East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse IPM Program

IPM Webinars Blog

2011-02-03T16:38:00.000-06:00

A new bog site has been established at ipmwebinars.blogspot.com to announce future Nursery and Greenhouse IPM Webinars. This will be the primary means of distributing webinar announcements.

Fighting Phytophthora: Integrated Strategies for Controlling Root Rots in Nurseries and Greenhouses

2010-10-04T16:25:00.000-05:00

Dr. Kelly Ivors, NC State University, will cover the latest management strategies for managing root rots on nursery and greenhouse crops.

Title: Fighting Phytophthora: Integrated Strategies for Controlling Root Rots in Nurseries and Greenhouses
Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM EDT (10:00 Central Time)

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/926355656

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Nursery and Greenhouse IPM Webinar Series: Whiteflies and Thrips

2010-08-24T20:22:00.001-05:00

This is the first in a series of monthly webinars addressing IPM issues in the nursery and greenhouse industry. This month's webinar will address whitefly and thrips control. Dr. Osborne, University of Florida, will cover how to properly managing B and Q biotype whiteflies. Dr. Ludwig, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, will discuss how to manage western flower thrips and chilli thrips. Please join use for this interactive online meeting.

Title: Nursery and Greenhouse IPM Webinar Series: Whiteflies and Thrips
Date: Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/116468073

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Citrus Greening Workshop

2010-07-11T15:25:00.000-05:00

Kevin Ong, director of the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, will be hosting a citrus greening workshop in Tyler on July 14th at the Smith County Extension Office from 9am to 1:15 pm. This is a serious disease of citrus and is currently quarantined. This is a good opportunity for anyone who sells citrus or maintains them in the landscape to learn about this disease. You can register at http://plantclinic.tamu.edu.

Q-biotype whiteflies have been discoved in Texas

2010-06-13T20:09:00.000-05:00

Q-biotype whiteflies have been discoved in Texas. The good news is that there have not been any reports of whiteflies that could not be controlled. Look for more information once the Q-biotype Task Force has a better handle on the situation. In the meantime, check out my whitefly managment page. The "Management Program for Whiteflies on Propagated Ornamental with an Emphasis on the Q-biotype" will provide information on managing both B & Q-biotype whiteflies.

In the meantime remember the basics......

A good whitefly management program must have two goals. First, of course, is to help growers produce a high quality, salable crop for the final consumer. Second, but of equal importance, is preserving the chemical tools that agriculture uses to manage whiteflies. If we do not maintain the viability of effective chemical tools, it will be difficult for many growers to produce a salable crop. Consequently, the wise use of chemicals, through a scientifically based IPM program, is essential in this 21st Century. Europe has seen, and is suffering from, the results of overspraying. Insecticide misuse in the United States may result in silverleaf whitefly populations that cannot be controlled. It is important to remember that the Q-biotype whitefly is already resistant to a number of products commonly used. Chemical overspray could easily lead to B-biotype resistance.

The Task Force asks you to collaborate with us in this effort. It's not just about the challenges posed by the Q-biotype. It's about avoiding resistance development in any whitefly population.
What should commercial growers be doing?

1. Scout - essential. Inspect your crops at least weekly. Don't let the whiteflies get ahead of you, or your treatment options will be more limited.

2. Exclude or isolate. If at all possible, try to exclude whiteflies from your growing facility with screening material, and if possible, isolate the facility so that workers have to enter through an anteroom.

3. Practice good sanitation - essential. Keep weeds down, maintain good growing practices.

4. Inspect incoming shipments, and isolate if necessary. All of the major propagators are cooperating in this program, so you should not be receiving undue numbers of whiteflies. Because zero-tolerance is NOT the goal for anyone, you may see a whitefly or two when your shipments arrive. That's normal, and means that your propagator (or rooting station) is probably following good management practices. However, if you see many whiteflies on incoming shipments, keep those shipments separate from your other crops until they have been treated. And contact your propagator or rooting station - inform them about the situation. Ask whether they are biotyping their whiteflies, if they are monitoring resistance levels in their whitefly populations, and if they are following the Task Force's recommended Management Program.

Nursery and Greenhouse Professional Field Day

2010-05-21T11:03:00.000-05:00

The AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton is hosting its first field day dedicated to nursery and greenhouse crop producers on June 24. The meeting flier is posted at on my website etipm.tamu.edu.

Dr. Pemberton will have his Horticulture Field Day in the morning. More information should be available at flowers.tamu.edu next week.

If you plan on attending the Nursery and Greenhouse Professional Field Day please RSVP to 903-834-6191 by June 22

Hope to See you on June 24th!

Nursery and Greenhouse Professional Field Day Schedule:
Pre-Field Day Seminars (2 TNLA CEUs)
1:00-1:30 2010 CA Spring Trials - Brent Pemberton
1:30-2:00 2010 CA Spring Trials - Jimmy Turner
2:00-2:20 Summary of Texas Field Trial Evaluations - Brent Pemberton
2:20-2:50 Use of Traps to Manage Feral Hogs - Billy Higginbotham

Nursery and Greenhouse Professional Field Day (2 TDA CEUs, 4 TNLA CEUs)
2:50-3:00 Registration (Auditorium)
3:00-4:00 Overview of Applied Horticulture, Entomology, and Pathology Research
4:00-4:15 Travel to North Farm (3 miles north of the Center)
4:15-4:45 East Texas Bedding Plant Trials
4:45-5:00 Travel back to Overton Center
5:00-6:00 Tour of Entomology, Pathology, and Horticulture Research Projects
6:00-7:00 Dinner (Kevin Ong will provide an entertaining and educational program)

The center is one mile north of Overton on FM 3053

Directions can be found at: overton.tamu.edu/maps.htm.

Field Day is made possible by the financial support of the following sponsors:
BioWorks
Dow AGroSciences
Harrell's
Helena
Pace 49
Kinney Bonded Warehouse
Senninger Irrigation
Natural Industries
Syngenta
Vital Earth Resources

Twitter and Facebook

2010-03-21T20:46:00.000-05:00

You can now follow the East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse IPM Program on Facebook and Twitter.

To view the Facebook site or become a fan visit http://facebook.com/ETIPM

You can also follow the IPM program on twitter @EastTexasIPM

Thrips Management Program for Plants for Planting

2010-03-20T08:34:00.001-05:00

After a lot of work by a number of people the Thrips Management Program for Plants for Planting is now available. This plan is an evolving document and will change as new information regarding thrips management is developed.

This document presents a program to manage thrips including but not limited to Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and Chilli Thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) on plants. This program does not require a pesticide application when the first thrips is detected. However, it does outline steps to manage and maintain thrips populations throughout the initial propagation and active growth stages at levels to enable complete control on final plant material being shipped. Growers should apply pesticides when scouting reports identify population densities at levels where experience and/or extension personnel dictate action be taken. These densities would depend on many factors including the crop, source(s) of infestation, history of viral infection, and environmental conditions

Chilli Thrips E-Learning Module Released!

2010-03-10T20:41:00.001-06:00

The National Plant Diagnostic Network is pleased to announce the release of the chilli thrips e-learning module. Chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis, has been an emerging pest issue in Florida and other southern U.S. states since 2005. This new invasive pest has an extremely wide host range, attacking more than 40 plant families. Chilli thrips has been particularly problematic on ornamental plants, but agronomic crops, such as peppers, blueberries, strawberries, cotton and peanuts are also at risk.

The chilli thrips e-learning module will provide learners with an introduction to the distribution, life history, and pest status potential for chilli thrips, in the U.S.

Upon completing this module you will:
• Be familiar with the origin and current status of chilli thrips in the U.S.
• Be familiar with damage symptoms.
• Understand the life cycle of chilli thrips.
• Know general management options.
• Be familiar with local resources for obtaining management recommendations.
• Understand thrips sampling techniques.
• Know how to submit a thrips sample to an appropriate diagnostic laboratory.

In order to view the chilli thrips e-learning module, go to http://cbc.at.ufl.edu/ and click on ‘take the online modules’. If you do not have an account set up with the National Plant Diagnostic Network, you will need to do so in order to view this module along with others on the site. The website contains simple instructions for creating your account.

The chilli thrips e-learning module includes a post-test. As of March 2010, a ‘certificate of completion’ for the chilli thrips module will be available for download once the module has been completed at the 70% level or higher.

Please direct questions regarding the NPDN e-learning program to Amanda Hodges achodges@ufl.edu.

The chilli thrips training module was developed by Amanda Hodges, Lance Osborne, Howard Beck (University of Florida/IFAS), and Scott Ludwig (Texas AgriLife Extension Service)

The Three E's of Nursery and Greenhouse Safety

2010-03-04T08:34:00.000-06:00

Nursery and Greenhouse Safety:
Worker Training

Nursery and greenhouse workers perform labor intensive operations daily. They are exposed to heavy lifting, repetitive motions, extreme environmental conditions, equipment dangers, chemical exposure, and many other potentially hazardous situations.
Mississippi State University researchers are working to enhance labor performance of the green industry by raising awareness of these common safety concerns in this series of DVDs called "The Three E’s of Nursery and Greenhouse Safety.”

