| Beneficial Insects at Woodward Greenhouses |
| We are heading into our third Spring using beneficial insects to control pests. It is an interesting venture and with the help of Leanne Pundt from Uconn and Griffin Greenhouse Supply we have practically eliminated pesticide and fungicide sprays! Another interesting aspect of this program are the number of "good" bugs that just seem to appear at different times throughout the year on their own. It makes us feel we are creating a much healthier working environment. |
We have introduced Atheta beetles , a
nocturnal insect that feeds on thrips,
fungus gnats and shore flies.
nocturnal insect that feeds on thrips,
fungus gnats and shore flies.
We are using combo packs of
Eretmocerus mundus,and Encarsia
formosa which are 2 kinds of tiny
parasitic wasps that are effective in
whitefly control
Eretmocerus mundus,and Encarsia
formosa which are 2 kinds of tiny
parasitic wasps that are effective in
whitefly control
I feel we have had the best success
with steinernema feltiae a tiny parasitic
nematode They have worked well
controling both fungus gnats and
thrips larvae.
with steinernema feltiae a tiny parasitic
nematode They have worked well
controling both fungus gnats and
thrips larvae.
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| kinds of aphids. Last year we released large numbers of Lacewings anywhere there were aphid favorites and had pretty good control. This year we will be using the combined forces of Lacewings, aphid gall midges and aphidus colemani. We are even setting up a banker plant system. |