Using Integrated Pest Management in Greenhouses and Herbaceous Nurseries
James Quinn
Research Associate
David Trinklein
State Floricultural Extension Specialist
Division of Plant Sciences
Ladybird beetles, known for their appetite for aphids, occur naturally in Missouri but also can be introduced as biocontrol agents in greenhouses and nurseries.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has promoted integrated pest management (IPM) for more than 30 years. Most greenhouse and nursery producers are now aware of and use some IPM practices, which include a broad range of cultural, physical, biological, chemical, and mechanical tactics. IPM stresses routine inspection and monitoring and recommends pesticide use only when a potential problem is detected, or can be predicted to occur with a great deal of certainty. When pesticide use is determined necessary, IPM favors use of products that are least toxic to the environment, and will favor beneficial insects. Some newer products also use or introduce beneficial fungi and bacteria. This guide is designed to help growers who wish to select pesticides that have these attributes and to practice IPM.
Biologically based, novel and reduced-risk pesticides
Use of pesticides has changed dramatically in the last 30 years. Both users and manufacturers rely less on carbamates, organophosphates and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Reduced use of these chemical classes was compensated for by synthetic pyrethroids, but since about 1985 the Environmental Protection Agency has encouraged development of many novel, reduced-risk and "bio" pesticides. These pesticides are preferred for IPM in greenhouses and herbaceous nurseries when they exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: nonpersistence, minimal toxicity to beneficial organisms (they are as specific to the pest as possible) and high activity (smaller quantities of active ingredient are used).
The term novel insecticide refers to several classes of agricultural insecticides with unique modes of action that were registered in the late 1990s and early 2000s and have low mammalian toxicity. The active ingredient imidacloprid (Marathon 1 percent G, II, & 60 percent WSP) has been used successfully in the ornamental market and is an example of a novel insecticide. It is from a class of nicotine-based products referred to as "neonicotinoid or chloronicotinyl."
In 1993 EPA defined reduced-risk pesticides as compounds that pose a lower health risk to humans and the environment. The ensuing initiative included incentives for development and registration. The term reduced risk may not appear on the label but is often mentioned in promotional material. Many novel insecticides are considered reduced-risk, especially if they have been recently developed. An example is acetamiprid (TriStar), a reduced-risk "second generation" neonicotinoid. A successful product for ornamentals has been pymetrozine (Endeavor), which is in the class pyridine or amino triazinones. Numerous insect growth regulators (IGRs) have been introduced as reduced-risk, such as bifenazate, diflubenzuron and pyriproxyfen (Floramite, Adept and Distance). Check the technical information before using an IGR; the effectiveness on the adult stage of pests varies.
Biopesticides are based on biological organisms. Some are also considered novel insecticides. Examples include spinosad (Conserve), abamectin (Avid), and the products based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Dipel and Gnatrol). Biofungicides, or microbial fungicides, that have gained a niche include Trichoderma harzianum (Rootshield/Plantshield) and Bacillus subtilis (Companion and Subtilex). Fungicides are much less likely than insecticides to harm beneficial insects; only microbial fungicides are included in Table 1. The "natural products" are generally short-lived in the environment. This characteristic has provided some botanical extracts with broad labeling for use (all fruits and vegetables) and for short intervals between application and harvest. Examples include Azatin (from neem seed), and Pyreth-it (pyrethrum from chrysanthemum flowers). All "synthetic" pyrethroids are essentially based on pyrethrum.
New products are generally more quickly registered for ornamentals because they are nonedible and do not require extensive food safety testing. Unfortunately registration for greenhouse vegetable crops is usually delayed or may never occur. This can lead to confusion, especially with regard to vegetable bedding plants. Table 1 lists reduced-risk and novel pesticides labeled for ornamentals and vegetables. It is always a good idea to check product labels to make sure that the pest and site match an intended use.