In this safety training series, learn how following these recommendations can minimize the potential for injury among nursery and greenhouse workers. These bilingual (English/Spanish) safety training videos can be the perfect complement to your new employee training program or can be used as refresher training material reviewed at routine safety or team meetings.

The Three E’s of Nursery and Greenhouse Safety video series are available at no charge for online viewing (FLV) and download (MP4).

Choose the FLV link to open a new browser window that will show a Flash Video file or choose MP4 to begin downloading a file viewable with many video players.

Ergonomics

Hand and Wrist Safety FLV | MP4
Back and Lifting Safety FLV | MP4

Environment

Eye and Hearing Safety FLV | MP4
Chemical Safety FLV | MP4

Equipment

Safely Using Large Equipment FLV | MP4

To learn more about the video series or to order a copy, please contact:
Mississippi State University
Coastal Research & Extension Center
1815 Popps Ferry Road
Biloxi, MS 39532
601-403-8770
slanglois@ra.msstate.edu

Insect Images and Videos

2010-01-30T08:44:00.001-06:00

Wondering where you can go to find images of insects that you know are correctly identified? There are a lot of insect photos on the internet but not all are correctly identified.

The 4-H Entomology website is a wonderful resource for not only 4-H participants, but the general public. While the site is targeted for 4-H Entomology students, there is a link to a list of common insects you can find in your own backyard well as while you travel throughout the state.

The guide to insect and non-insect orders is really cool because you can learn how to pronounce all those scientific names (it's an interactive pdf file- waaay cool!) and find out information on biology and characteristics.

Another great feature is a link to insect collecting videos. No, this isn't people collecting insects, but videos that show you how to do things like how to use an aspirator, choosing the correct net, pinning insects, etc. It's a great how-to section for those of you who want to start insect collecting as a hobby or start a reference collection to utilize as a teaching tool.

I need to thank Wizzie Brown's blog for this information.

Have you developed your IPM plan for 2010?

2010-01-17T09:03:00.000-06:00

In a blog posting I will not be able to tell you how to implement an integrated pest management (IPM) plan from scratch. I will however I can go over some of the basics.

Before developing an IPM plan, it is important to understand why you are developing an IPM plan. Integrated pest management is a strategy to limit damage caused by insects, mites, diseases, weeds, etc. It strives to use a combination of pest-control tactics to minimize risks to human health, the environment and nontarget organisms. IPM focuses on tactics that will prevent or avoid anticipated pest problems rather than trying to remediate problems after they occur.

IPM is the combined use of mechanical, physical, cultural, biological and chemical control methods. To properly implement an IPM program, you need to evaluate all control methods available.

In developing an IPM plan it is important to familiarize yourself with the growing conditions favorable to your crops and the pests to which they are susceptible. A team of individuals should develop the IPM plan. Having key growers, pest managers and key spray personnel involved in the process will help to ensure that all areas of production are addressed. By developing your management plan before you start your crop it will be possible to discuss the plan with your employees and ensure you have the supplies you will need.

You can divide your IPM plan into three key parts. The first part of your IPM plan should address sanitary measures before and during production. Ensuring no pests are present when you start your crop can save a lot of time and effort. The second part of your plan should cover your pest-monitoring program. A proper monitoring program is invaluable in any IPM program. Finally, determine how you will manage pests when they appear at levels that trigger a required treatment.

By determining in advance how you plan to manage common pest problems, you can be assured you have chemicals or biological-control agents available when needed. It is important to update you chemical management program every year due to new products entering the market. Many new pesticides are compatible with IPM programs in that they have a very narrow spectrum of pest susceptibility and are compatible with biological control agents.

As you implement your IPM program it will be important to keep in constant communication with your employees. At the end of the season, a meeting should be held to discuss the effectiveness of the IPM plan and make any needed changes for next year’s crops.

Field Day in Overton

2010-01-11T11:47:00.003-06:00

I hope everybody is having a great 2010 so far. I know the cold weather was a challenge for many growers. I had problems with pipes bursting and heaters not working so I know what many of you went through last week. This cold weather hopefully killed off some insect pests that were lurking about.

Now lets think about warmer weather. The AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton will be hosting its first field day dedicated to nursery and greenhouse production on June 24th. We are still working out the details, but the program will start in the afternoon and wrap up with a free dinner. We should be able to offer TNLA and TDA CEUs.

The field day will have something for everyone. We will start off in the air conditioned auditorium with an overview of the research and extension programs at the Center. The program will then move outdoors with field tours of Dr. Pemberton's plant evaluation trials and Dr. Steddom's and my pest management trials. The NTNGA Memorial Greenhouse is now operational and will be a major feature of the program. We will finish off inside with a great meal catered by Catfish Express (they catered lunch at the East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse Conference in 2009).

2010 Pest & Production Management Conference

2009-11-25T09:00:00.000-06:00

Orlando is the Destination for the 2010 Pest & Production Management Conference
The 26th Annual Pest & Production Management Conference will take place February 25-27, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport in Orlando, Florida. Attendees will learn the latest techniques in pest/disease and production management for greenhouse and nursery plants and receive expert answers on top crop health concerns. They'll see the latest tools and products and be able to network with leading growers, researchers and educators. Click Here for more information.

Online Registration Now Open: Take Advantage of Registration Discounts
Greenhouse growers can register for the 2010 Pest & Production Management Conference by going to the official website for the conference. Be sure and take advantage of the discounted registration rates before January 29, 2010. Discounts are also available for multiple participants from the same company.

Earn While You Learn: Recertification Credits Available At Conference
Attendees can earn credits toward pesticide applicator recertification at the Pest & Production Management Conference. More than 20 states certify this program for credit. Bring your state issued applicator or certificate number for documentation for CEU credits on site. For more information, contact SAF's Laura Weaver, CMP at 800.336.4743.

Event Organizers
The organizers of the 26th Annual Pest & Production Management Conference are the Society of American Florists and Greenhouse Grower magazine.

Water Management That Makes Cents

2009-10-14T05:17:00.002-05:00

The Ellison Chair in International Floriculture announces the THIRD of a 3-part webinar series that focuses on water quality, conservation, and management on October 20 at 11:00 a.m. CDT.

Dr. Don Wilkerson of Texas AgriLife Extension Service will be our next featured speaker and he will address the topic: Water Management That Makes Cents!

CLICK HERE -- or go to http://ellisonchair.tamu.edu/webinar.htm to register for the SECOND webinar of the series.

In case you missed them, CLICK HERE -- or go to http://ellisonchair.tamu.edu/webinar.htm to view the RECORDING of the first two webinars of the series, which are now available online. Dr. Paul Fisher of the University of Florida was the first speaker and he covered: What's in Your Water? Water Quality and Treatment for Pathogens and Algae. Dr. Peter Ling of Ohio State University was our second featured speaker and he addressed the topic: Knowing Exactly When to Apply Irrigation Water.

Whiteflies for Christmas?

2009-09-26T09:27:00.005-05:00

Based on early reports, 2009 may be another challenging year for whitefly management. In other states, Q-biotype whiteflies have been detected in some rooted cuttings shipments. I have not heard of any problems in East Texas so far this year. That does not mean East Texas producers don’t need to be on the lookout for problems or have a good management program in place.

A good whitefly management program must have two goals. First, is to produce a high quality, salable crop for the consumer. Second, but of equal importance, is preserving the chemical tools available to manage whiteflies. If we do not maintain the viability of effective chemical tools, it will be difficult for many growers to produce a salable crop. Consequently, the wise use of chemicals, through a scientifically based IPM program, is essential in this 21^st Century. Europe has seen, and is suffering from, the results of over spraying whiteflies. Insecticide misuse in the United States may result in whitefly populations that cannot be controlled. It is important to remember that the Q-biotype whitefly is already resistant to a number of products commonly used. Chemical overspray could easily lead silverleaf whitefly resistance.

The Q-biotype Task Force asks you to collaborate with us in this effort. It’s not just about the challenges posed by the Q-biotype. It’s about avoiding resistance development in any whitefly population.

We have developed the “Management Program for Whiteflies on Propagated Ornamentals”. It’s available at http://www.mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/LSO/bemisia/bemisia.htm. This program is based on the best scientific data developed to date by the Whitefly Task Force scientists. Do not rely on just one or two effective products, but instead integrate products with different modes of action to decrease the potential for developing resistance.

With support from Color Spot Nurseries, the Society of American Florists and the Agriculture Research Service, I am evaluating rotation programs from the Management Program. The results from my trials and other entomologist around the country will be used to update the plan in 2010.

If you have whitefly control problems contact me so we can get your whiteflies biotyped. Q-biotype whiteflies have never been document in Texas.

REMEMBER: Q-BIOTYPE WHITEFLIES ARE A DOCUMENTED THREAT, BUT THERE IS ALSO EVIDENCE THAT B-BIOTYPE ARE DEVELOPING RESISTANCE AS WELL. Only by working cooperatively, wisely, and together can agriculture solve this problem.

