In case you missed the recent GrowON presentation on July 22nd, by Dr. Youbin Zheng (University of Guelph) we’ve now uploaded to YouTube! You can find the recording on the ONFloriculture YouTube channel. While you’re there, check out the whole GrowON series, where an array of videos and webinars covering everything from production to pest management ..read more

The “walk-out” technique to assess predatory mite sachets. Details on how to do this (and why!) are in the video. Photo by R. Buitenhuis. In this week’s “how-to” video, we’ll continue exploring how to assess the quality of the biocontrol agents you receive. This video focuses on a staple of thrips control – predatory mite sachets. These can be a bit trickier to assess than loose product, but it’s important to use the right technique to avoid underestimating the quality of sachets (something even I’ve been guilty of). Keep reading to find the link to the video and additional resources. Video De ..read more

Register for the OSCIA Greenhouse Biosecurity workshop held in-person in Vineland, on August 7th, 2024! Seats still available! Missed the workshop back in June? Register HERE to attend in-person. The upcoming workshop is specifically designed for greenhouse growers, both vegetable and floriculture producers. A technical expert will show you the benefits of having a biosecurity program and identify key practices to help you enhance biosecurity for your greenhouse. You will have the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable OSCIA staff about cost-share opportunities and network with fellow gro ..read more

An Encarsia wasp emerging from a whitefly. Poinsettia (and whitefly) season is almost upon us! So we thought it was fitting that this week’s “how-to” video focuses on on-farm quality control tests of parasitic wasps. We’ve also got a few videos on how to scout your poinsettia crop for whitefly and implementing a whitefly biocontrol program. Although these are older videos, they still have lots of relevant info, especially for those newer to whitefly biocontrol programs. Keep reading for the videos and links to further readings. About These Videos Video 1: Quality Checking Biocontrols: Parasit ..read more

Since 2015, IPM specialists and researchers in Ontario have been noticing more and more thrips damage. Why? Because were now finding more thrips species than ever! This is especially true in popular tropical and foliage plants grown throughout North America. Join me for webinar with Penn State Extension this Friday to learn which thrips are pestering your plants! Webinar Details: Who: Dr. Sarah Jandricic, Greenhouse Floriculture IPM Specialist for OMAFA (coauthored by Ashley Summerfield, Senior Research Technician, Biocontrol Lab, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre) Hosted by: Patri ..read more

Exciting new research from Dr. Youbin Zheng (University of Guelph) explores how plants respond to different light spectra and spectral combinations. Join us for a GrowON talk on July 22nd in-person or online to learn more about how to apply spectral variations to a diverse set of crops and production purposes! Read on for the full details. Click the poster above to REGISTER! Remember registration closes July 19th and in-person spots are limited. Having trouble or need more info? Email co-hosts Dr. Fadi Al-Daoud fadi.al-daoud@ontario.ca or Abigail Wiesner abigail.wiesner@ontario.ca ..read more

This post was contributed to by Abigail Wiesner, Drs. Sarah Jandricic, and Chevonne Dayboll. Christmas in July? Not quite, but poinsettias are making their way into greenhouses across Ontario, and they always arrive at the hottest time of the year. Nutritional issues, environmental stress, PGR mistakes and early diseases can all be costly in this high-value crop. Read on for common pitfalls and how to avoid them, as well as links to pest management information in early production. Staying On Top of New Recommendations Probably the biggest threat to your poinsettia crop is starting to get ..read more

By Sarah Jandricic (OMAFA) and Judy Colley (Plant Products) A female (left) and male (right) Thrips parvispinus on a mandevilla flower. With the arrival of mandevilla, dipladenia and hibiscus cuttings, now is the time to start planning your management program for Thrips parvispinus. Unfortunately, it looks like this pest is here to stay in North America, and in the tropical plant industry at large. In this post, we’ll focus on pesticide rotations to manage pesticide resistance, as well as a few tips and tricks to make sure your pesticides stay working. Pesticide Resistance Management With pe ..read more

Nematodes infecting thrips. Photo by R. Buitenhuis, Vineland. In this installment of our “how-to” video series, we’re bringing you two related videos about entomopathogens in the soil. The first is a new addition that can help you determine if your microbial pesticides are alive and kicking after application. This can be super important after temperature fluctuations like the heat wave we just had. The second video is an oldie but a goodie. It demonstrates quality control and proper application of parasitic nematodes in potting media. About these videos Video 1: Quality testing of entomopatho ..read more

Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) adults were caught in traps today in Guelph and spotted in the last day or two near London, ON. Read on for what the start of the adult emergence period means in terms of pest management for outdoor nursery and floriculture crops. Scouting and Adult Control: Look for these shiny green and copper beetles feeding on grape leaves, roses and many other trees and shrubs.  Where possible, homeowners can knock adults into a bucket of soapy water (to smother them). Several insecticides are registered for the adults in the nursery, including BeetleGONE and ..read more