We will discuss the use of biological control agents (arthropods and biopesticides) of main key pests of indoor and outdoor crops, using conventional releases, aiding with the use of banker plants where possible, and adopting a new and innovative way of sustaining the biocontrol agents in your crop even in the absence of prey. We will focus and discuss special food supplements for key biocontrol agents like Orius insidiosus and the predatory mites Amblyseius swirskii and Amblyseius degenerans.

We will go over the Top 10 most common problems we see, regardless of the crop. Recognizing the symptoms that can be caused by chemical phytotoxicities, light inadequacies, and temperature issues, as well as nutritional deficiencies and/or toxicities will help you avoid significant crop losses and wasted time down the road. Learn what crops demand the most attention, what to do to prevent or correct common problems, and how to adjust your growing practices when growing new crops.  You will come away with a checklist of recognizing and preventing the 10 most common mistakes growers make.

Many growers are all too familiar with typical greenhouse pests; however, when growing perennials there are often unfamiliar pests to contend with.  Paul will present several traditional as well as several less familiar pests that feed on herbaceous perennials.  He will also cover methods of controlling these nuisances using both biologicals and insecticides.

 

The technology of plant lighting is developing at a rapid pace.  This session will first discuss the differences between photosynthetic and photoperiodic lighting of greenhouse crops, then compare and contrast different lamp types used for each.  You will learn about what factors you should consider when investing in lamps for your growing operation.
    

Caught with your plants down? This talk focuses on several diseases, providing 1) a brief overview on how to distinguish between and diagnose the more common disease problems on annuals and perennials, followed by 2).  key strategies to manage plant problems. These strategies will integrate different tactics (e.g., sanitation, cultural and chemical controls) to keep your plants from 'falling down’ again in the future.

 

 

PGRs are primarily used to control plant size and/or promote lateral branching of herbaceous crops.  Often, the proper use of a PGR is an integral part of producing a successful crop.  This session will cover the many variables that affect success with PGRs.  The optimum application rate varies widely with different crops and stage of development.  Rates also are affected by environmental conditions such as light and temperature and with cultural practices that affect rate of growth.  We will also cover how to decide which chemical to use in particular situations and when it is best to use sprays or drench applications.

 

 

 

For the Improving the PGR program, we will cover using tank mix of B-Nine + Florel in propagation for better branching, how to apply sprenches and drenches properly for best results, how to control growth of combos whether in pots or baskets, recognizing and dealing with vigor differences between varieties of same crop, and how to use micro-drenches successfully.  Learn how to do a better job of controlling plant growth regardless of the growth regulator used or method applied.