East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse Conference

2009-08-21T20:13:00.004-05:00

I would like to invite the ornamental producers in Texas to attend the 2009 East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse Conference. This year’s conference will be held on October 28^th at the Harvey Convention Center in Tyler. The conference is a partnership between Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, and Northeast Texas Nursery Growers Association. There will also be an IPM Workshop for Hispanic Workers. Registration prior to the meeting is $30 a person and $40 at the door. Five TDA CEU’s will be available. For more information visit http://agrilifevents.tamu.edu/ or call Scott Ludwig at 903-834-6191.

This year we are fortunate to have Dr. Glenn Fain (Auburn University) and Mr. Trent Teegerstrom (University of Arizona) as speakers at the conference.

Dr Fain will present “Alternative Substrates for the Nursery and Greenhouse Industry”. The purchase and shipping of Canadian Peat and perlite are costly products for the greenhouse and nursery business while the future availability of pinebark is of concern. Dr. Fain will show you the results of continued research using WholeTree and forest residuals as substrates in greenhouse and nursery production. Research has shown these components are viable and sustainable alternatives to current substrate components. His presentation will cover harvesting, processing and use of WholeTree and forest residuals as substrate components in greenhouse and nursery production.

Mr. Teegerstrom will present “An Introduction to the Nursery Cost and Profit Estimator”. The Nursery Cost and Profit Estimator (NCPE) is a spreadsheet tool developed jointly by the University of Arizona and the University of Hawaii to assist nursery producers in determining the cost of producing individual plants or groups of similar products. Knowing the individual cost of each product is critical information to make sound management decisions. In an industry where a typical business produces often over 100 different plant products, knowing which ones contribute to profit or loss can be challenging. The NCPE is set up to evaluate products from in-house propagation as well as purchased propagation material, and for final size plants ranging from small containers to trees in large boxes. The NCPE allows determining the true cost of a product but in addition the opportunity to simulate the impact of different cultural practices, regulatory demands, and the use of new products or different inputs. Information needed to start using the NCPE includes the land and bench area in operation, including production and non-production areas, federal tax schedule F or C, and production records for specific products or groups of products grown in the operation. The NCPE offers producers the opportunity to weigh the risks associated with different cultural practices, pricing, and regulatory compliance.

Additional topics to be addressed will include:

IPM Update – Dr. Scott Ludwig (AgriLife Extension)
Insect Pest Identification - Dr. Scott Ludwig (AgriLife Extension
Plant Disease Identification and Management - Dr. Karl Steddom (AgriLife Extension)
Improving Postharvest Performance of Bedding Plants with PGRs – Dr. Brent Pemberton (AgriLife Research)
Training your Hispanic Workforce - Dr. Carlos Bográn (AgriLife Extension)

Don’t forget to bring your Hispanic works so they can attend Dr. Brográn’s day long “IPM Workshop of Hispanic Workers”.

Register now for water webinar series

2009-08-13T20:45:00.002-05:00

Given the success of its inaugural Shine in 09 webinar series (recordings are online at http://ellisonchair.tamu.edu/webinar.htm), the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture announces a new 3-part webinar series that focuses on water quality, conservation, and management.

Why water?
Access to an adequate supply of high quality water is also a growing concern for the nursery/floral industry due to drought, urbanization, and competing demands have decreased available irrigation water. Additionally, regulations on consumption and runoff have greatly impacted greenhouse and nursery management and profitability!
The first of these water-related webinars will be presented on August 17 at 2:00 p.m. CDT by Dr. Paul Fisher, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Florida. His topic will be: "What's living in your water? Water quality and treatment for pathogens and algae."

Paul also serves as the lead collaborator for the Water Education Alliance for Horticulture. The goal of the Alliance is to reduce runoff and water-related disease issues in the greenhouse and nursery industry by increasing grower knowledge of water technologies and water conservation practices. Current projects are focusing on the development of accessible educational materials for growers. They are also researching practical methods to assess how well treatment technologies work to treat pathogens. Click here to review some of the activities, programs, and educational materials of the WEAH.

Register now for water webinar series

August 17, 2009 - 2:00 p.m. CDT
Webinar 1 Topic:
What's in Your Water? Water Quality and Treatment for Pathogens and Algae
Dr. Paul Fisher, University of Florida

September 15, 2009 - 11:00 a.m. CDT
Webinar 2 Topic:
Knowing Exactly When to Apply Irrigation Water
Dr. Peter Ling, Ohio State University

October 20, 2009 - 11:00 a.m. CDT
Webinar 3 Topic:
Water Management that Makes Cents!
Dr. Don Wilkerson, Texas A&M University

Chrysanthemum White Rust Webinar

2009-08-07T21:27:00.003-05:00

The Society of American Florists is offering free chrysanthemum white rust webinar hosted by Dr. Jane Trolinger, of Syngenta Flowers. The breeding and propagation companies have worked hard to develop good information about how growers can protect their crops from chrysanthemum white rust this season. For more information on the webinar, chrysanthemum white rust, and other invasive insects and diseases visit the SAF Website at: http://www.safnow.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=333&Itemid=149.

Chilli Thrips Invade East Texas

2009-06-20T07:56:00.018-05:00

Earlier this month I received plants from an East Texas wholesale nursery with damage that the grower thought was possibly herbicide damage. As soon as I put the sample under the microscope my worst fears came true. The damage was not the results of a preemergent herbicide. Rather, the damage was from chilli thrips. I went out to the nursery and walked the entire facility with the grower to determine what plants were impacted. We estimated that approximately 20% of the nursery was infested with chilli thrips. The good news is that we have the tools to develop a management program that should be able to clean up the nursery. Unfortunately, we were unable to determine where the thrips came from. I would suggest that all ornamental crop producers and landscapers in the state be on the lookout for unusual plant damage.

Description. Chilli thrips are extremely small and difficult to distinguish from other thrips species without the aid of a good hand lens or compound microscope. Adults are pale with dark wings and less than 1 mm in length. Immature chilli thrips are also pale in color and resemble the immature stages of many other thrips species.

Feeding Damage. Chilli thrips infestations are usually first detected by their distinctive feeding damage. Unlike flower thrips, which feed primarily on pollen, chilli thrips feed on various plant tissues. Feeding causes bronzing (tissues turning bronze in color) of leaves, buds, and fruit. Damaged leaves may curl upward and appear distorted. Infested plants become stunted or dwarfed and leaves may detach from the stem at the petioles in some plant species. Feeding may also cause buds to become brittle and drop. Young leaves, buds and fruits are preferred, although all above-ground parts of host plants may be attacked. Damage can be easily confused with herbicide damage, broad mites, or even a foliar pathogen.

Chilli thrips damage on pomegranate

Chilli thrips damage on Japanese maple

Host range. Chilli thrips have a very broad host range and may feed on many of the common plants. All broadleafed plants should be considered potential hosts for this thrips. Some of the more common plants attacked are roses (all types), Indian hawthorn, cleyera, begonias, plumbago, blueberry, schefllera, duranta, sweet viburnum, verbena, oaks, live oak, red maple, Japanese maple, grape, Japanese maple, English ivy, viburnum, and ornamental peppers.

Chilli thrips damage on shrub roses

Chilli thrips damage on Indian hawthorn

Plant Monitoring and Identification. Plants with the symptoms described above should be examined closely for the presence of thrips. Thrips collected from the leaves or buds of plants with suspected damage should be collected and properly identified. If you wish to participate in efforts to monitor the distribution of this pest in Texas, place samples of thrips or suspected thrips-infested plant parts into a Ziploc bag, add a dry piece of paper towel or napkin to avoid excessive moisture, and seal the bag. Label the bag with collection information including locality (city or town and county), date, species of host plant, and your name and contact information. Send samples via express mail (next-day delivery) to assure good sample quality. Please send samples to: Chilli Thrips Lab, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, P.O. Box 38, Overton, TX 75684

Zombies and fire ants?

2009-05-30T10:23:00.004-05:00

Earlier this month Robert Burns with AgriLife Communications published a press release regarding a project I am involved in to help establish the first fire ant parasite in East Texas. We never thought that the story would have been picked up outside of East Texas since phorid flies have been released in Texas for a number of years and are established in some parts of the state. Well we learned an important lesson. If you put the word zombie in a title people pay attention.There have been many variations of the story in the media. It is important to know that the flies will not attack humans and turn us into Zombies as some bloggers have suggested.

Here is the original version:

OVERTON – Zombie fire ants may not sound like a cool thing,Texas AgriLife Extension Service but wait a minute, said a expert.

On April 29, on the grounds of the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton in East Texas, Dr. Scott Ludwig released fire ants infected with a new type of phorid fly, a minuscule parasite that only preys on red imported fire ants.

The infected ants will soon exhibit some very bizarre behavior, he said.

"First they become zombies, their movements under the control of the parasite. Then their heads fall off and the parasite emerges," said Ludwig, , AgriLife Extension integrated pest management specialist.

Previously released phorid flies only preyed on ants in disturbed mounds. In contrast, the species, Pseudacteon obtusus, that Ludwig released in April is attracted to foraging red imported fire ants and not disturbed mounts. Which is even better, he said, as attacks of ants are not dependent upon the mounds being disturbed.

