Professional insect control for nurseries and greenhouses

Tips & Resources

Pest Management for Poinsettias

Growers can help strengthen their poinsettia crop and add dollars to the bottom line by adopting an integrated pest management (IPM) program to control insects. As the number one potted crop in the United States, poinsettias are extremely important to the economic success of growers.

Native to Central America, poinsettias flourish in an environment high in humidity and sunlight, an environment also ideal for pests. Fungus gnats and whiteflies can have a severe economic impact on poinsettias, causing stunted growth and deformities. Mealybugs and spider mites also threaten poinsettias.

Growers can protect their poinsettia investment from damage with an IPM program that includes the proper monitoring of crops to anticipate problems before they become uncontrollable.

Consider a few simple tips to increase a insecticide’s effectiveness in an IPM program and help poinsettias stay healthy.

  • Place sticky traps near plants to detect infestations.
  • Monitor plants regularly to identify infestations and damage early.
  • Familiarize yourself with the life cycles and habits of various insects.
  • Use an insecticide labeled for use against the insects causing the infestation.
  • Apply insecticides early in the morning or on a cloudy day.
  • Be sure to apply insecticides to the underside of leaves where some insects, including whiteflies, live.
  • Rotate adulticides with different modes of action to ensure insect resistance problems will not occur.
  • Keep detailed records including the type of insect, its location and the pesticides used.

Growers can control greenhouse insects attacking poinsettias with Mavrik Aquaflow® and Enstar® II.

The quick-killing action of Mavrik Aquaflow® provides broad spectrum insect control. A non-phytotoxic, water based formulation, Mavrik Aquaflow® can be used on all greenhouse crops, even open blooms. Effective against adult insects, Mavrik Aquaflow® interferes with the target insect’s central nervous system on contact and through ingestion.

Enstar® II, an insect growth regulator (IGR), has a unique mode of action to control pests. The IGR disrupts normal pest insect processes; causing sterile eggs, incomplete development of immature stages and may cause adults to die prematurely. Enstar® II is effective on a wide range of insects and will not harm beneficials. Enstar® II does not have to be rotated out of insect control programs, as adulticides do, to prevent resistance. Labeled for indoor use, Enstar® II can not be used after bract formation on poinsettias.

Together Mavrik Aquaflow® and Enstar® II provide excellent control, flexibility, and effective resistance management with two modes of action. The cost effective combination is unbeatable for poinsettias.

For more information on protecting your poinsettia investment with Mavrik Aquaflow® and Enstar® II, contact a distributor or call 1-800-248-7763.