Other insect and disease control materials that complement IPM practices
- Soaps and oils that have broad-spectrum activity on soft-bodied pests:
- Golden Pest Spray Oil, Insecticidal Soap, M-Pede, Organic JMS Stylet-Oil, Saf-T-Side, Triac 70, and Ultra Fine Oil
- Various fungicides and bactericides that are based on metal or sulphur:
- Bordeaux mixture, Camelot, Kocide 2000, Micro-Sperse Sulphur and Sluggo
- Sterilant products with fungicidal and bactericidal activity:
- Phyton 27, Oxidate and Zerotol
Reducing pesticide use
Best practices for reducing the use of pesticides in greenhouses and nurseries include the following:
- Start with a clean greenhouse whenever possible.
- Maintain good sanitation and cultural practices to maintain a healthy crop.
- Scout plants weekly, especially noting indicator plants -- plants on which pest problems typically occur.
- Use sticky traps and record weekly pest information. Establish a population threshold for chemical control.
- Inspect transplants or propagation material carefully. Isolate newly introduced plants, at least briefly, if possible.
- Quarantine infected plants. If possible, treat for pests immediately.
- Treat only the plants (and adjoining plants) with the pest, a technique sometimes referred to as target spraying.
- Install insect barrier screening over vents. Compensate for airflow reduction caused by fine mesh size by increasing the mesh surface area.
- Fallow facilities and subject to freezing or high temperatures to kill insect pests and weeds.
Beneficial insects in Missouri
The greenhouse environment does not favor the number and diversity of beneficial insects typically found in an outdoor setting. This is because a greenhouse provides a less diverse habitat, a physical barrier, and (typically) a more heavily managed environment. Survival of beneficial insects in this environment is greatly influenced by the number and availability of pests they feed upon. The principal pests in Missouri's greenhouse and herbaceous nurseries are aphids, thrips, fungus gnats, mites, caterpillars, white flies, mealybugs and shore flies.
The Aphidius wasp, left, stings the aphid and lays an egg in the aphid's body, which mummifies, right, as the egg develops.
Marion Herbert, Alberta Research Station, Vegreville, photo
Certain predators and parasites occur naturally in the greenhouse:
- The Aphidius genus includes several tiny parasitic wasps that prey on aphids. The wasp stings and paralyses the aphid, then lays an egg in the aphid's body, which hardens or "mummifies" as the egg develops.
- Minute pirate bug (Orius) is a tiny black and white predator of small, soft-bodied insects.
- Webless spiders prey on insects found in soil and on plants.
The following table shows additional predators and parasites that may occur naturally in the nursery:
Use of beneficial predators and parasites has been spurred by greenhouse vegetable production. "Biocontrol" generally works better when plants are cultivated over an extended period and when temperature or environmental conditions are constant. Preventive release of beneficial insects works better and is easier in a single crop system where one or two pests can be reliably predicted to occur. The importance of reducing pesticide use increases when bumblebees are used as pollinators. Tolerable infestation levels are higher with vegetable production because vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers are saleable even if the plant has a pest problem. Suppliers of beneficial predators and parasites are one of the best sources of technical information about their use.
The following table lists several beneficial predators and parasites that can be obtained commercially.
Management considerations for using beneficial insects Whenever beneficial insect predators and parasites are introduced, a primary concern is to avoid harming them with pesticides that may need to be applied for other reasons. This concern is partly alleviated by the wide range of "beneficial friendly" insecticides available.
Some tips and thoughts on developing an IPM plan using beneficial predators and parasites include:
- Consider developing a plan that favors beneficial predators and parasites. Scout for pests and for beneficial insects that may be present already.
- Greenhouses that are used only seasonally or for short periods are probably not worth the effort and expense of biocontrol. Start and stay clean.
- Preventive releases of beneficial insects are economical only when a pest problem is predictable. Refer to your pesticide application records to know when specific pests occurred in previous years.