The "zombified," fire ant is made to wander about 55 yards away from the mound to die.

"The parasite does this so it can complete development without being detected and attacked by the fire ant colony," Ludwig said. "By making their hosts wander away, the parasite is insuring its survival."

As with the new species, the previously released phorid fly species in Texas only attacks red imported fire ants. They inject their eggs into their bodies. In response, fire ants withdraw to their underground nests and reduce their foraging range, he said.

Once established, it was hoped that earlier releases of phorid flies would spread beyond the original release sites, and there has been evidence that they have, Ludwig said.

"Pseudacteon tricuspis was first released near Austin in 1995. From 2003 to 2006, it spread over 10,000 square miles," Ludwig said. "The second species, P. curvatis, was established 2004 and is beginning its spread."

The parasite isn't attracted to native ant species, he emphasized.

"We're hoping the new parasite will reduce the foraging of fire ants, and thereby allow our native ants to regain some footing," he said.

The release was part of the Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project.

"The project was initiated in 1997 as a result of the Texas Legislature funding an exceptional item requested by Texas AgriLife Research," Ludwig said. "The project's goals are the management of imported fire ant to below economic levels on agricultural lands and to eliminate the imported fire ant as a nuisance or health threat in urban environments." The phorid flies infesting the fire ants Ludwig released were raised by Dr. Lawrence Gilbert, director of the Brackenridge Field Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin.

"UT researchers have taken the lead on phorid fly research in the state," Ludwig said.

More information on the project and fire ant research can be found at http://web.biosci.utexas.edu/fireant/index.html or http://fireants.tamu.edu/ .

The new species was previously released in 2007 only in South Texas, where it was established but did not spread.

"It may not have spread because of the drought," he said.

Ludwig's release was the first in East Texas. In 2010, he plans to set out traps baited with live red imported fire ants to determine if and how rapidly the phorid fly has spread.

"Earlier data suggests they can spread 25 miles a year through wind-assisted dispersion," he said.

IPM Priority Setting Meeting

2009-05-07T17:31:00.000-05:00

The East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse IPM Program is now in its 8th year. Hopefully during this time you have benefited from one of the many activities carried out by my program. These may have included attending the East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse Conference, onsite consultations, science based pest management suggestions, or information disseminated through websites, bogs, trade journal articles, and newsletters.

In an effort to ensure that the East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse IPM Program is positioned to meet your pest management needs in the future, I will be hosting a meeting to set IPM priorities on June 11th from 1:00-4:00 at the Smith County Extension Office. The meeting will be open to all nursery and greenhouse growers from East Texas and surrounding areas. This is your opportunity to have direct impact in the areas that I will address over the next few years.

During this three-hour time period, you will identify areas that need to be addressed in weed, plant disease, and insect management. The needs assessment will be conducted for tree & shrubs, perennials, and bedding & pot plants. It is critical that we have participation from as many growers as possible to help ensure that the industries needs are met.

I am also interested in determining the best method to provide educational information to the industry. It is critical that you receive the information being produced by my program in a timely fashion.

Please RSVP to Kim Cushman at 903-834-6191 or kccushman@ag.tamu.edu by June 10th so we can assure adequate resource for all the meeting attendants.

Managing Insecticide Resistance

2009-05-01T20:08:00.003-05:00

A resistance management plan is a critical component of any integrated pest management (IPM) program. In order to develop a resistance management program you need to understand the mode of action of the products available and the biology of your target pests.

For years entomologists have been telling growers to rotate insecticides by mode of action. The mode of action is the mechanism by which the pesticide kills the pest. Determining the mode of action of an insecticide has become easier over the last few years. Newer insecticide labels have the mode of action group listed on the top of the first page. You can also find a complete listing of the mode of action groups in a number of locations. These include OHP’s Chemical Class Chart (http://www.ohp.com/) and BASF’s Pest Management Guide (http://www.betterplants.com/).

There is still debate over how many times a product can be used before you need to rotate to another product and how different products should be in the rotation program. Your first step should be to read the label and see if there are any label restrictions regarding resistance management. Most products will limit the total number of applications per year. One extreme is the Pedestal® label which states “Do not make more than two (2) applications of Pedestal per crop per year.” In addition to a limit of the total number of applications that can be made, a products label may also have other use restrictions.

A general rule of thumb is that you want to rotate to a different mode of action for each insect generation. Products that kill by desiccation or smothering, such as soaps and oils, can be used anytime in a pesticide rotation scheme without negatively impacting resistance management programs.

There are a few instances where products in different mode of action groups have the same or similar modes of action, examples include 1) cross-resistance between organophosphates and carbamates and 2) pymetrozine (Endeavour®) has been shown to be cross-resistant to neonicotinoids in Bemisia tabaci. It is also important to take note if there is a letter after the mode of action group number, such as 4A with the neonicotinoids. Products with different letters within the groups have different modes of killing the insect, although the end result appears similar or the active ingredients have very similar chemical structures. One example is MOA Class 9. Although Endeavor (9B) and Aria (9C) are both selective feeding blockers, they can be rotated with each other since each product has a different target site on the insect.

Unfortunately, many people do not understand how resistance develops. Insecticide resistance is the genetically based, inherited ability of an individual to survive exposure to an insecticide that is lethal to other individuals in the population. That is a nice scientific definition. Here is a very simplistic way to visualize resistance. You have 1000 aphids on an oleander and because you have not been rotating insecticides 10 individuals or 1% of them are resistant to your favorites insecticide. After you spray there are 100 aphids left on the plant. Assuming the resistant individuals were not impacted by any other mortality factor they now comprise 10% of the population. You decide that a second insecticide application is need a month later. The there are now 2000 aphids on the plant and 200 are resistant to our favorite insecticide (2000 x 10% = 200). Your spay tech does a phenomenal job spraying and kills all the susceptible aphids, but the 200 aphids not impacted by the spray are still on the plant. A week later you decide you want to sell the plants without any aphids and have the plants sprayed again with your favorite insecticide and to your surprise you are unable to detect any decrease in the population. This is a very simplistic hypothetical situation, but hopefully give you a way of visualizing how resistance can develop.

As illustrated above, it takes a number of generations for an insect species to develop resistance to an insecticide. Generally, the shorter the generation time the faster the species can develop resistance. According to the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (http://www.irac-online.org/) there are four mechanisms that may cause an insect population to become resistant to insecticides. Some insects may actually exhibit more than one of the mechanisms at a time.

Metabolic resistance. This is the most common mechanism of insecticide resistance. Resistant insects use internal enzymes to detoxifying or destroy the insecticide’s toxin more rapidly than a susceptible insect. The resistant insect may also be able to rid its bodies of the toxic molecules.

Altered target-site resistance. The second most common mechanism of resistance is a result of the target site where the insecticide toxin binds becoming altered. This modification reduces the ability of the insecticide to kill the insect.

Behavioral resistance. Resistant insects detect or recognize the insecticide and avoid the toxin. The insect may stop feeding or move to an area where there is no insecticide.

Penetration resistance. The resistant insect’s outer cuticle develops barriers that slow an insecticides ability to penetrate into the insect.

The first evidence of resistance is usually reduced efficacy against the target pest even when the pesticide was properly applied at the recommended rate. If you suspect a pest population is developing tolerance to a particular chemical, continued use or increasing the rate of the product will only accelerate the rate of resistance selection, eventually leading to complete control failure. If you are applying an insecticide that is not longer effective you are wasting money on labor and insecticides that will have no impact on the pest population.

If you suspect insecticide resistance or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me, the insecticide company, or your local extension specialist.

New Predatory Fly May Help Control Greenhouse & Nursery Pests

2009-03-31T19:45:00.007-05:00

If you think you have a fungus gnat problem, you may want to take a second look. A 'new' insect is showing up in Texas greenhouses and nurseries. Some growers have seen the fly and made the assumption that it must be bad. For once this is not an insect you will need to control. Coenosia attenuate, an old world hunter fly, was first identified in 2004 at Nortex Greenhouses in Collin County. Since that time, this beneficial fly has also been identified in Cherokee and Smith County. I am sure if I looked I would be able to find it in many additional counties. In North America, this hunter fly was previously known to occur in New York, California and Ontario, Canada. In California, C. attenuate is associated with gerbera, roses, poinsettia and chrysanthemum production.

Coenosia attenuate resembles a small housefly. They range in size from 2.5 mm to 4 mm. The female has a dark grey body and black legs while the male has pale yellow legs. You can observe the adult flies perched on plants, pipes, or other objects in the greenhouse. These predators actually wait to fly out and grab any flying insect of suitable size. The prey is then subdued by stabbing them with specialized mouthparts. Hunter flies prey on insects such as fungus gnats, shore flies, whiteflies, winged aphids and leafminers. Once prey is stabbed, they return to their perch to feed. Each adult occupies a defined territory and sometimes territorial “dogfights” can be observed when boundaries are compromised.

Adult flies lay their eggs in the soil and the developing larvae are predators of fungus gnats and shore flies. Research conducted at Cornell University indicates that this is an effective predator of fungus gnat larvae.

