Fanshawe College Greenhouse Practical Class

October 22^nd, 2014

                In the greenhouse class, Reese, Rob, and Rachael released two beneficial  insects: Encarsia formosa and Steinernema feltaie.

Encarsia formosa - This biological control was applied to decrease the whitefly population. It is released on three seperate occassions (each one week apart) so that the full life cycle of the whiteflies are targeted. Tiny cards were hung on pots that have eggs on them which will develop through their six stages. Nine cards per m2 were applied.

Steinernema feltaie- A nematode biological which feeds on fungus gnat larvae. They are applied at a rate of 500,000 per m2 by putting the gell block into approximately 15 to 20 degrees water to break it down. The solution is continuously agitated to ensure even distribution of the nematodes and then applied directly to media in the poinsettia crop.