- Biocontrol is much easier with vent screening. Otherwise some pests, such as winged aphids, white flies and especially thrips, can enter in larger numbers than can be controlled preventively.
- Heavy use of nitrogen fertilizer, combined with cloudy weather and tight spacing, can result in soft plant growth that favors certain pests, including aphids. Aphid problems often flare up in late March to early April.
- Ladybugs can be used to reduce or control an aphid outbreak. A harmless way to keep lady beetles from flying away for about a week is to apply a sticky solution to their wing covers. Mix equal parts water and a soft drink (made with sugar, not an artificial sweetener) in a mist bottle. Place the ladybeetles in a bucket or open container, and mist them with the solution as they disperse.
- Aphidius (aphid parasites) wasps are attracted to yellow sticky cards and can be an early indicator of aphids. Aphidius wasps resemble fungus gnats.
What's a current label?
Only the label that is on or included with the pesticide container at the time of purchase is considered current. Even if the manufacturer has expanded the use of an insecticide, labeling regulations require that you purchase new product with the expanded use label.
It is important that the distributor is able to correctly inform you about the label on the product, especially if there have been recent changes.
Printing an expanded or revised label from a manufacturer's Web site and putting it with the product does NOT comply with the regulations.
For more information
Summary
Most IPM practices tend to be best management practices and are frequently in use. The increased number of reduced-risk pesticide products in recent years provides the opportunity to make the environment friendlier to beneficial insects. Introducing beneficial predators and parasites can add another level of complexity to IPM, but it is the most user-friendly form of pest control. Most growers will gain by learning to recognize beneficial insects and altering their pest control when practical to favor them.
Table 1
Pesticides labeled for ornamentals and greenhouse vegetables.
(Selected novel, reduced-risk, biologically based products)
Trade name (active ingredient)
Adept (diflubenzuron)
- Class
Benzoylurea - Insect growth regulator
- Mode of action/primary activity
Chitin synthesis inhibitor/contact
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Mild on most beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
For both fungus gnats and shore flies. Good efficacy for leafminers and white flies. Labeled for ornamentals in enclosed commercial structures only.
Admire 2F (imidacloprid)
- Class
Chloronicotinyl (neonicotinoid)
- Mode of action/primary activity
Neurotoxin/systemic, ingestion
- Greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Drench is safe for most beneficial insects, but incompatible with bumblebees. Fairly persistent.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Aphids, fungus gnat larvae (drench), mealybug, scale and white flies. Labeled for greenhouse cucumbers and tomatoes. Not labeled for ornamentals.
Akari 5SC (fenpyroximate)
- Class
Phenoxypyrazole
- Mode of action/primary activity
Metabolic inhibitor/contact
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Selective miticide that is considered safe for beneficial insects, including predacious mites.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Effective on twospotted spider mites. Controls all stages. Labeled for ornamentals. For use only in greenhouses.
Avid (avermectin)
- Class
Glycoside - Soil bacterium
- Mode of action/primary activity
Neurotoxin/translaminar, contact
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Harmful to beneficial insects; moderate persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Localized systemic. In use many years and widely recommended. Effective on mites, thrips, leafminers and aphids. Labeled for ornamentals.
Azatin -- 3 percent a.i. (azadiractin)
Other azadiractin labels include Aza-Direct (1.2 percent), Neemix (4.5 percent) and Ornazin (3 percent)
- Class
Botanical - Insect growth regulator
- Mode of action/primary activity
Insect molting inhibitor, antifeedent, repellent/ingestion, contact
- O, Greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Probably low harm to beneficial insects and short persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Relatively broad-spectrum pest range. Labeled for ornamentals, most food crops, and herbs. Nonpytotoxic spray oil at 0.5-1.0 percent may improve efficacy. Neemix and Aza-Direct are certified for organic production.