We sampled fly populations at Nortex Greenhouse for a year. It appears from these results that this predator is capable of managing fungus gnat populations, especially in pot plants.

If you see a new fly showing up in your greenhouse do not automatically reach for the nearest bottle of insecticide. Have the fly identified. Coenosia may prove to be a valuable biological control agent. Even more importantly, one you do not need to purchase!

Shine in ‘09: High Performance Management to Survive Turbulent Times

2009-02-09T21:11:00.002-06:00

Webinar Series Sponsored By
The Ellison Chair in International Floriculture and
Texas AgriLife Extension

This webinar (web-based seminar) series is designed to assist you in making better (more informed) managerial decisions in the midst of an economic downturn that is literally turning markets upside down. In this hypercompetitive market, the competitive advantages you enjoy today may vanish with breathtaking speed and frequency. Truly, in this type of environment, the things you don’t know can hurt you!

You may be saying to yourself: “I don’t have time and can’t afford to attend another meeting.” That’s the beauty of a webinar – it only takes an hour out of your day; you don’t have to spend money traveling anywhere; and you can ‘attend’ sitting in front of your own computer!

Ask yourself these questions…

· Are business profits shrinking and you’re not sure why?
· Are you uncertain how sustainability can help your business?
· Has marketing become more of a challenge?
· Has your business been impacted by the economic downturn?
· Are operating costs spiraling out of control?

If you answered yes to any of these questions; if you feel the business climate continues to deteriorate; or if you are worried about the future of your business, then you need to attend this webinar series and learn useful strategies to increase your firm’s bottom line!

March 9, 2009 -- 11:00 a.m. CST (1 hour) – Dr. Charlie Hall, Texas A&M University
Webinar 1 Topic: Action Points to Survive the Downturn – Developing and fine-tuning your downturn strategies to ensure your business will survive!

April 14, 2009 – 11:00 a.m. CST (1 hour) – Dr. Don Wilkerson, Texas AgriLife Extension
Webinar 2 Topic: Differentiating By Being Sustainable – Being proactive by developing your own sustainability code of ethics can help set you apart from the competition!

May 12, 2009 – 11:00 a.m. CST (1 hour) – Dr. Jennifer Dennis, Purdue University
Webinar Topic 3: Marketing Green! The “green” marketing strategies you need to thrive in a maturing marketplace!

So don't hesitate -- space is limited! Go to http://ellisonchair.tamu.edu/webinar.htm to register. There is no charge for the first three webinars in this series, so reserve your space today!

Meetings to address insect control on greenhouse & nursery crops

2009-01-30T15:57:00.006-06:00

Now that it is starting to warm up, crop producers need to be thinking about how to properly manage insect pests on their crops. I have designed an integrated pest management course to help ornamental crop producers better manage insect and mite pests. The three hour course will be offered in Canton, Fort Worth, Houston, Jacksonville and McKinney (see dates below).

The meetings will cover:

An overview of the insecticides and miticides on the market today.
The biology of the major insect and mite pests to provide effective control.
Developing management programs that will decrease the likelihood of pests developing tolerance to key insecticides.

Producers attending will gain a better understanding of how to successfully use the insecticides and miticides on the market today, and how they fit into an integrated pest management program.

Those attending will be eligible to earn three continuing education units, one in the integrated pest management and two in the general category, toward renewal of the their Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicators license.

Texas certified nursery and certified landscape professionals will receive three continuing education units toward recertification.

Preregistration is $25 per person and can be done online with a check, credit or debit card at http://agrilifevents.tamu.edu/. At-the-door registration will be $35, checks and cash only.

The trainings will be held at these locations and times:

In Canton, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the Farm Bureau Building, 281 E. Hwy 243.
In Fort Worth, from 9 a.m. to noon on March 5 in the AgriLife Extension office, Tarrant County Plaza Building, 200 Taylor Street, Suite 500. Driving directions can be found at http://tarrant-tx.tamu.edu/map.htm.
In Houston, from 12:30.-3:30 p.m. on March 11 at the AgriLife Extension office in Harris County, 3033 Bear Creek Drive.
In Jacksonville, from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Woodman of the World Building, 1800 College Avenue.
In McKinney, from 1:30- 4:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Landing at Myers Park & Event Center, 7117 County Road 166. More information can be found at http://www.co.collin.tx.us/parks/myers/MyersCC.pdf .

Maps and other information are available at the East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse IPM Program website.

For more information: Contact Scott Ludwig at 903-834-6191 or swludwig@tamu.edu

Pest Management Conference

2009-01-09T14:51:00.008-06:00

If you are a floriculture producer you should consider attending the Society of American Florist's Pest Management Conference. This should be one of the best conference yet. Oh yea, did I mention I am biased since I am a conference co-chair along with Cristi Palmer (IR-4) and Jim Bethke (Univeristy of California Cooperative Extension).

Growers who attend the 25th Anniversary Pest Management Conference, Feb. 19-21 in San Jose, Calif. will unearth a wealth of valuable information including innovative cropprotection techniques to battle pests and diseases. More than 25 new sessions make this year's conference a can't miss. The conference is being presented by SAF in partnership with Greenhouse Grower Magazine.

Top experts in the field will share the latest research in education sessions and zero in on the latest pest and disease control techniques. Topics on the agenda include implementing sustainable and integrated pest management, increasing the effectiveness of insecticides and fungicides, dealing with treatment-resistant problems, halting invasive and emerging pests, finding better ways to diagnose diseases and training a multilingual workforce to identify and treat problems.

Tabletop exhibits give attendees a chance to check out the newest pest control products and equipment. There's also an optional field trip to local growing operations set for Thursday, Feb. 19 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees can get an up close and personal look at integrated pest management growing operations in the San Jose area. Headstart Nursery, growers specializing in vegetable transplants, ornamental plugs and Cal Color Growers, which produces bedding and plant liners are just two stops on the enlightening excursion.

This year, SAF is partnering with Greenhouse Grower magazine to produce the association's annual conference. The synergy "just makes sense," says Bob West, group publisher for MeisterMedia Worldwide, which publishes Greenhouse Grower, Today's Garden Center and Ornamental Outlook magazines. "This is a very content-rich conference, and our publications reach the entire floriculture industry," he says. "Any time you bring together two groups with the expertise of SAF and Greenhouse Grower, it can only have a positive effect for the industry."

Head to www.pestconference.org for full program details and online registration. For more information, contact Laura Weaver, (800) 336-4743, lweaver@safnow.org.

Topic covered will include:
Ways to Increase Chemical Efficacy: New Techniques and Strategies
Speaker: John Erwin, Ph.D., University of Minnesota

Manipulating Crop Fertilization to Enhance Pest Management
Speaker: Carlos Bogran, Ph.D., Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Re-circulating Water Without Sacrificing Crop Health
Speaker: Chuan Hong, Ph.D., Virginia Tech

Predators, Parasites and Bankers
Speaker: Lance Osborne, Ph.D., University of Florida

Neonicotinoid Insecticides: History, Properties & Pest Management Strategies
Speaker: Frank Byrne, Ph.D., University of California, Riverside

Efficacy of the Neonicotinoids As Related To Uptake
Speaker: Ron Oetting, Ph.D., University of Georgia

Best Use of Neonicotinoids for Pest Management
Speaker: James Bethke, University of California, Riverside

Strategies for Resistance Management: Thrips and Others
Speaker: Scott Ludwig, Ph.D., Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Strategies for Resistance Management: Downy Mildew and Others
Speaker: Mary Hausbeck, Ph.D., Michigan State University

Foliar Pathogen Management
Speaker: David Norman, Ph.D., University of Florida

What You Can't See,Can Hurt You!
Speaker: Mary Hausbeck, Ph.D., Michigan State University

Management Tricks for Reducing Weeds
Speaker: Cheryl Wilen, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego

A History of Success: University Research Transforms Grower Practices and Profits
Speaker: Ron Oetting, Ph.D., University of Georgia

Strengthening Workforce Education When Language is a Barrier
Speakers: Carlos Bogron, Ph.D., Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Jan Hall, Paul Ecke Ranch

Invasive Pests & Pathogens: What Can We Do?
Speaker: Lin Schmale, Society of American Florists

Invasive Organisms: I've Found One, What Do I Do Now?
Speaker: Helene Wright, USDA-APHIS

Managing Invasive Pathogens: A case study with Sudden Oak Death
Speaker: Steve Tjosvold, University of California Cooperative Extension

Managing Invasive Insects
Speaker: Lance Osborne, Ph.D., University of Florida

And Just What Is Causing This Problem?
Speaker: Ann Chase, Ph.D., Chase Research Gardens

Managing the Unmanageable
Speaker: David Norman, Ph.D., University of Florida

Dealing With Viruses
Speaker: Debra Matthews, Ph.D., University of California

Rhodococcus Infections in Ornamental Plants
Speaker: Marilyn Miller, Oregon State University

So That's What That Was...and Other Surprise Diseases
Speaker: Colleen Warfield, Ph.D., University of California Cooperative Extension

New & Emerging Pests: Are Area Wide Pest Management Programs the Answer?
Speaker: Mike Parrella, Ph.D., University of California

Floriculture survey deadline approaching

2009-01-08T16:14:00.004-06:00

Dr. Charlie Hall posted the following information on his "Making Cents" Blog.

