two useful tools for scouting are colored sticky cards and a hand lens. Sticky cards help detect flying/jumping insects in the crop and are particularly useful for monitoring thrips populations. Place one card at canopy level every 2000-4000 ft2 or at least one per house. Place cards away from where flying biological control agents are being released as these may become trapped as well. Physical inspections of foliage and flowers are important for detecting non-flying pests such as aphids and mites. A hand lens (minimum 10x, suggested 15 – 20X) is used to examine tiny insects and mites and can help confirm pest identification. Digital magnifiers attached to laptop computers or smart phones are also a viable option.

Neonicotinoids

Neonicotinoids are class of insecticides that grew in popularity due to their relatively low mammalian toxicity and ability to move systemically throughout the plant. All neonicotinoid products are in the Mode of Action (MoA) group 4A (see below). Growers with buyers that require neonicotinoid-free plants should look to systemic insecticides in other chemical classes or MoA groups, such as Altus (group 4D), Mainspring (group 28), and Kontos (group 23).

Pyrethroids

Pyrethroids are a class of insecticides with a molecular structure similar to pyrethrins, which are natural compounds produced by some Chrysanthemum species. Like neonicotinoids, pyrethroids are used extensively throughout the world because of their broad-spectrum insecticidal activity and negligible toxicity to humans and other mammals. Due to documented resistance issues in all major greenhouse floriculture pest groups and incompatibility with many biological control agents, we no longer recommend pyrethroids as a primary insect management tool. Nevertheless, they still provide some usefulness in rotation and, with few exceptions, have an established record of plant safety (low risk for phytotoxicity). All pyrethroids and pyrethrin products are in the MoA Group 3A (see below).

Resistance Management

Repeated use of products with the same Mode of Action over an extended period of time increases the likelihood that pest populations will become less susceptible to those products (see pyrethroids). To delay or prevent pesticide resistance, avoid using insecticides unless it is necessary. For persistent pest populations on long-term crops (e.g. foliage), consider a rotation schedule of products with a minimum of 3 (more is better) different MoA groups. The MoA class is clearly noted on most labels and also published by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) (irac-online.org/mode-of-action).

Phytotoxicity

Manufacturers typically test their products on a broad range of plants. They cannot, however, test every ornamental species, variety, tank mix combination, and situation.

Before applying a product to a crop for the first time, you should:

  • Consult the label for crop tolerance considerations.
  • Test the product at the desired rate on a small number of plants and observe for possible sensitivity over a week or two. Be sure plants are well-watered and not under moisture stress when treated.

If mixing the product with adjuvants or other products for the first time, you should:

  • Consult for label for tank-mix compatibility notes.
  • Test the product at the desired rate on a small number of plants as described above.

Insecticide products for key greenhouse pests

Thrips

Trade name

Active ingredient

MoA Group

REI (hours)

Aria

Flonicamid

29

12

Avid

Abamectin

6

12

Azatin, Molt-X, Aza-Direct, others1

Azadirachtin

Unknown

4-12**

BotaniGard 22WP/ES, Velifer

Beauveria bassiana

Insect pathogen

4, 12

Conserve

Spinosad

5

4

Enstar AQ

S-Kinoprene

7A

4

Hachi-Hachi SC

Tolfenpyrad

21A

12

Isarid, NoFly, Ancora

Isaria fumosorosea

Insect pathogen

4

LALGUARD M52 OD

Metarhizium brunneum

Insect pathogen

4

M-Pede / Kopa

Potassium salts of fatty acids

Unclassified

12

Mainspring GNL

Cyantraniliprole

28

4

Orthene 97

Acephate

1B

12-24

Overture

Pyridalyl

Unknown

12

Pedestal

Novaluron

15

12

Pradia

Cyclaniloprole + Flonicamid

28+29

12

Pylon

Chlorfenapyr

13

12

Safari

Dinotefuran

4A

12

Sirocco

Abamectin + Bifenazate

6 + 20D

12

Suffoil-X, TriTek, Ultra-fine, others

Mineral oil

UNM

 4

Tristar

Acetamiprid

4A

12

XXpire

Spinetoram + Sulfoxaflor

5 + 4C

12

 