Botaniguard (Beauvaria bassiana)
Other labels include Mycotrol and Naturalis
- Class
Fungus (Beauvaria bassiana)
- Mode of action/primary activity
Fungus attacks soft-bodied insects, pupae, and larvae/contact
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 4 hours
- Very compatible with beneficial insects and very short persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Whitefly and aphids. Synergistic action may occur when combined with azadiractin. Mycotrol and Naturalis are certified for organic production for ornamentals and food crops.
Citation (cyromazine)
- Class
Triazine -Insect growth regulator
- Mode of action/primary activity
Chitin synthesis inhibitor/contact
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Mild on beneficial insects and very short persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Labeled for both fungus gnats, shore flies and leafminers. Labeled for ornamentals.
Confirm (tebefenozide)
- Class
Benzoic acid hydrazide - Insect growth regulator
- Mode of action/primary activity
Insect molting inhibitor/ingestion
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 4 hours
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Considered safe on beneficial insects.Only controls caterpillars (Lepidoptera larvae). Labeled for ornamentals.
Conserve (spinosad or Saccharopolyspora spinosa)
- Class
Spinosyn -Fermentation metabolite
- Mode of action/primary activity
Neurotoxin/translaminar, contact
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 4 hours
- Harmfulness varies on beneficial insects, but very short persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Very selective and kills eggs or hatching larvae (or both) of thrips. Also for caterillars. Labeled for ornamentals.
Diatect V (0.5 percent natural pyrethrins and 82.45 percent silicon dioxide)
- Class
Botanical/elemental
- Mode of action/primary activity
Disrupts nervous system, physical "cutting" of soft-bodied insects/contact
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Harmfulness varies on beneficial insects, but very short chemical persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Broad-spectrum insecticide of diatomaceous earth and pyrethrin applied as a dust. Certified for organic production for ornamentals and food crops.
Dipel DF (Bt var. kurstaki)
- Class
Bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis, Bt)
- Mode of action/primary activity
Infection, septicemia/ingestion
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 4 hours
- Safe on beneficial insects and very short persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Only controls caterpillars (Lepidoptera larvae). Dipel, Biobit and Javelin are certified for organic production for ornamentals and food crops.
Distance (pyriproxyfen)
- Class
Pyridine -Insect growth regulator
- Mode of action/primary activity
Juvenile hormone/translaminar, contact
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Mild on most beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
For both fungus gnats and shore flies. Very effective on white flies and scales. Labeled for ornamentals.
Endeavor (pymetrozine)
- Class
Pyridine (azomethine)
- Mode of action/primary activity
Feeding inhibitor/systemic, ingestion, contact
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Mild on most beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Very effective on aphids. Suppresses white flies. Labeled for ornamentals.
Enstar (kinoprene)
- Class
Tetranortriterpenoid - Insect growth regulator
- Mode of action/primary activity
Juvenile hormone/contact
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Mild on beneficial insects; short persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
White flies, mealybugs, and fungus gnat larvae and adults. Labeled for ornamentals.
Flagship (thiamethoxam)
- Class
Chloronicotinyl (neonicotinoid)
- Mode of action/primary activity
Neurotoxin/systemic, ingestion
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Undetermined effects on most beneficial insects; safer as a drench than foliar application.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Do not rotate with Marathon or Tristar. Aphids, fungus gnat larvae (drench), mealybugs, scale and white flies. Labeled for ornamentals.
Floramite (bifenazate)
- Class
Carbazate
- Mode of action/primary activity
Neurotoxin/contact
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Selective miticide that is considered safe on beneficial insects, including predacious mites.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Effective on most mites (e.g., twospotted, strawberry, cyclamen), EXCEPT rust, broad and flat mites. Kills the motile stages and has some ovicidal activity. Labeled for ornamentals and greenhouse tomato production.
Gnatrol (Bacillus thuringiensis Strain H-14)
- Class
Bacterium
- Mode of action/primary activity
Infection, septicemia/ingestion
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 4 hours
- Safe for beneficial insects and very short persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Works on fungus gnat larvae. Store in refrigerator if possible. Try and use within one year of purchase or two years of manufacture. Labeled for ornamentals and vegetables.
