introduction biocontrol insects for greenhouses
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Biological Insect Pest Control for Greenhouses
Brooke Edmunds, PhDCSU Extension-Adams County
Regional Specialist, Commercial Greenhouses & Nurseries
What is Biological Control?
The rearing and release of living organisms that seek out and destroy organisms considered to be pests
First known use: 324 BC Chinese growers strategically placed ant colonies
to control foliar insects in citrus trees
Commercial biocontrol started in late 1960’s ~30 species of insects available today
Why consider Biocontrol?
Pesticide options are limited Herbs & vegetables Insecticide resistance
Reduce risk of worker exposure Reduced re-entry times-better scheduling
Outline
General biocontrol agents Common biocontrol insects used in
greenhouses Steps to getting started
Lysiphlebus testaceipes
Parasitoids
Predators
Beauveria bassiana
Pathogens
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora
Entomopathogenic Nematodes
Parasitoids
Predators
Today’s Focus:
Predators & Parasitoids What’s the difference?
Predator: Insect that utilizes other insects as a food source
Parasite: Insect that requires another insect to complete it’s life cycle (eggs laid in other insect)
Specificity of biocontrols
Most biocontrol insects are specific to a pest
Whitefly
Silverleaf whitefly Predator – none commercially available Parasite
Eretmocerus eremicus (wasp)
Greenhouse whitefly Predator – none commercially available Parasite
Encarsia formosa (wasp)
Spider mites-know pest species
Predators Neoseiulus californicus (mite) Mesoseiulus longipes (mite) Galendromus occidentalis (mite) Phytoseiulus persimilis (mite)
Parasite None commercially available
Aphids-Know pest species
Predator Aphidoletes aphidimiza (midge)
Parasite Aphidius colemani (wasp) Aphidius ervi (wasp)
Thrips
Predator Amblyseius cucumeris (mite)
Parasite None commercially available
Generalists
Orius insidiosus (minute pirate bug) Amblyseius swirskiis (predatory mite) Chrysopa carnea (lacewings) Hippodamia convergens (lady beetle)
Getting started:
Accurate Pest ID Most biocontrols are host-specific! For help with identification:
CSU Extension Faculty Adams Co. Greenhouse Plant Diagnostic Lab Internet sources
Scouting Scout pest populations before starting:
What are your pests? Where are your problems? Hot spots? When do they occur?
Getting started:
Scouting After biocontrol release: Are the biocontrol
insects working? Depending on the species released:
Use trap/indicator plants over sticky traps Look for aphid mummies Look for shriveled spider mites Look for blacken pupa
Getting started:
Eggplant in Gerbera crop
Photo: Cornell Univ.
Scouting After biocontrol release: Are the biocontrol
insects working? Depending on the species released:
Use trap/indicator plants over sticky traps Look for aphid mummies Look for shriveled spider mites Look for blacken pupa
Getting started:
Scouting After biocontrol release: Are the biocontrol
insects working? Depending on the species released:
Use trap/indicator plants over sticky traps Look for aphid mummies Look for shriveled spider mites Look for blacken pupa
Getting started:
Photos: UC Davis
Getting started:
Educate yourself Know biology/life cycles of pests & biocontrol
What is optimum environment for biocontrol? Humidity? Temps?
Create resource list & contacts Suppliers, other growers, Extension agent
Encarsia formosa
Getting started:
Start Small Learn the ropes in a single house or with a
single crop Long-term crops (i.e. Poinsettia) work better
than short-term crops (bedding plants)
Getting started:
Give biocontrols best chance for success
•Screen vents to restrict pest entry
•Inspect new plants/quarantine
Screen vents to restrict new pest entry
Getting started:
Plan Ahead-Compatible Pesticides
Compatible pesticides available to treat hot spots?
www.koppert.com or www.biobest.de (click on ‘side effects’) have great databases showing the effect of insecticides on biological control performance
Results are compiled from research studies so small-scale tests should be done
Encarsia formosa (parasitic wasp)
Abamectin (Avid insecticide)
http://www.biobest.be/ click ‘side effects’ on top menu
Getting started:
Select a Supplier Is the supplier a member of the Association of Natural Biocontrol
Producers? Have other growers you know dealt with the supplier before and
been pleased with the service? Does the producer provide information about its products? Do packages arrive quickly (1-3 days), on time and in good
condition? Is the supplier a primary producer of the biocontrol insect, or a
distributor? Is the producer a firm that has been around for some years, or a
small start up company?
Local Sources
No endorsements implied-FYI only!
Hydro Gardens www.hydro-gardens.com (Colorado Springs)
M & R Durango www.goodbug.com (Bayfield)
Web search will turn up other sources
Getting started:
Insure quality during & after shipping
Shipping & holding temp are important!
Shaker bottle of predatory mites mixed with vermiculite
Getting started
Insure quality during & after shipping:
Do counts if possible immediate on arrival If you receive a shipment of biological control agents and
they are all dead: Call the supplier immediately to file a claim.
If the counts are low, let the supplier know before you discard the samples. A rep may want to examine the containers to find out what went wrong and how to remedy the problem. Complain about consistently low counts.
If there is a serious problem or you are having difficulty doing the counts, try to find an extension agent or pest manager to help you.
Getting started:
Know Release Rates & Timing
Getting started:
Success = Patience & Commitment Biocontrol doesn’t produce instant results Requires intensive management Takes more time Balance between allowing biocontrol time to
work and managing an insect outbreak another way
Resources
Univ. of Wisconsin ‘Biological Control of Insects and Other Pests of Greenhouse Crops’ 108 pp (http://learningstore.uwex.edu/pdf/NCR581.pdf )
The Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers http://www.anbp.org/beneficialinsectprofiles.htm
Compatible pesticides with biocontrols www.koppert.com or www.biobest.de (click on ‘side effects’)
Resources-Suppliers
Hydro Gardens www.hydro-gardens.com (Colorado Springs)
M & R Durango www.goodbug.com (Bayfield) Koppert www.kopperts.com Syngenta Bio-line
Brooke Edmunds, PhDCSU Extension-Adams County
Regional Specialist, Commercial Greenhouses & Nurseries
303/637-8016 office
www.adamscountyextension.orgClick on Greenhouse & Nursery then Presentations