On Farm Efficacy Trials of Biocontrol Release Methods for the Control of Western Flower Thrips and Whitefly

Posted on November 1, 2012 By Flowers Canada Posted In Current Projects

In previous on-farm biocontrol trials conducted at Flowers Canada members’ farms it was determined that almost every one of the approximately 60 trials sites used a biocontrol program that differed from the other sites.  However for two pests in particular, western flower thrips and whiteflies, some common strategies did surface that were effective at some sites and ineffective at others.

This project will investigate these common strategies in two major greenhouse flower crops – potted chrysanthemums and potted gerbera.  The strategies being compared will consist of weekly broadcast of biocontrol agents versus monthly hanging of biocontrol sachets.  Interspersed in these trials will be a comparison of using trapping cards and tape versus not using them.

The goal is to provide Ontario flower growers with one repeatable, consistent and effective biocontrol strategy for each of these crops.