Hot Pepper Wax (capsaicin)
- Class
Botanical (wax and oleoresin)
- Mode of action/primary activity
Neurotoxin, sufficant, repellent/contact
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry after dry
- Undermined effect on beneficial insects, but very short harmful persistence. Repels pests up to 2 weeks.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Soft bodied insects; also has properties as an antifungal. Causes spots and can burn. Labeled for ornamentals and food crops.
Marathon (imidacloprid)
Formulations include, II (foliar), 1 percent granular, and 60 WP (drench)
- Class
Chloronicotinyl (neonicotinoid)
- Mode of action/primary activity
Neurotoxin/systemic, ingestion
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Foliar application is considered harmful to most beneficial insects. Fairly persistent. Drench is safe for many beneficial insects, but incompatible with bumblebees; foliar application is harmful to most beneficial insects. Fairly persistent.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Aphids, mealybug, scale and white flies. For ornamentals. May also be used on many vegetable plants, BUT only those for resale. Do not rotate with Flagship or Tristar. Drench also controls fungus gnat larvae.
Ovation (clofentezine)
- Class
Tetrazine
- Mode of action/primary activity
Undetermined/contact
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Selective miticide that is considered safe for beneficial insects, including predacious mites.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Effective on many ornamental mites (e.g., twospotted, McDaniel, Pacific, European, and yellow), but NOT rust, broad and flat mites. Best used for initial populations; does not control large populations. Labeled for ornamentals.
Pedestal (novaluron)
- Class
Benzoylurea - Insect growth regulator
- Mode of action/primary activity
Chitin synthesis inhibitor/ingestion
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Undeterrmined effect on beneficial insects, but as an IGR is probably fairly safe for most.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Effective on thrips, whitefly and leafminers. Labeled for ornamentals.
Preclude TR (fenoxycarb)
- Class
Carbamate - Insect growth regulator
- Mode of action/primary activity
Juvenile hormone/contact
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Mild on beneficial insects and very short persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Aerosol: can damage open blooms. Label recommends two applications per week. For fungus gnats and aphids, among other common pests. (See label.) Labeled for ornamentals.
Pyganic EC 5.0 (5.0 percent natural pyrethins)
- Class
Botanical
- Mode of action/primary activity
Disrupts nervous system/contact
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Harmfulness varies on beneficial insects, but very short persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
A broad-spectrum knockdown for many pests. Certified for organic production for ornamentals and food crops.
Pyrellin E.C. (0.6 percent natural pyrethrins, 0.5 percent rotenone, 0.5 percent resins)
- Class
Botanical
- Mode of action/primary activity
Disrupts nervous system/contact
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Harmfulness varies on beneficial insects, but very short persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
A broad-spectrum knockdown for many pests. Can be used for ornamentals and food crops
Pyreth-It (6.0 percent natural pyrethrins and 60.0 percent piperonyl butoxide)
- Class
Botanical/Biochemical
- Mode of action/primary activity
Disrupts nervous system/contact
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Harmfulness varies on beneficial insects, but very short persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
A broad-spectrum knockdown for many pests. Can be used for ornamentals and food crops.
Pyrethrum TR (4.0 percent natural pyrethins and 16.0 percent piperonyl butoxide)
- Class
Botanical/Biochemical
- Mode of action/primary activity
Disrupts nervous system/contact
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Harmfulness varies on beneficial insects, but very short persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Aerosol: can damage open blooms. A knockdown for a broad-spectrum of aboveground insects. Can be used for ornamentals, vegetables, and herbs.
