Christmas in July: tips for controlling whitefly in poinsettia. (Hint – start now!).

Juvenile and adult Bemisia whitefly (Bemisia tabaci).  There are 2 biotypes of this pest (“B” and “Q”) which look identical; however, their response to chemicals is very different.

Poinsettias cuttings are here! Unfortunately, they will likely arrive with unwanted “presents” in tow.  This includes Bemisia whitefly, a pest that can be hard to control with natural enemies and can ALSO be resistant to pesticides.  So what’s a grower to do?  

By implementing some preventative measures RIGHT NOW, and understanding WHEN it’s appropriate to spray, you can help save yourself a lot of headaches later.

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New tool can help identify gaps in your pest management program

Do you have a strategy to help mitigate pests coming into your facility, like dipping cuttings upon receipt?

The CFIA has recently released the Floriculture Sector Biosecurity Guide.  Despite it’s imposing name, this is an excellent “road map” to help protect your facility from unwanted pests.  The Guide offers biosecurity strategies from the time plants come in the front door ’till they’re out in the compost bin.

Don’t have a facility-wide Pest Management Program in place?  This guide can provide the framework. (Why start from scratch?).  Already have a strategy to mitigate risks from pests at your farm?  Compare YOUR plan with the Floriculture Guide to see if you’ve overlooked anything.

How can we best protect Canada’s floriculture industry from pest threats? Have your opinion heard.

Impatiens Downy Mildew – an example of a recent threat to Canada’s floriculture industry.

The CFIA is looking for input from growers by April 30th to help develop a national strategy for protecting Canada’s agriculture from new and emerging risks.

Having YOUR voice heard is easy.  Read on to learn how to get involved.

THIS SATURDAY: “Biosecurity Workshop” necessary for submitting GF2 proposals for pest control projects

On Saturday afternoon (Feb. 18th) from 2- 6pm at the Vineland OMAFRA office there will be a “Biosecurity Workshop”run by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association.

This workshop is targeted to greenhouse and hort producers.  It will provide the necessary background for growers to submit applications to the Growing Forward 2 Program for biosecurity and pest control projects.   Attendance at a biosecurity workshop is a necessary to apply for GF2 funding under this stream.

There is no cost for this workshop and all are welcome. Please  register at ontarioprograms.net or contact Margaret May at mmay@ontariosoilcrop.org

A flyer with more details is included below.

Mealybugs…on poinsettia??

Citrus mealybug feeding on a flower stem.

Last year several consultants and I noticed something strange.  A number of greenhouses in Ontario had noticeable infestations of mealybug in their poinsettia crop.  This was the first time many in their 25+ year careers had seen this (e.g. see Mel Sawaya’s article in Greenhouse Canada Magazine).

It’s unclear yet if phenomenon will repeat itself this year (or perhaps affect even more operations), but growers should be on the lookout for this pest. Keep reading for more information about the potential cause of these mealybug infestations, and possible solutions.