Professional insect control for nurseries and greenhouses

Tips & Resources

Pest Management for Potted Plants

As the second largest segment of the floriculture industry, potted plants encounter diverse insect infestations. Warm growth conditions in greenhouses attract insects, which can damage potted plants and transmit disease. To grow healthy potted plant crops and maintain their value, insect problems should be identified and controlled throughout the growing cycle.

Insect treatments are more effective when targeting an identified insect. Infestations can be controlled much easier when a grower is familiar with insect behavior and detects a problem early. Pest management should be tailored to meet the needs of each individual greenhouse.

Practices can be implemented to monitor and control greenhouse insects after identification.

  • Eliminate weeds inside and outside of the greenhouse. They are a source for insects and disease.
  • Install screens on doors and vents, making it more difficult for insects to enter.
  • Inspect clothing, cuttings and soil so insects are not carried into the greenhouse.
  • Monitor plants on a daily basis to catch infestation and damage early.
  • Recognize various insects and the stages of development.
  • Keep detailed records including the type of pest, its location and the insecticides used.

Insecticides are often necessary to control an infestation. Mavrik Aquaflow® and Enstar® II can be used alone or together for control against greenhouse insects.

Labeled for both indoor and outdoor use the quick killing action of Mavrik Aquaflow® provides broad spectrum insect control. The product is a nonphytotoxic, water-based formulation for use 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), prevents an insect from advancing to the next growth stage and causes adults to die prematurely or lay sterile eggs. Targeting insects at all stages of growth, Enstar® II controls a wide variety of insects and it will not harm beneficial parasites or predators. Unlike adulticides, there is no need to rotate Enstar® II out of a control program because of insect resistance concerns.

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, controlling aphids, mites, thrips, and whiteflies among other insects.

For more information on controlling insects in your greenhouse with Mavrik Aquaflow® and Enstar® II, contact a distributor or call
1-800-248-7763.