New educational video series on Greenhouse Biological Control released by MSU Extension
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The MSU Extension Floriculture Team is excited to announce the release of a new educational video series designed to help greenhouse growers transition to biological control for managing pests in spring floriculture crops. This five-part series serves as an accessible, beginner-friendly resource for those looking to integrate biologically based pest management techniques into their operations.
What is biological control?
Biological control is an environmentally friendly pest management strategy that utilizes living organisms to protect crops from harmful insects and diseases. Over the past two decades, these methods have gained widespread popularity among greenhouse growers. The benefits are clear: biological control allows growers to manage key pests effectively, enhance product quality and reduce the risk of pesticide resistance.
Adopting a biological control program can seem daunting for newcomers, however, as it requires specialized knowledge, time and skill. This new video series provides practical guidance to help demystify the process and make the transition easier.
A practical, grower-focused learning experience
This educational series focuses on biological control strategies specifically for managing western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), one of the most persistent pests in greenhouse floriculture production. The videos feature valuable insights from experienced Michigan greenhouse growers who have successfully implemented biological control programs. Viewers will not only hear firsthand accounts from these experts but also see real-life demonstrations of application techniques, offering an in-depth look at how these methods work in commercial greenhouse settings.
Video Series Overview
Video 1: Biological Control Basics – 8 Tips for Success
Biological control is a powerful tool, but success requires preparation and persistence. This video outlines eight key tips to help growers build confidence and develop the skills necessary for an effective biologically based integrated pest management (IPM) program.
Video 2: Using Biological Control to Manage Thrips in Spring Crops - Part 1: Propagation
Thrips are one of the most challenging pests in greenhouse floriculture. This video highlights common biological control practices used in the propagation phase and features growers sharing their experiences and strategies for managing thrips.
Video 3: Using Biological Control to Manage Thrips in Spring Crops - Part 2: Production & Finishing
Continuing from Part 1, this video showcases biological control techniques for thrips management during the production and finishing stages, with expert commentary from successful growers.
Video 4: Using Beneficial Nematodes in the Greenhouse
Beneficial nematodes are a valuable tool for managing soil-dwelling pests, including fungus gnats and thrips. This video provides a step-by-step demonstration of how growers commonly apply nematodes in floriculture production systems.
Video 5: Orius Banker Plant Systems for Controlling Thrips in Greenhouses
The minute pirate bug (Orius insidiosus) is a highly effective predatory insect used in greenhouse biological control. This video explains how one grower successfully establishes and utilizes an Orius banker plant system to help manage adult western flower thrips.
Supporting sustainable pest management
This video series was made possible through funding from the Extension Implementation Program via the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The project aligns with the grant’s mission to promote the adoption of IPM practices, supporting resilient farms and thriving communities in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.
By watching this series, greenhouse growers will gain practical knowledge and see real-world examples of how biological control can be implemented successfully. Whether you are new to biological control or looking to refine your existing program, these videos offer essential guidance to help you take the next step toward sustainable pest management.
Watch the series
The full video series is now available online through MSU Extension’s floriculture resources. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your greenhouse pest management strategies with expert advice and real-world demonstrations.
For more information, visit the MSU Extension Floriculture Team’s webpage on Greenhouse Biological Control and start your journey toward effective biological control today.
This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program [grant no 2021-70006-35450] from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The authors thank BioBee USA, Biobest, Bioline AgroSciences, Koppert and Plant Products for providing supplies and technical support.
