Climate Action and Sustainability Plan June 2021 | Page 58

( hand-pulling ) is used to remove these invasive species . However , this may not always be practical because of difficult access or the sheer numbers of plants . Effective removal of invasive plants such as black swallowwort requires that the entire root system be removed . If the plant roots are broken or not completely removed , the plant is able to multiply faster and spread its invasive range . Thus , in recent years as black swallowwort has dramatically increased , we have selectively used herbicide applications following strict environmental guidelines , as shown in the table below .

The following table shows the complete list of pesticides used on the grounds of the Cemetery over the last ten years :

GREENHOUSE :

At Mount Auburn ’ s 10,000 square foot greenhouse , effective cultural controls including clean propagation and growing areas are essential for ensuring plant health . High quality compost introduced into soil mixes , along with compost tea and organic fertilizer applications , support strong plant growth . When stress and / or damage to specimens is observed , action is taken . This may be in the form of beneficial insect releases to control pests on greenhouse crops and in the cut flower / trial gardens outside of the glass houses . Host plants that attract beneficial insects are incorporated into planting plans and placed among crops on growing benches in the greenhouse . The establishment of beneficial insect populations on crops and in garden soil helps to limit pest and / or disease outbreaks . Following is a list of beneficial insects released in the greenhouse over the past several years :

• Neoseiulus cucumeris is a generalist predator we use on the leaves of our crops . They are a type of mite that feed on whiteflies , thrips , spider mites , aphids , and psyllids .

• Stratiolaelaps scimitus is a predatory mite that lives on the soil surface and feeds primarily on the larva of fungus gnats and thrips .

• Mesoseiulus longpipes are another mite we use during the hot dry days of summer . They feed primarily on spider mites which grow under the same conditions .

Mount Auburn Cemetery | Climate Action & Sustainability Plan 55