Imagine a sparkling clean greenhouse with green, healthy plants growing up on benches and everything in its place. There are no dark corners with algae and weeds, no piles of spilled soil on the floor. Organic waste bins are emptied on a regular basis, and plants with heavy infestations of pests or disease are nowhere to be seen. The benches and tools have recently been sterilized, and crops are well-spaced, with room to grow and good air flow. This perfect horticultural dream could be a reality by taking a few steps towards prevention. Continue reading

One Mite to rule them all, One Mite to find them, One Mite to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them. Just like the One Ring of Lord of the Rings fame, Anystis baccarum, has the potential to become a powerful tool for growers everywhere.  Continue reading

At Sound Horticulture, we use Moment lenses to scout for pests on our clients crops. We have found that the ease of use and image clarity puts moment lenses a step above the competition. The lenses require the moment case and they are available for many popular smartphones. Once you have the case it is as simple as a quarter turn to mount the lens. Click here to check out Moment's offerings!  Continue reading

When it comes to your IPM program, are you employing all the stops? Are you adequately considering these components of your IPM program?

 

1)Removing debris (cultural control)- fungal pathogens (i.e. botrytis).

2)Properly sanitizing surfaces, pots, soil, and tools.

3)Stopping entry and vectoring at the door!

 

Proper sanitation is imperative for maintaining a good integrated pest and disease management program and stopping pests “at the door” should be the first line of defense. Within the larger industry, there are an array of needs in the sanitation department. Without being able to touch on them all, let’s talk about your feet! As we approach fall weather, pests are certainly looking to hitch a ride into indoor environments and greenhouses. That said, vectoring pests in and out of various facilities, greenhouses, or rooms, is a potential problem all season long. How are your growers and employees moving through the facility? Avoid allowing growers to work in contaminated areas and then move to propagation later in the day. Consider supplying a change of clothes and even crocs or boots for employees. 

We work to stay abreast of all the updates and changes in the industry and in biocontrol and share that information with all of you. That said, some trusted principles and products have not changed for decades and remain trusted industry standards.

To assist with this continued concern, we made have ordered in products to make it easy for our customers. Whether you are moving from stock to finishing areas, or from outdoors to indoors, having a sanitation mat is critical for vectoring reduction. For fall, we are combining the long-standing industry sanitation product, Green Shield, with the sanitation mats as a package deal. We don’t want you to call us in crisis!

For $147 you can receive 1 gallon of Green Shield with our favorite type of sanitation mat.

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Biological Control - Principles and Practices
Use of biological control can be an effective method to suppress or control pests but understanding the basic tenets will determine success or failure. This presentation will cover the principles of biological control and provide tips on improving success. Come and learn more from Dr. Bev Gerdemann and Alison as we begin a Brown Bag Lunch Series, Thursday Mar 30, 12-1 pm . Bring your questions about field production and row crops  of the Skagit! Continue reading