Spider mites

Trade name

Active ingredient

MoA Group

REI (hours)

Akari

Fenpyroximate

21A

12

Engulf / Floramite

Bifenazate

20D

12

Hexygon IQ

Hexythiazox

10A

12

M-Pede / Kopa

Potassium salts of fatty acids

Unclassified

12

Magus

Fenazaquin

21A

12

Notavo

Clofentazine

10A

12

Pylon

Chlorfenapyr

13

12

Sanmite

Pyridaben

21A

12

Savate

Spiromesifen

23

12

Shuttle-O

Acequinocyl

20B

12

Sirocco

Abamectin + Bifenazate

6 + 20D

12

Suffoil-X, TriTek, Ultra-fine, others

Mineral oils

UNM

 4

Sultan

Cyflumetofen

25

12

TetraSan

Etoxazole

10B

12

Triact 70

Neem oil

Unknown

4

 

Broad mites

Trade name

Active ingredients

MoA Group

REI (hours)

Akari

Fenpyroximate

21A

12

Avid

Abamectin

6

12

Magus

Fenazaquin

21A

12

Pylon

Chlorfenapyr

13

12

Sanmite

Pyridaben

21A

12

Savate

Spiromesifen

23

12

Sirocco

Abamectin + Bifenazate

6 + 20D

12

Suffoil-X, TriTek, Ultra-Pure, others

Mineral oil

UNM

 4

 

Aphids

Trade name

Active Ingredient

MoA Group

REI (hours)

Acelepryn

Chlorantraniliprole

28

4

Altus

Flupyradifurone

4D

4

Aria

Flonicamid

29

12

Azatin, Molt-X, Aza-Direct, others1

Azadirachtin

Unknown 

4-12**

BotaniGard 22WP/ES, Velifer

Beauveria bassiana

Insect pathogen

4, 12

Endeavor

Pymetrozine

9B

12

Enstar AQ

s-Kinoprene

7A

4

Flagship

Thiamethoxam

4A

12

Hachi-Hachi SC

Tolfenpyrad

21A

12

Isarid, NoFly, Ancora,

Isaria fumosorosea

Insect pathogen

4

Kontos

Spirotetramat

23

24

LALGUARD M52 OD

Metarhizium brunneum

Insect pathogen

4

M-Pede / Kopa

Potassium salts of fatty acids

Unclassified

12

Mainspring GNL

Cyantraniliprole

28

4

Marathon, Benefit, Mantra, others

Imidacloprid

12

4A

Orthene 97

Acephate

1B

12-24

Pradia

Cyclaniloprole + Flonicamid

28+29

12

Rycar

Pyrifluquinazon

9B

12

Safari

Dinotefuran

4A

12

Sarisa

Cycaniliprole

28

4

Sirocco

Abamectin + Bifenazate

6 + 20D

12

Suffoil-X, TriTek, Ultra-fine, others

Mineral oil

UNM

 4

Talstar

Bifenthrin

3A

12

Triact 70

Neem oil

Unknown

4

TriStar

Acetamiprid

4A

12

Ventigra

Afidopyropen

9D

12

 

Whiteflies

Trade name

Active ingredient

MoA Group

REI (hours)

Adept

Diflubenzuron

15

12

Altus

Flupyradifurone

4D

4

Aria

Flonicamid

29

12

Avid

Abamectin

6

12

Azatin, Molt-X, Aza-Direct, others1

Azadirachtin

Unknown

4-12

BotaniGard 22WP/ES, Velifer

Beauveria bassiana

Insect pathogen

4

Distance (not for Q biotype)

