University of Maryland releases guide on biocontrol for thrips
Learn how biological control agents can manage thrips and mites in high tunnels and greenhouses. Read the full University of Maryland guide today.
University of Maryland Extension has released a new fact sheet outlining how growers can use augmentative biological control to manage thrips and mites in high tunnels and greenhouses.
The publication, authored by Veronica Yurchak, P.h.D., Extension specialist for commercial vegetable production, explains how pests such as western flower thrips, two-spotted spider mites, broad mites and cyclamen mites can damage vegetable crops and spread diseases like Tomato spotted wilt virus.
The guide reviews commercially available biological control agents including predatory mites, predatory gall midges and minute pirate bugs. It also provides recommendations on optimal environmental conditions, release timing, storage practices and compatibility with commonly used insecticides and miticides.
The publication is intended for commercial vegetable producers seeking preventative and reactive pest management strategies that reduce reliance on chemical controls.
Read the full University of Maryland Extension publication via PDF file here.