Talus (buprofezin)
- Class
Benzoylurea - Insect growth regulator
- Mode of action/primary activity
Chitin synthesis inhibitor/contact, vapor
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Safe for beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
For white flies, mealybugs, scale, and leafhoppers. Labeled for ornamentals and greenhouse tomato production
Tetrasan (etoxazole)
- Class
Diphenloxzoline derivative
- Mode of action/primary activity
Undetermined/translaminar, contact
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Selective miticide that is considered safe on beneficial insects, including predacious mites.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Effective on most ornamental mites (e.g., twospotted, strawberry, cyclamen), EXCEPT rust, broad and flat mites. Controls egg and nymph stages only, not adults. Labeled for ornamentals.
Tristar (acetamiprid)
- Class
Chloronicotinyl (neonicotinoid)
- Mode of action/primary activity
Neurotoxin/systemic, ingestion
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- New product that seems moderately harmful to beneficial insects and fairly persistent.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Do not rotate with Marathon or Flagship. For aphids, mealybugs and white flies. Labeled for ornamentals.
Triac 70 (clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil)
- Class
Botanical/oil
- Mode of action/primary activity
Sufficant/contact
- Ornamentals
- Rentry interval 4 hours
- Harmfulness varies on beneficial insects, but very short persistence.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Miticide, insecticide AND fungicide for ornamentals. Insect and mite activity is similar to other soaps and oils.
Microbial fungicides
Agri-mycin 17 (Streptomycin sulfate)
- Class
Bacterium
- Mode of action/primary activity
Antibiotic
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Considered safe for beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Limited registration for ornamentals (bacterial spot and leaf rot) and on greenhouse tomatoes and peppers (bacterial spot).
AQ-10 (Amperomyces quisqualis)
- Class
Fungal
- Mode of action/primary activity
Parasitic against pathogenic fungus
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 4 hours
- Considered safe for beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Primarily active against powdery mildew. Labeled for food crops and ornamentals.
Bio-Trek 22G (Trichoderma harzianum)
- Class
Fungal
- Mode of action/primary activity
Colonizes and protects plant roots from pathogenic fungi.
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 4 hours
- Considered safe for beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Formulation for drenching into soil. For ornamentals, cabbage, tomatoes and cucumbers. Labeled for protection against Pythium spp.; may protect against other root rot and wilt pathogenic fungi.
Companion (Bacillus subtilis)
- Class
Bacterium
- Mode of action/primary activity
Colonizes and protects plant roots from pathogenic fungi.
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 4 hours
- Considered safe for beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Is frequently incorporated into soil mixes. The drench formulation with a fungicide label is for ornamentals. But it is available with a product use (label) as a microbial inoculant that includes most vegetables and herbs in greenhouses.
Mycostop (Streptomyces bacterium)
- Class
Actinomycetes
- Mode of action/primary activity
Colonizes and protects plant roots from pathogenic fungi.
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 4 hours
- Considered safe for beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Often used in greenhouse tomatoes against root rot and wilt pathogenic fungi. Certified for organic production for ornamentals and food crops. Store in refrigerator; use in one year. Labeled for ornamentals and vegetables.
Plantshield (Trichoderma harzianum)
- Class
Fungal
- Mode of action/primary activity
Colonizes and protects plant roots from pathogenic fungi.
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 0 hours
- Considered safe for beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Formulation for drenching into soil. Labeled for ornamentals, herbs, most vegetables and some fruit crops. Labeled for protection against root rot and wilt pathogenic fungi.
Rhapsody (AS) and Serenade (WP) (Bacillus subtilis)
- Class
Bacterium
- Mode of action/primary activity
Kills listed pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Forms protective layer on plant tissue.
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 4 hours
- Considered safe for beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Both Serenade and Rhapsody are registered on many vegetables in greenhouses; the latter also on ornamentals. Serenade is certified for organic production. Labeled on a range of foliar and stem diseases.
Rootshield (Trichoderma harzianum)
- Class
Fungal
- Mode of action/primary activity
Colonizes and protects plant roots from pathogenic fungi.