Floriculture producers in the following states who generate $10,000 or more in gross annual sales are urged to complete the U.S. Department of Agriculture's annual Floriculture Production Survey by mid-January. Surveys were mailed on Dec. 8, 2008.

The states included in the annual survey include California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington.

The survey provides the only detailed information about the production and sales of cut flowers, flowering, bedding and foliage plants, and cultivated florist greens. Without grower input, the government is left without the necessary data to gauge these crops' contribution to the nation's economy. In 2007, the combined wholesale value for the 15 states surveyed was $4.1 billion.

Growers can use the information as a benchmark to identify state and national trends. Government policymakers use the data at the state and national levels to appropriate resources. Reliable data is also crucial to obtaining research funding, government support and ensuring the industry receives its fair share of limited funding. Ten major floriculture organizations have endorsed this effort and their presidents have signed the letter accompanying the survey.

If you have received one of the surveys, please take the time to complete it if you have not already done so. Producers who fail to return a completed questionnaire by Jan. 20 will be contacted by telephone or in person to complete the survey.

Overture Registered for Thrips and Caterpillars

2008-11-11T19:41:00.005-06:00

Overture 35 WP Insecticide is a new class of insecticide marketed by Valent Professional Products that is active against thrips and caterpillars. This new insecticide contains the active ingredient pyridalyl. This product has an unknown mode of action. Overture is a contact insecticide that is applied as a foliar spray.

Overture is only registered as a greenhouse product. Hopefully, Valent will be able to obtain a registration that will allow Overture to be used outdoors.

Control of thrips is often not seen for 7 to 14 days after treatment. With the recent concern regarding western flower thrips resistance to Conserve, Overture can be a valuable component of a rotation program. Overture should be considered most effective when used as a preventative treatment or as a rotation product. Overture will be an excellent product to use in rotation with Conserve, Pylon and other thrips insecticides.

I have conduced a number of trial evaluating Overture. The results varied slightly depending on the western flower thrips population I was evaluating. However, in all the trials, Overture resulted in a decrease in thrips population. When tested against a western flower thrips population that was resistant to Conserve, the Overture treatments resulted in thrips control after 14 days.

Overture has provided excellent control of chilli thrips. It’s also effective in controlling many lepidopterous larvae, including azalea caterpillar, cabbage looper, tobacco budworm and many more.

For more information on efficacy trials conducted with Overture and other insecticides against chilli thrips, gladiolus thrips, weeping fig thrips and western flower thrips check out a report recently published by the IR-4 Ornamental Horticulture Program. This report can be found at http://ir4.rutgers.edu/ornamental/summaryreports/thripsdatasummary2008.pdf
This report summarizes 26 experiments in which 38 different active ingredients were evaluated.

Sherman Clem Receives Distinguished Achievement Award

2008-10-20T07:52:00.005-05:00

Sherman Clem has been recognized by the Southern Chapter of the Horticultural Inspection Society with its Distinguished Achievement Award. If you ever have been lucky enough to have Sherman as your Department of Agriculture inspector, you will agree that this is a well deserved award.

Sherman Clem is a Senior Inspector for the Texas Department of Agriculture and is the lead inspector for the Smith County/Tyler rose industry and the point of contact agency wide on rose related issues. More recently he has taken on the task of lead inspector to control the flow of regulated articled into the state of Texas.

In choosing a Distinguished Achievement Award winner, the Horticultural Inspection Society considers an individual's performance to HISSC and/or the state where employed; recognition from peers in the plant industry; ability to work harmoniously with other inspectors and solve problems on plant protection issues; and the promotion of high standards and sharing of expertise with fellow employees and members of the HISSC.

The inspector who nominated Sherman noted that he has "demonstrated extraordinary customer service to the nursery industry" throughout his 34-plus year career.

Congratulation Sherman!

Temporary Meeting Registration Problem

2008-10-15T20:50:00.002-05:00

If you have tried to register online for the East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse Conference this week and have been unable to get though to the site you have discovered that the site is down. The Conference Services' website has been down since at least Monday. They have been working to get the site back up. At this time they hope to have the site back up by the end of the day Thursday (10/16/08). However, that is an estimation.

Conference Services is taking phone registrations at 979-845-2604. You can still mail in your registration form with a check.

I am sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Help Wanted - Extension Assistant

2008-10-14T17:54:00.003-05:00

The East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse IPM Program in Overton, TX has a full time position open for an Extension Assistant to conduct research and demonstration projects related to greenhouse and nursery pest management. Duties include: applying pesticides, keeping detailed records of procedures and data, record and analyze data, conduct statistical analyses and prepare reports for inclusion in scientific and technical publications using computers and relevant software. Maintain plants and insects for research in greenhouses and outdoor nurseries. Assist with preparing fact sheets, web pages, and brochures. Aid in organizing and conducting meetings, workshops, field days and other educational activities. More information is available at http://greatjobs.tamu.edu. The NOV number for the position is 03778. For more information contact me at 903-834-6191 or swludwig@tamu.edu.

Dr. Kevin Ong Named Director of the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory

2008-09-18T10:48:00.004-05:00

Dr. Kevin Ong, a Texas AgriLife Extension Service plant pathologist, has been named director of the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

Ong replaces the laboratory’s founder, Dr. Larry Barnes, who retired at the end of August, said Dr. David Appel, associate department head in plant pathology and microbiology at Texas A&M University.

“We were lucky to have Larry here to establish such a good diagnostic clinic, and we were lucky to have had Kevin here to take over,” Appel said.

Ong will oversee this nationally acclaimed laboratory in College Station that has provided diagnostic services for the state since 1981, Appel said.

The laboratory is responsible for providing AgriLife Extension education efforts in diseases of greenhouse crops, nursery crops, landscape ornamental plants and indoor plants, he said. Biosecurity issues also have been added to the clinic’s list of responsibilities.

“Larry left big shoes to fill,” Ong said, “but I’m looking forward to the new challenge.”

Prior to his new appointment, Ong spent six years as an AgriLife Extension urban plant pathologist at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1993 from Pennsylvania State University, a master’s degree in biology in 1997 from Temple University and a doctorate degree in plant pathology in 2001 from Clemson University.

“Kevin has a terrific personality to work with our clientele,” Appel said. “And he’s got a very strong background in plant pathology.

“We just felt there was nobody better anywhere in the country that would be able to step in and live up to the standards that have been set out there,” he said.

Colleagues around the state will applaud Ong’s appointment as they celebrate Barnes’ fine career, Appel said.

Barnes, who earned his doctorate degree from Texas A&M in 1983, spent 27 years overseeing the diagnostic laboratory.

“He consolidated all of the diagnostic efforts into one lab and built it up from scratch to become one of the premier diagnostic labs in the country,” Appel said. “It is recognized as such by his peers.”

Barnes also is recognized as the best ornamental plant pathologist in the state, Appel said. He has done a great deal of applied research on disease control involving several ornamentals. He has the respect of professionals in the nursery industry and hundreds of volunteer Master Gardeners who he helped train over the years.

Always modest, Barnes is quick to point out that the laboratory was the vision of his former supervisor, Dr. Wendell Horne, Appel said.

“But I’m not sure that even Wendell ever dreamed that it would become one of the biggest and busiest diagnostic labs in the country,” he said.

Story by Mike Jackson

Insecticide resistance threatens thrips pest management

2008-09-01T20:33:00.002-05:00

Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) are difficult to control. Their secluded behavior protects them from many insecticides; eggs are inserted into plant tissue, the larvae feed in tight, protected areas, such as flower buds or growth terminals, the pupal stages occur in the soil-media, and the adults feed within protected areas. Thrips may eventually come into contact with insecticides when the right spray equipment and application interval are used. However, chemical control may not be effective when there is insecticide resistance in the population. In response to high levels of resistance recently found in vegetable fields in Florida, Dow AgroSciences has suspended the sale and use of products containing spinosad in Broward County and a portion of Palm Beach County, FL.

This drastic and unprecedented action taken by Dow AgroSciences in Florida is yet another ‘red flag’ indicating the importance and possible consequences of insecticide resistance. We should all view this as an opportunity to take a closer look at our pest control toolbox and make sure it includes sound insecticide resistance management practices, to avoid similar problems in Texas. The good new is that so far, most Texas growers have thrips populations that are still susceptible to spinosad (Conserve®). Earlier this year, I monitored western flower thrips for their tolerance to spinosad. Most of the greenhouse locations sampled did not have large thrips populations. Since these growers primarily use Conserve®, the low populations suggest good efficacy in most cases. However, I did detect very high tolerance levels (immunity) to Conserve at one Texas location. Since then this particular grower has agreed to completely stop using Conserve for at least 6 months.

