• Neoseiulus californicus is a predatory mite used to control spider mites in the leaf canopy .
• Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a type of ladybeetle which feeds on mealy bugs and scale insects .
• Scanmask nematodes . Scanmask is a product that contains a water-soluble mass of Steinernema feltiae nematodes . Nematodes are used as either a spray or a dip solution to control fungus gnat and shore fly larva . The nematodes colonize and reproduce within the host larva eventually killing it .
• Encarsia formosa is a type of wasp that feeds on honeydew and nectar as an adult and lays eggs on the nymphs of whiteflies .
• Chrysoperla rufilabris or green lacewing lay their eggs on leaves where the larva emerge and feed on aphids . Adults feed on nectar and pollen .
• Orius insidiosus , the minute pirate bug , is used to prey on western flower thrips . Both adults and nymphs feed on thrips .
• Aphidoletes aphidimyza is a midge whose larva feed on aphids .
• Dalotia coronaria are rove beetles . Both adult and larva feed on fungus gnat larvae , root aphids , shore fly eggs , and pupating thrips .
• Aphidius colemani are native wasps which parasitize aphids . Adults seek out and lay eggs inside aphids which serve as a food host for the developing larva . Adults feed on pollen and nectar .
• Aphelinus abdominalis is a wasp which parasitizes aphids for reproduction and will prey on them for food as well .
In addition to beneficial insects , the only pesticides used in the greenhouse for the past twentyplus years have been biorational products that are all naturally occurring – primarily fungi , bacteria and plant oils – always in small quantities only when absolutely necessary to maintain the health and high quality of the crops . Biorational products that we have used include :
• Actinovate SP ( Soluble Powder ) is a beneficial bacterium called Streptomyces lydicus , which is a naturally occurring soil bacterium . This bacterium colonizes the plants roots and protects against other pathogens such as damping off fungus , root rot , turf brown patch , pythium , rhizoctonia , phytophthora , fusarium , verticillium , and sclerotinia .
• Dipel controls caterpillars and borers using the bacteria
Bacillus thuringiensis v . kurstaki . The bacteria produce a crystalline protein , a type of endotoxin , which paralyzes the caterpillar ' s digestive tract and causes the host to stop feeding , eventually leading to death .
• Greenshield is used once per year to clean and disinfect the greenhouse prior to the new crops arriving in February . It is a biodegradable liquid used to kill algae and fungal spores on the surfaces of tables , glass , and floors . One gallon of Greenshield is equivalent
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