Controlling pests in a 4000sf highschool greenhouse - Ask Extension
Hello! I work in a 4,000sq.ft. greenhouse at a high school. We grow greens and produce via raised beds, aeroponic towers, and a hydroponic pond.
Whe...
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Controlling pests in a 4000sf highschool greenhouse #751742
Asked May 24, 2021, 11:21 AM EDT
Hello! I work in a 4,000sq.ft. greenhouse at a high school. We grow greens and produce via raised beds, aeroponic towers, and a hydroponic pond.
When I started this job, I inherited its aphid and whitefly problem and for the past 3 months they have basically taken control of my life. I feel as if i have tried everything to get rid of them but I am simply at my breaking point! Currently, I am spraying with neem oil and insecticidal pyrethrin soap 1x/week each. We tried to introduce ladybugs (1000 of them), but i believe our automatic cooling system pulled them outside through the fans. It is summer break so no students are in the space for ~3 months, so its crunch time to take any measure to get rid of them. We do not advertise as organic but like to keep things as natural as possible. Any guidance would be appreciated!
Hamilton County Ohio
Expert Response
I am attaching a couple of links to info regarding biological and organic control of these pests.
https://ag.umass.edu/greenhouse-floriculture/fact-sheets/aphids-on-greenhouse-crops
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/whiteflies/
It is also certain that whitefly are impossible to control without some pesticide use. It has also been suggested:
- Sanitation - At the end of the growing season, clean the greenhouse thoroughly, eliminating all plant material (including under-bench weeds). You may wish to install screens to exclude insects. Inspect incoming plant material thoroughly before allowing it inside the greenhouse, and reject any that has whiteflies.