Pyriproxyfen

7C

12

Endeavor

Pymetrozine

9B

12

Enstar AQ (not for Q biotype)

s-Kinoprene

7A

4

Flagship

Thiamethoxam

4A

12

Hachi-Hachi SC

Tolfenpyrad

21A

12

Isarid, NoFly, Ancora

Isaria fumosorosea

Insect pathogen

4

Kontos

Spirotetramat

23

24

LALGUARD M52 OD

Metarhizium brunneum

Insect pathogen

4

M-Pede / Kopa

Potassium salts of fatty acids

Unclassified

12

Magus

Fenazaquin

21A

12

Mainspring GNL

Cyantraniliprole

28

4

Marathon, Benefit, Mantra, others

Imidacloprid

4A

12

Orthene 97

Acephate

1B

12-24

Pedestal

Novaluron

15

12

Pradia

Cyclaniloprole + Flonicamid

28+29

12

Preclude

Fenoxycarb

7B

12

Rycar

Pyrifluquinazon

9B

12

Safari

Dinotefuran

4A

12

Sanmite

Pyridaben

21A

12

Sarisa

Cycaniliprole

28

4

Savate

Spiromesifen

23

12

Sirocco

Abamectin + Bifenazate

6 + 20D

12

Suffoil-X, TriTek, Ultra-Pure, others

Mineral oil

UNM

 4

Talus (not for Q biotype)

Buprofezin

16

12

Triact 70

Neem oil

Unknown

4

TriStar

Acetamiprid

4A

12

Ventigra

Afidopyropen

9D

12

XXpire

Spinetoram + Sulfoxaflor

5 + 4C

12

 

Fungus gnats (larvae)

Trade name

Active ingredient

MoA Group

REI (hours)

Adept

Diflubenzuron

15

12

Azatin, Molt-X, Aza-Direct, others1

Azadirachtin

Unknown

4-12**

Citation

Cyromazine

17

12

Distance

Pyriproxyfen

7C

12

Enstar AQ

s-Kinoprene

7A

4

Flagship

Thiamethoxam

4A

12

Gnatrol

Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)

11

4

Marathon, Mantra, Benefit, others

Imidacloprid

4A

12

Nemasys, others

Steinernema feltiae

Unclassified

 

Safari

Dinotefuran

4A

12

TriStar

Acetamiprid

4A

12

 

Mealybugs2

Trade name

Active ingredients

MoA Group

REI (hours)

Aria

Flonicamid

29

12

Distance

Pyriproxyfen

7C

12

Enstar AQ

s-Kinoprene

7A

4

Flagship

Thiamethoxam

4A

12

Kontos

Spirotetramat

23

23

Orthene 97

Acephate

1B

12-24

Pradia

Cyclaniloprole + Flonicamid

28+29

12

Rycar

Pyrifluquinazon

9B

12

Safari

Dinotefuran

4A

12

Suffoil-X, TriTek, Ultra-Pure, others

Mineral oils

UNM 

4

Talstar

Bifenthrin

3A

12

Talus

Buprofezin

16

12

Triact 70

Neem oil

Unknown

4

TriStar

Acetamiprid

4A

12

Ventigra

Afidopyropen

9D

12

 

Caterpillars

Trade name

Active ingredients

MoA Group

REI (hours)

Acelepryn

Chlorantraniliprole

28

4

Adept

Diflubenzuron

15

12

Avid

Abamectin

6

12

DiPel, others

Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk)

11

4

Conserve

Spinosad

5

4

Mainspring

Cyantraniliprole

28

4

Orthene

Acephate

1B

12-24

Overture

Pyridalyl

Unknown

12

Pedestal

Novaluron

15

12

Pradia

Cyclaniloprole + Flonicamid

28+29

12

Pylon

Chlorfenapyr

13

12

Sarisa

Cycaniliprole

28

4

XXpire

Spinetoram + Sulfoxaflor

5 + 4C

12

MoA = Mode of Action
REI = Restricted Entry Interval
UNM = Non-specific mechanical and physical disruptors
1 Other azadirachtin products include: AzaGuard, Azatrol, AzaSol, Ornazin.
2 In research trials, foliar spray applications of Safari, Flagship, and Kontos were as effective as drenches at controlling mealybugs. Adding a spreader adjuvant such as CapSil or Silwet improved efficacy.
** Restricted entry intervals vary across azadirachtin products. Please consult the label.


We thank Dan Gilrein of Cornell University for his review of this document.

The information presented here is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

DOWNLOAD FILE


Authors

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.