Regular scouting for insects is the foundation of any integrated pest management program

Scouting for insects is an essential part of any integrated pest management (IPM) program. Through regular monitoring, you can increase your awareness of insect presence, activity and control in your bedding plants. Scouting should be used as a foundation to make decisions about which control strategies should be used and when.

// Best practices for scouting

To make the most out of your efforts, incorporate the following best practices into your scouting routine:

• Start early: Begin scouting as soon as possible in the spring to stay ahead of any insect outbreaks.
• Divide the greenhouse into smaller areas: Create a map that breaks your greenhouse into smaller areas to make it easier to focus on one area at a time.
• Visually inspect plants: Look at the entire crop to assess overall color, height and uniformness. Take note of any plants that are different from others. If any area stands out as problematic, start looking for pests. Once you assess the entire crop, select plants at random for a closer inspection. It can be helpful to use a hand lens of at least 10X magnification to find insects that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Examine the upper and lower leaf surfaces, the undersides of leaves, flowers and stems.
• Use sticky cards: Place yellow or blue sticky cards among the bedding plants early in the spring. Key placement areas include just above the crop canopy, horizontally near the growing medium surface, on rims of containers and flats, and underneath benches with soil-based or gravel flooring. Sticky cards will help detect the presence of flying insects, including whiteflies and thrips.
• Keep accurate records: While scouting, take notes on all major insect/pest problems throughout the growing season. Include information on susceptible crops and location in the greenhouse. It is also helpful to keep track of the insects’ life cycles and growing environment to predict when an outbreak may occur or when treatment may be needed.
• Scout frequently: Scouting often provides more opportunities to identify and address problem insects before damage occurs. If possible, scout at least once a week, or more often, if conditions are favorable for problem insects. It can also be helpful to scout approximately three to four days after an insecticide application to determine if it was effective.

// Common signs of insect problems

While scouting, it is important to look for signs of insect damage to diagnose a problem. Some common pests that may cause damage in bedding plants include:

• Aphids cause twisting and curling of young, soft leaves and stems. Aphids also produce honeydew, a sugary excrement, which is attractive to ants and may allow for the growth of black, sooty mold.
• Whiteflies damage plants by causing discoloration to the leaves and depositing honeydew. However, the first sign of whiteflies may be small white insects taking flight when a plant is touched.
• Plant bugs damage plants by killing leaf tissues during feeding. The result is small (1/16 inch), round, sunken spots on leaves. When spots are numerous, the entire leaf may curl and wither.
• Scales can cause scales or bumps on plant stems and leaves. These are actually the scales’ coverings. Small white, waxy clusters may also be visible and provide protection for scale eggs. Scales also leave behind honeydew. As a result of prolonged feeding, leaves may turn mottled and yellow before falling off.
• Mealybugs feed at the stem tips and where the leaf meets the stem. Symptoms can affect the entire plant, including stunting, chlorosis, defoliation and wilting. Mealybugs can also produce honeydew, which can allow for the growth of black sooty mold.
• Thrips damage plants by sucking on plant cells, causing streaks, silvery speckling and small white patches on the leaves. With major infestations, plant growth may be stunted with damaged flowers.
• Spider mites feed on the underside of leaves, making tiny cuts and sucking out the contents. This causes tiny yellow or white speckles on the upper leaf surface. Spider mites also produce fine webbing on the plant, which can easily be observed in the morning dew.

// Take action

Altus^® insecticide provides flexible and long-lasting control against insects, including aphids and whiteflies in bedding plants. As the most economical non-neonic insecticide for drench application on the market, Altus is a great fit for any integrated pest management program. Head to the Altus cost in use calculator to compare insecticide costs for any product you choose.

// More information

Contact your Envu Ornamental Specialist to learn more.