"US (MI): "Be on the lookout for spider mites and broad mites"

Fungal and bacterial disease pressure has been very low in southwest Michigan and it appears to be the same throughout the west central and eastern sides of the state as well. However, Michigan State University Extension greenhouse educators have seen symptoms of root rot on vegetative cuttings in several propagation houses.

Based on sticky traps counts and leaf quality, thrips pressure looks to be low in most places. Because thrips pupae are usually found in the substrate and their eggs are laid inside leaf tissue, both life stages are extremely difficult for propagators to control. Therefore, incoming plant material can be a major source of early-season thrips (assuming good sanitation practices).

Winter temperatures can suppress thrips population growth, so now is the time to be proactive with your thrips management. Consider using an entomopathogenic fungus (e.g., Botanigard, Met-52, etc.) as a low-toxicity sprench for your plugs and liners, especially in those perennially troublesome crops such as Cordyline and Vinca.

Spider mites have been found on several crops, especially Ipomoea and Cordyline. Broad mites have been found on Thunbergia, Torenia, Agastache and Reiger Begonia. Both pests feed on leaf tissue by piercing plant cells with their mouthparts and sucking out the contents.

Read the full report at MSU Extension