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IPM in roses
Real IPM has developed an innovative new scouting system and
biological control strategy in roses for the control of spider mite, with the
predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis. Our growers have demonstrated
that they can now eliminate mites from their greenhouses without the use of
chemicals, resulting in a reduction in annual chemical applications of 40 - 65%.
This has not only resulted in increased yields and stem length of roses, and
improved quality but also makes a substantial financial saving every year on
crop protection inputs. Worker's health and safety is also less at risk due to
dramatically lower pesticide applications to crops.
Once the Real IPM programme is completed, normally in 8
weeks from the first innundative release of Phytoseiulus the crops are
virtually free of mites for the first time! The plants grow better, have
healthier leaves and can natural waxes on the leaf suffer less damage from
sprays - so can give more natural protection to leaves from diseases such as
mildews.
We train growers in our unique scouting methods to enable
their own farm scouts to measure the levels of mites in sufficient detail to
allow managers to determine how many predators should be applied. Our growers
pay a Fixed Price per hectare and we work together with their managers to ensure
only sprays which are compatible with Phytoseiulus are used during the
critical 6 - 8 week period when we are cleaning up the crop, free of mites.
After the mites have all been eaten up, the Phytoseiulus also die of
starvation, leaving a clean crop. After this time, the grower can use
non-compatible pesticides to ensure that other pests such as mealybug, whitefly
and aphids do not become a serious problem.
We are also working with our Real IPM Rose growers on the
biological and cultural controls of powdery and downy mildews, botrytis, root
knot nematode and mealybug. Together we are changing the way roses are grown.
Real IPM is promoting the achievements of these growers in the hope that others
will follow their example.
If you are a rose retailer, wanting the contact details of
Real IPM rose growers, we have provided their progress information below and
contact details. If you are a rose grower and want to know more about how Real
IPM can assist you to reduce chemical inputs contact us at info@realipm.com
Visit our Real IPM Growers' page for more details
For more information see the article in Floraculture International
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