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 0 hours
- Considered safe for beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Granular formulation for incorporation into soil. For ornamentals, herbs, most vegetables, and some fruit crops. Labeled for protection against root rot and wilt pathogenic fungi.
SoilGard 12G (Gliocladium virens)
- Class
Fungal
- Mode of action/primary activity
Protects plant roots as an antagonist to pathogenic fungi.
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 0 hours
- Considered safe for beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Granular formulation for incorporation into soil mixes and for use with food crops and ornamentals. Certified for organic use. Use opened package within 3 months. Labeled for protection against Pythium and Rhizoctonia.
Sonata (Bacillus pumilus)
- Class
Bacterium
- Mode of action/primary activity
Kills listed pathogenic fungi. Forms protective layer on plant tissue.
- Greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 4 hours
- Considered safe for beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Sonata is registered on most vegetables and strawberries in greenhouses. Sonata is certified for organic production. Labeled for powdery and downy mildews and rusts.
Subtilex (Bacillius subtilis)
- Class
Bacterium
- Mode of action/primary activity
Prevents listed pathogenic fungi. Forms protective layer on plant tissue.
- Ornamentals, greenhouse vegetables
- Rentry interval 0 hours
- Considered safe on beneficial insects.
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Incorporated into soil mixes and for use with food crops and ornamentals. Some special handling required when opening bags and filling containers. Labeled for protection against root rot and wilt pathogenic fungi.
Notes
Always read and follow label directions when using any of these products. Trade names are used to simplify the information, but active ingredients are provided. Inclusion of product names in this guide should not be regarded as an endorsement. Efficacy against pests is not addressed. Growers need to use and become familiar with the products in their operation and make decisions regarding effectiveness based on their application method, pests and crops.
Detailed information on safety for beneficial insects
Table 2
Greenhouse pesticides restricted to homeowner/hobbyist use. Not for commercial use.
(Selected novel, reduced-risk, biologically based products)
Trade name (active ingredient)
Bon-Neem Insecticidal Soap-Bonidev
- Class
Botanical/oil
- Mode of action/primary activity
Sufficant, repellent/contact
- Rentry interval not specified
- Harmfulness varies for beneficial insects, but very short persistence
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Can be used for ornamentals, vegetables, and fruits.
i-Bomb (0.05 percent natural pyrethins and 0.5 percent piperonyl butoxide)
- Class
Botanical
- Mode of action/primary activity
Disrupts nervous system/contact
- Rentry interval not specified
- Harmfulness varies for beneficial insects, but very short persistence
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Aerosol: A knockdown for a broad spectrum of aboveground insects. Can be used for ornamentals, fruits, and vegetables.
Rotenone-pyrethrin-Bonide (0.8 percent natural pyrethins, 1.1 percent rotenone and 2.2 percent cube extractives)
- Class
Botanical
- Mode of action/primary activity
Irritant and disrupts nervous system
- Rentry interval not specified
- Harmfulness varies for beneficial insects, but very short persistence
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
A knockdown for a broad spectrum of aboveground insects. Can be used for ornamentals, fruits, and vegetables.
Whitmire 1600 (0.3 percent natural pyrethins and 2.2 percent piperonyl butoxide)
- Class
Botanical
- Mode of action/primary activity
Disrupts nervous system/contact
- Rentry interval 12 hours
- Harmfulness varies for beneficial insects, but very short persistence
- Notes on common greenhouse pests, special product handling and other items of interest
Aerosol: not for open blooms. A knockdown for a broad spectrum of aboveground insects. Can be used for ornamentals, vegetables, and herbs.
Fungicides
Serenade-Garden; ready to use.
- See Rhapsody and Serenade in Table 1.
Detailed information on safety for beneficial insects
More information
IPM publications
Selected biocontrol suppliers
Insect identification
Pesticides
Electronic newsletters
The authors acknowledge support from the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program of the Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7.
IPM1026, new March 2005