Fall Mums

BioWorks Bulletin

Info to Grow                                                                             July 2009

Greetings!

We're knee-deep into summer now, and there are lots of things to keep up with to ensure plant diseases and insect infestations don't get out of control. Our July issue will cover most of the key pests to remember.  Send us an email if you'd like us to cover a topic that would be helpful to you!  [email protected]
Summer Pest Alert - Thrips and Whiteflies and Mites - Oh My!
By Rich Reineke, Midwest Technical Sales Manager
  
The warm summer weather is upon us, and you know what that means for greenhouse and nursery pests.
 
Western flower thrips has been the biggest summer challenge WFTfor growers in the past few years. Successful control depends on the ability to eliminate the pest from the greenhouse by screening, controlling weeds, and spraying. Spray programs need to begin early in the season, while population numbers are small, and you should rotate products with different modes of action to prevent the development of resistant pest populations. BotaniGard� is a great resistance management tool that fits into most any rotation as a stand alone spray or as a tank mix partner.  It is very tank mix compatible and has no known pest resistance.
 
Greenhouse whiteflyIf you are growing poinsettias this year, you already know that greenhouse whitefly and sweetpotato whitefly need to be reckoned with. Use BotaniGard to break any pest resistance by putting it into your early spray rotations.  Have your whiteflies under control early, so you can close up your greenhouses after that hard frost in October with no pest issues and coast to finish with a systemic neonicotonoid application to cover the final 8-10 weeks. 
 
spider miteSummer heat also brings on spider mite infestations, and these can get out of control in a hurry, if you're not paying attention. Try our new SuffOil-X™ Spray Oil Emulsion to suffocate all life stages, while minimizing the risk of phytotoxicity to the plant. 
 
Relax a little this season by introducing BotaniGard and SuffOil-X into your spray rotations and enjoy your summer.
Pansies, Mums and Fall Bedding Plants
By Tamara Brister, Editor
 
Maybe it sounds like a broken record when we repeat reminders of prevention. But over BioWorks' last 16 years this method has proven effective. This summer is no different. Protecting your plants will help protect your revenue.
 
MumsMums - Roots may be under stress this summer season because of many factors - particularly high temperature and moisture (too little or too much rain and constant irrigation to keep them watered).  Pythium can run rampant in mums under these conditions and RootShield� will protect roots from infection even during times of greater susceptibility. 
 
PansyPansies - Stress related to pH and nutrition is very common in pansies. High pH and under or overfeeding can all result in Thielaviopsis (Black Root Rot) and Pythium.  Sanitation alone may not be enough to combat these diseases. Treating with a preventative like RootShield will help protect the plant's delicate root systems.
 
CyclamenFall Bedding Plants
- As with pansies and mums, diseases in bedding plants can cause losses in revenue. 
Root rots (Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium) are some of the most common diseases affecting these plants. RootShield effectively protects against each of these pathogens.
 
Why not make life a lot easier? 
It's better to be safe (using a preventative) than sorry, and spending more money and time on battling a problem and losing plants (and revenue) because of the attack.  Check out our Disease and Insect Management Program for Pansies and Mums for a complete guide on treatment throughout the season.
Keep Those Poinsettias Going Strong
Poinsettia
Refer to our Poinsettia Disease and Insect Management Program to keep on track for strong, healthy, insect-free plants! 
 
 
In This Issue
Summertime Pest Alert!
Pansies, Mums & Fall Bedding Plants
Poinsettia Treatment Reminder
Technical FAQ
Quick Links
Visit BioWorks at these upcoming tradeshows:
 
Aug. 20-22
 
Aug. 18
DWF Grower Supply Expo
 
August 13, 18, 20, 27-28 
 
Aug.18 / Sept. 9-10
Join our list
Join Our Mailing List 
SuffOil-X
Now OMRI Listed!
 
SuffOil-X_sm 
OMRI Logo
Technical FAQ
Ask John Francis, Dir. of Technical Services
  
Q.  Is applying chemical pesticides detrimental to RootShield?
 
A.  Most chemical pesticides are compatible with RootShield. Certain root fungicides, Banner (Propiconazole), and TerraGuard (Triflumizole), can slow down colonization if applied within a two week period of a RootShield application. After the two weeks they both can be applied without any ill effect. Foliar applied insecticides and fungicides are not an issue both because of the hardiness of RootShield and due to so little of the product getting into the root system. See the RootShield labels and compatibility sheet for more information.
Logo Footer