Dr. Raymond A. Cloyd
Department of Entomology
Kansas State University
Greenhouse pest management/plant protection involves using a multitude of strategies in order to minimize the prospect of dealing with arthropod pest (insect and mite) populations. The use of pest control materials (insecticides and miticides) is one component of a pest management/plant protection program that also includes pest identification and monitoring along with cultural, physical, and biological control.
Proper stewardship of pest control materials includes resistance management by rotating products with different modes of action. A system has been developed by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) to facilitate the implementation of appropriate rotation programs. Pest control materials have been assigned a designated number (sometimes number and letter combinations) based on their mode of action. For more information consult the IRAC website (www.irac.online.org).
The information presented in Table 1 is not a substitute for the label. It is important to read and understand all information presented on the label before using any pest control material. Be sure to check county and state regulations to determine if there are any local restrictions associated with the use of specific pest control materials listed in this chart.
Biological control is a pest management strategy that is gaining favor by greenhouse producers. There are a number of natural enemies such as parasitoids and predators that may be used to regulate populations of the major insect and mite pests of greenhouse production systems. Table 2 provides information on the types of natural enemies that are commercially available. Products are shown in Table 2.
For more information contact Dr. Raymond A. Cloyd, Professor and Extension Specialist in Horticultural Entomology/Plant Protection at Kansas State University, Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-4004
Phone: (785) 532-4750; Email: rcloyd@ksu.edu