The most important thing we can do to avoid pesticide resistance is to properly rotate pesticides based on their mode of action. Rotation is essential for all pesticides groups: herbicides, fungicides, bactericides and insecticides. The first evidence of resistance is usually reduced efficacy against the target pest even when the pesticide was properly applied at the recommended rate. If you suspect a pest population is developing tolerance to a particular chemical, continued use or increasing the rate of the product will only accelerate the rate of resistance selection, eventually leading to complete control failure.

To avoid resistance to spinosad, do not make more than two consecutive applications of Conserve®. If additional treatments are needed, rotate with products with different mode of action for at least two subsequent applications. There are a number of effective products available for thrips control. The list includes (but is not limited to) those products containing abamectin, Beauveria bassiana, chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, fenoxycarb, methiocarb, novaluron, pyridalyl and tau-fluvalinate.

If you suspect insecticide resistance or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse Conference

2008-08-26T21:56:00.003-05:00

Join your fellow nursery and greenhouse growers for the 2008 East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse Conference on October 28th at the Harvey Convention Center in Tyler, TX. Again this year we will also be having a Hispanic Worker Conference. I hope that both of these conference will meet the pest management education needs of your greenhouse or nursery.

When: October 28, 2008, 8 a.m.
Location: Harvey Convention Center, Tyler
Fee: $30 before October 24, $40 onsite
Registration: The registration is being handled by Texas AgriLife Extension Conference Services (click here to register). Payment can be made by check or credit card.
CEUs: 5 TDA CEUs (3 general, 1 IPM, 1 Law and Reg) - submitted for approval

Nursery and Greenhouse Conference

Pest management issues impacting nursery and greenhouse producers
Dr. Scott Ludwig, Texas AgriLife Extension Service

What's new in ornamental fungicides?
Dr. Mary Hausbeck, Michigan State University

Management of downy and powdery mildew
Dr. Mary Hausbeck, Michigan State University

Enhancing effectiveness of pest control by natural enemies & biological insecticides
Dr. Carlos Bográn, Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Hiring a legal workforce
Dr. Marco Palma, Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Update from the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
Dr. Kevin Ong, Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Feral hog control: What is legal and what is not
Dr. Billy Higgenbotham, Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Hispanic Workers Conference

Principles of effective crop management I
Dr. Claudio Pasian, The Ohio State University

Principles of effective crop management II
Dr. Claudio Pasian, The Ohio State University

Sanitation and how to avoid and prevent pest/disease problems
Dr. Carlos Bográn, Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Detection and basic diagnosis of pests and diseases
Dr. Carlos Bográn, Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Safe and effective pesticide applications
Dr. Carlos Bográn, Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Chilli Thrips and Pink Hibiscus Mealybugs Invade Houston

2008-07-29T09:33:00.009-05:00

Two insect pest species that made news last year because of their first appearance in Texas are causing serious problems for homeowners and landscapers in the Houston area. While these pests are currently in the landscape, they have the potential to move into production greenhouses and nurseries.

Populations of the pink hibiscus mealybug were recently confirmed in Brazoria, Galveston and Harris counties, triggering TV-news coverage and subsequent reports from homeowners in a number of areas in Houston. The Texas Department of Agriculture, after confirming the pink hibiscus mealybug infestations, have initiated surveys of surrounding areas and will be making releases of natural enemies. Biological control has provided excellent control in Florida and will likely be the long term solution in Texas. Using reduced risks insecticides such as insecticidal soaps and oils, in combination with good sanitation practices should help homeowners minimize plant losses and facilitate establishment of released natural enemies.

A large population of chilli thrips was also detected recently in Houston. A survey was conducted of the entire Medical Center complex and chilli thrips or signs of chilli thrips were found at every rose bed. Chilli thrips were also found on other roses outside the Medical Center. The actual distribution of the infestation is currently unknown.

It is important to remember that chilli thrips attack more than just roses. They can attack a wide range of landscape plants, horticulture crops and row crops.

For the most up to date information on chilli thrips in Texas visit http://chillithrips.tamu.edu/. I will be updating the site this weekend. New information should be posted by August 5th.

NTNGA Memorial Greenhouse Ribbon Cutting

2008-07-14T19:27:00.010-05:00

On July 10th, eighty growers and AgriLife faculty attend the ribbon cutting for the NTNGA Memorial Greenhouse. I would like to thank the Northeast Texas Nursery Growers Association for their support and hard work to make the greenhouse a reality.

This project was made possible through support from the following sponsors (as of 7/14/08):

Financial Contributions by:

Bruce Miller Nursery and Farm
Chitty Wholesale Nursery
Circle G NurseryEstes, Inc
Kimbrew-Walter Roses, Inc.
Landmark Wholesale Nurseries
The LETCO Group LLC
Northeast Texas Nursery Growers Association
OHP, Inc
Ran Pro Farms
Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, Region 3
Tru-Liner Nursery Company
Helena Chemical
Troy & Mary Moser, in memory of Doug Burrows

Equipment Donated by:

Dosmatic U.S.A., Inc. (Injectors)
Dramm Corporation (Hoses, watering wands, etc)
Kinney Bonded Warehouse, Inc. (Reduced greenhouse price)
Texas IPM Program (Benches, utility pole, and horizontal airflow fans)
East Texas Nursery & Greenhouse Program (Installation of water, electricity, & natural gas)

If you are interested in helping sponsor the NTNGA Memorial Greenhouse project, please email Jade Hopson at Circle G Nursery, or phone her at (903) 963-5255.

The following press release was issued on July 14th by Robert Burns of the Texas A&M Agriculture Program. An audio clip is also available.

New Greenhouse Will Concentrate on More Environmentally Friendly Insect Controls

A new greenhouse largely funded by the Texas nursery plant industry will research ways to reduce chemical use and increase biological control of insect and other pests, said Texas AgriLife Extension Service experts.

The greenhouse, which was built on the grounds of the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton, was dedicated to industry leaders in a brief ceremony July 10. Attendees included commercial nursery owners and their families, and faculty from AgriLife Extension and Texas AgriLife Research.

"The greenhouse will be used to conduct research on integrated pest management techniques to support the East Texas bedding plant and nursery industry," said Dr. Scott Ludwig, AgrLife Extension entomologist and integrated pest management specialist based at Overton.

Integrated pest management, commonly known as " IPM," strives to use less chemical pesticides by correct timing of applications, pest identification and biological controls.

In Smith, Cherokee, Henderson and Van Zandt counties, the industry has wholesale gate receipts of $300 million, with a proportionally larger total economic impact on the region, Ludwig said.

As the Northeast Texas Greenhouse and Nursery Growers have members as far west as Dallas who will benefit from the work done at the greenhouse, the economic impact is even larger, said Dr. Roland Smith, associate director of AgriLife Extension.

The greenhouse and nursery industry is big business in Texas agriculture, ranking third in terms of cash receipts behind only beef cattle and cotton, Smith said.

"In 2007, the Northeast Texas Greenhouse and Nursery Growers were responsible for about three quarters of a billion dollars of cash receipts for their industry," Smith said. "This amounts to about 40 percent of the state’s total of greenhouse and nursery output."

The greenhouse was funded by the Northeast Texas Nursery Growers Association Memorial fund, which members started to honor association members who have passed away, said James Wilhite, owner of Wilhite Landscaping and Lawn Care, Tyler.

"Each time there is a benefit from this experimental greenhouse, we’ll remember the friends that have passed on before us that have made the nursery and landscape industry such a pleasurable place to work," Wilhite said.

One of those remembered will be Floyd Trammel, owner of Tram Tex Nursery Incorporated in Tyler. Trammel, who was one of the founding members of the Northeast Texas Nursery Growers Association, died in November 2007.

"We’ve lost several of our fellow nurserymen last year, along with my father, said Cyndi Trammel, who now manages Tram Tex.

"Our nursery is doing very well and being very successful because we have places like this that will do the testing for us," Trammel said. "As you can imagine running a full-time growing operation, it would be very difficult for us to set up a lab like this and be able to run the tests and do them effectively."

Trammel said she favors using environmental pest controls whenever possible because they're safer for workers to use.

Ludwig said the research will benefit growers statewide. "As the public demand for organic and sustainable-produced plants increase, it is important that growers have the know-how to meet the needs of the market," Ludwig said. "This facility will enable AgriLife Extension to conduct research that will aid growers to produce healthier plants for landscapes and homes."

NTNGA Memorial Greenhouse

2008-06-20T21:01:00.004-05:00

The Northeast Texas Nursery Growers Association has established the NTNGA Memorial Fund. The mission of the NTNGA Memorial Fund is to promote the nursery industry, provide the most up to date and relevant information to our members, and to assist in the establishment and ongoing work of programs that provide our members with vital information. The first project the fund is supporting is the construction of NTNGA Memorial Greenhouse at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton to provide the industry with vital research needed to support their industry.

This project was made possible through support from the following sponsors (as of 6/20/08):

Financial Contributions
Bruce Miller Nursery and Farm
Circle G Nursery
Kimbrew-Walter Roses, Inc.
Landmark Wholesale Nurseries
Northeast Texas Nursery Growers Association
OHP, Inc
Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, Region 3
Tru-Liner Nursery Company

Equipment Donated by:
Dosmatic U.S.A., Inc. (Injectors)
Dramm Corporation (Hoses, watering wands, etc)
Kinney Bonded Warehouse, Inc. (Reduced greenhouse price)
Texas IPM Program (Benches - partial)

If you are interested in helping sponsor the NTNGA Memorial Greenhouse project, please contact Jade Hopson at Circle G Nursery (jadehopson@sbcglobal.net) or (903) 963-5255.

