Beneficial Insects
We're embarking on a cool journey into Beneficial Insect) with our new pals at Sound Horticulture! They dropped some serious knowledge at the UNLA Green Conference last week, and I couldn't wait to get started with them. In our world, where fish are as much a part of the greenhouse as the plants, we've got to think outside the box.
I'm excited to share our adventures with you as we explore the power of beneficial bugs in managing our pests. Big thanks to the folks at Sound for leading the way in IPM. I'm really looking forward to seeing our greenhouse thrive with these natural solutions as our spring crops come into bloom!
Now, let me introduce you to a couple of our tiny allies:
Green Lacewings: These critters are the unsung heroes of the pest world. Adults are green or brown, sporting wings that shimmer and are longer than their bodies. They're like the night shift, feeding on pollen and nectar to keep them going. Their larvae, though, are where it's at – little warriors ready to take on the pests threatening our plants.
Stratiolaelaps Scimitus ‘Womersley’: This little mite, formerly known as Hypoaspis miles, is a dynamo against various soil pests, including those pesky fungus gnat larvae. They zip around the soil, keeping things in check. By bringing them together with other natural methods, we're setting up a solid defense against the usual suspects that bother our plants.
Encarsia formosa, a pioneering force in biological control within greenhouses, is a diminutive parasitic wasp with a big impact on whitefly populations. This groundbreaking biocontrol agent targets whiteflies, requiring precise identification of the whitefly species present to ensure compatibility and to establish the optimal release rate.
We're all about making our greenhouse a place where learning and growth go hand in hand, with safety and sustainability at the forefront. This IPM journey is just one way we're bringing that mission to life. I can't wait to share more about how these natural defenders are making a difference in our space.
Stay tuned for more updates from the greenhouse – here's to growing together in exciting, eco-friendly ways! Questions, comments, or concerns...Let me know!
Georg