US: Investing in your future of Spider Mite control
Often near the end of a crop cycle in vegetable greenhouses, a grower will either choose to “give up” on spider mite control and focus on clean-up activities, or they will choose to spray a harsh chemical meant to kill all remaining insects (including beneficial insects). Although a thorough clean-up is necessary, and ridding a greenhouse of all pests is essential to start a new clean crop, spraying harsh chemicals will not affect hibernating spider mites. A crop advisor or technical representative from your biocontrol supplier can help determine whether spraying a harsh chemical is absolutely necessary at the crops’ end. If it is determined that your pest population is below a threshold for which harsh chemicals should be applied, we recommend you invest in some Phytoseiulus persimilis. Applying persimilis at the end of your crop will cost less than a chemical application, and will help to eradicate all forms of spider mites present, without a build-up of chemical resistance. Consider this an investment in your future. By applying persimilis now, you will avoid a potentially large outbreak of the pest in your next crop, saving you money down the road.
For more information:
Crop Defenders
Mary Xavier
150 Fraser Road
Leamington ON N8H 4E7 Canada
mary@cropdefenders.com
www.cropdefenders.com