HIGH TUNNEL & GREENHOUSE SCOUTING GUIDE HOME

Prevention

• Manage perennial weeds at high tunnel sites before construction

• Plant seed/transplants that have been screened for pathogens and appear diseasefree

• Use new commercial transplant media from a reputable source

• Use insect screen to cover openings

• Inspect new plants coming into structures for pests and diseases

• Avoid wearing brightly colored clothes that could attract certain insects

• Apply mulch to inhibit weeds (organic mulches need to be free of weed seeds and other propagules)

• Avoid herbicide applications near tunnels

• Close and remove bumblebee colonies prior to use of pollinator-toxic insecticides; store bees in a shady location for a day before returning them to the structure

Sanitation

• Eliminate all weeds in and around structures (20-foot perimeter)

• Maintain a 2-week plant-free period prior to each new crop cycle

• Thoroughly sanitize all stakes and trellis materials between crops

• Remove and destroy or dispose of fallen plant debris

• Do not allow clippings from mowing to blow into tunnels

      
Environmental management

• Avoid excessive watering or use of nitrogen

• Avoid temperature extremes

• Reduce leaf wetness by using drip irrigation and repairing sagging or leaking ceilings

• Use summer solarization to destroy weed seeds and reduce soilborne disease pressure

    
Monitoring

• Use yellow sticky cards to monitor for insect pests; check cards regularly

• Frequently inspect plants for signs and symptoms of pests and disease

• Watch for weeds and remove; do not allow weeds to go to seed in or around structures

• Record all scouting observations and maintain for reference in future years

     
Biological control

• Consider using biological control for reoccurring pests

• Avoid using pesticides damaging to beneficial insects and mites

• Evaluate compatibility of biological control with other pest and disease management

• Best used when pest densities are low

• Correct identification of pest species is required

• Will not completely eliminate the pest(s)

      
Chemical

• Only apply pesticides as necessary

• Apply only those pesticides labeled both for the crop and for greenhouse use

• Never exceed the application rate or season limit of any applied pesticide

• Rotate pesticide modes of action to manage resistance in populations

Insect screening over greenhouse openings and gravel around exterior.

(Photo: Shubin Saha, University of Kentucky)

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