RNGR.net is sponsored by the USDA Forest Service and Southern Regional Extension Forestry and is a colloborative effort between these two agencies.

U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Forest Service Southern Regional Extension Forestry Southern Regional Extension Forestry

Improving Pesticide Use in Nurseries and Greenhouses

Not too long ago, growers relied upon broad-spectrum pesticides to deal with many different pests. The consequences of relying on these types of products are widespread resistance in pests, such as whiteflies and aphids, and serious disruption to biological-control programs. Indeed, natural enemies are often more susceptible to pesticides than the intended target insects because of their inherently weaker defenses. We have now entered a new age with regard to pesticide use. With the introduction of several novel insecticides, growers can now select products that are more specific for their pest management needs, without having to worry about nontarget effects that were the bane of broad-spectrum products. One group of insecticides that is widely used within the nursery and greenhouse industries is the neonicotinoid class. These insecticides have a greater selectivity against insects and avoid many of the environmental and human health issues associated with older, broad-spectrum chemicals.


Download this file:

PDF document Download this file — PDF document, 289Kb

Details

Author(s): F. Byrne