For more information on the NTNGA Memorial Greenhouse and follow its construction visit http://etipm.tamu.edu/greenhouse.cfm.

New Scale on Croton

2008-06-14T21:37:00.005-05:00

This spring a never described species of soft scale was discovered on crotons in Florida. The scale was first found on April 9th at a nursery in Marathon, FL. Since that time it has been found in 11 Florida counties.

Why is this important to Texas growers? Most crotons sold in Texas started off as liners in Florida. Although the scale have not been found in Texas, this is another example of the importance of properly inspecting liners, plugs, and any other plant material you bring into your facility.

For more information on this new scale species see the Florida DPI Pest Alert at
http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/coccoidea_coccidae.html.

Photograph credit: Lyle Buss, University of Florida

Southwest Growers Conference

2008-06-05T21:05:00.002-05:00

This years Southwest Growers Conference will be held in Conroe, TX on July 8-9, 2008. Meeting and registration information information is available on the conference website (http://swgrowers.tamu.edu).

On Tuesday, July 8, there will be tours to four innovative nursery/greenhouse operations.

On Wednesday, July 9, there will be a full day of timely educational sessions at the Lone Star Exposition Center. Two morning sessions will focus on the practical and economic applications of environmental sustainability. Afterwards, a session on hiring a legal work force will cap off the morning program. In the afternoon, there will be sessions on water quality and alkalinity, controlling new insect and disease pests, the use of PGR's, reducing weed control costs, and a laws/regs session to cap off the day. TDA Certified Pest Applicator CEU credits as well as TNLA CEU credits will be available.

Texas Chilli Thrips Update

2008-05-28T04:40:00.007-05:00

There has been a lot of questions and concerns regarding chilli thrips over the last year. I thought this would be a good time to provide an update. The good news is that we have only been able to confirm one infestation in Texas. Last fall a homeowner in Houston submitted a sample from plants in her yard that were being damage. It turned out that the damage was caused by chilli thrips. The unusual damage caused by this thrips to the plant's foliage is the easiest methods to detect this pest (see photo).

There are no indications that any greenhouse or nursery producers in Texas are infested. One of the most important ways of keeping your facility clean is to properly inspect all incoming plant material.

If there is any good news about this pest, it is that at this time there appears to be a number of insecticides that will kill it. Almost any insecticide that is label for thrips control will kill chilli thrips. Abamectin, chlorfenapyr, pyridalyl, spinosad and systemic insecticides (acephate, acetamiprid, clothianadin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam) applied as a foliar sprays have been shown to be effective in efficacy testing.

For more information on chilli thrips in Texas visit http://chillithrips.tamu.edu/.

Excluding Weed Seed from Containers

2008-05-15T22:04:00.002-05:00

Weed management often suffers when there is a labor shortage. Good cultural and sanitation practices will reduce the number of weed seeds infesting containers and increase herbicide effectiveness in preventing weed germination and development.

The goal of a successful weed management program is to prevent weeds from germinating and competing with the crop by using a combination of cultural and chemical control tactics within an integrated management approach.

Weed free growing areas can be created with a good drainage system, gravel, concrete, weed-barrier (geotextile) or other organic or inorganic mulch. Exclude weeds by using weed-free growing substrates and preventing establishment of seeds carried by wind, irrigation water, equipment and tools. Cover stored substrate materials to prevent weed contamination. Substrates harboring weed seeds may be treated with heat or chemicals before use. Install and maintain filters or treat recycled and surface irrigation water to eliminate seeds. Clean plant debris and spilled potting-mix and avoid excess irrigation and standing water. All of these create habitat and favorable conditions for many weed species. Some weeds can germinate and grow in container drainage holes and directly compete with the plant for water and nutrients.

Maintaining weed-free non-crop areas is probably the easiest and the most effective sanitary practice for reducing weed seed numbers in your containers. Many weeds can project seeds over a large area (bittercress and oxalis); it is important to keep these plants from establishing in and around growing beds. Regular mowing of roadways, drainage ditches, areas between nursery beds, etc., will drastically reduce weed seed number and improve weed control.

Herbicides provide an effective means of managing weed in hard to mow locations. Post-emergence herbicides can be used to eliminate existing weeds and pre-emergence herbicides used to prevent weed germination and re-growth. Water quality and quantity may affect herbicide effectiveness. High water pH and dissolved organic compounds may reduce herbicide performance. Avoid herbicide leaching and runoff by limiting irrigation water after herbicide applications. Always read and follow directions on pesticide labels.

Western Flower Thrips

2008-05-08T14:16:00.004-05:00

Western flower thrips are out in full force. If you have sensitive crops it is important not to let your thrips population get out of hand.

Growers were provided a brief relief from western flower thrips when Conserve SC was labeled for ornamental crops. Unfortunately, there are cases being reported of western flower thrips not responding to Conserve label rate applications.

This developing tolerance may be a result of some growers not following the label instructions. The Conserve SC label states “no more than three consecutive applications should be used, nor should there be continuous use for more than 30 days. Consider rotating to a different active ingredient with a different mode of action or use no treatment for the next generation" and "Regardless of the crop or pest being treated (excluding leafminers, spider mites and/or diamondback moths), do not apply Conserve SC more than 10 times in a 12-month period inside a greenhouse or a structure that can be altered to be closed or open”.

Due to the intense nearly year-round thrips pressure some growers face, they are exceeding the three consecutive applications and the 10 total applications per year. One common mistake growers make is applying Conserve repeatedly for thrips and then again for caterpillars, mites, or leafminers. This causes them to exceed the number of total applications that can be made in a year. It is critical to follow the label instructions to reduce the development of resistance in western flower thrips to Conserve.

The recent labeling of Pylon for western flower thrips control provides greenhouse growers (not labeled for outdoor use) a highly effective rotation partner to use with Conserve. As with Conserve it is important to follow the resistance management component of the Pylon label to lengthen the period of efficacy of this product for thrips management.

There are a number of other insecticides that can be used in rotation for thrips management. These include, but are not limited to, Avid, Azain XL, BotaniGard, Enstar II, Pedestal, Mesurol and Orthene.

I am currently working on a project to monitor the tolerance level of western flower thrips to Conserve in East Texas. I will report more on this when the project is completed.

Welcome!

2008-05-06T07:54:00.002-05:00

Blogging is new to me. I am hoping that this "new" technology will be an easy method for greenhouse and nursery growers to receive current pest management information. If you would like updates sent directly to your email enter your email address in the appropriate box at the right of this page.

This blog will enable me to communicate advances in greenhouse and ornamental IPM, provide meeting information, and distribute efficacy study results and newsletters.

If you are a nursery or greenhouse producer in East Texas, or anywhere else, I hope that you will subscribe to this blog to stay ahead of those pesky insects, mites, weeds, and diseases.

East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse IPM Program

IPM Webinars Blog

Fighting Phytophthora: Integrated Strategies for Controlling Root Rots in Nurseries and Greenhouses

Nursery and Greenhouse IPM Webinar Series: Whiteflies and Thrips

Citrus Greening Workshop

Q-biotype whiteflies have been discoved in Texas

Nursery and Greenhouse Professional Field Day

Twitter and Facebook

Thrips Management Program for Plants for Planting

Chilli Thrips E-Learning Module Released!

The Three E's of Nursery and Greenhouse Safety

Nursery and Greenhouse Safety: Worker Training

Insect Images and Videos

Have you developed your IPM plan for 2010?

Field Day in Overton

2010 Pest & Production Management Conference

Water Management That Makes Cents

Whiteflies for Christmas?

East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse Conference

Register now for water webinar series

Chrysanthemum White Rust Webinar

Chilli Thrips Invade East Texas

Zombies and fire ants?

IPM Priority Setting Meeting

Managing Insecticide Resistance

New Predatory Fly May Help Control Greenhouse & Nursery Pests

Shine in ‘09: High Performance Management to Survive Turbulent Times

Meetings to address insect control on greenhouse & nursery crops

Pest Management Conference

Floriculture survey deadline approaching

Overture Registered for Thrips and Caterpillars

Sherman Clem Receives Distinguished Achievement Award

Temporary Meeting Registration Problem

Help Wanted - Extension Assistant

Dr. Kevin Ong Named Director of the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory

Insecticide resistance threatens thrips pest management

East Texas Nursery and Greenhouse Conference

Chilli Thrips and Pink Hibiscus Mealybugs Invade Houston

NTNGA Memorial Greenhouse Ribbon Cutting

NTNGA Memorial Greenhouse

New Scale on Croton

Southwest Growers Conference

Texas Chilli Thrips Update

Excluding Weed Seed from Containers

Western Flower Thrips

Welcome!

Nursery and Greenhouse Safety:
Worker Training