5 proactive practices for disease and pest control

If getting a better handle on pests and diseases is high on your growing operation’s to-do list, you’re not alone. In one recent ornamental horticulture industry survey, greenhouse and nursery growers named pest and disease control as an area where they’d most like to up their game, second only to automation. If that’s you, this is one New Year’s resolution you’ll want to make stick.

Establishing a formal scouting program is an integral part of any serious pest management effort. But proactive pest and disease control starts long before these unwelcome guests make themselves known. As efforts to limit or even eliminate traditional pesticide use become more widespread—among growers and consumers—circumventing pest problems is more important than ever before.

These 5 proactive practices to keep pests and disease at bay are excellent starting points:

1.  Make greenhouse and nursery sanitation a 24/7/365 priority. Off-season downtime is a great opportunity for deep cleaning and sanitation. But pests and disease don’t always run on the same production schedule as you. As you read this, stop and consider the state of your facilities throughout any given year. Are they continually prepped to produce healthy, vibrant plants—or something less? Then schedule whatever tasks are needed, even months out, to take up the slack. Take every opportunity to disinfect areas thoroughly—including the paths and walls—before bringing new plants in.

2. Keep structural maintenance top-of-mind 12 months a year. Structural integrity usually takes a front seat as winter approaches and thoughts of high energy bills start weighing on your mind. But those same tiny cracks and maintenance tasks that hinder energy efficiency provide pathways for pests and disease to let themselves in. Conversely, maintenance needs that inhibit air circulation or other beneficial conditions present their set of problems, too. Taking time to inspect structures regularly and make repairs as soon as they’re needed—even in the rush of spring—can help your bottom line in multiple ways.

3. Tackle biofilm on all fronts. Targeting biofilm can make a dramatic difference in facility cleanliness and pest management—and optimize your inputs as well. Selecting the right fertilizers is integral to fighting biofilm and the pathogens it invites.

This bacterial sludge can develop anywhere in your system but it’s especially prone to clogging irrigation lines, drip emitters, and sprinkler heads, where it feeds on the stream of fertilizer nutrients you provide. Keeping irrigation lines clean and flushed also helps eliminate some of the pathogens and address limescale and nutrient accumulation. Your ICL Territory Manager can help you get your fertilizer right.

4. Step up your war on weeds and algae. It’s a fact: Weeds harbor pests and diseases and divert water and valuable nutrients from crops. We all know it, yet weed management continues to be an area where growers say they fall short. Let this be the year that changes. The same determination applies to algae, which can foul irrigation lines, inhibit sunlight and supplemental lighting, create unsafe walking surfaces, and deplete oxygen in your reservoirs and tanks. Plus, those slimy surfaces provide a haven for all sorts of pests from fungus gnats to whitefly. Tackle all the algae in your facility with regular cleaning and disinfection. Don’t forget that gravel under your benches.

5. Don’t take disinfection shortcuts. While more growers are recycling their plastics, greater numbers are choosing to reuse their pots and trays inhouse. Whether it’s driven by environmental concerns or fresh memories of supply chain shortages, it’s an admirable choice. But diligent disinfection is crucial to positive results.

Any containers, trays, or other items exposed to plant material, substrates, leachate—you name it—should be thoroughly washed to remove any remaining matter that could harbor pests or disease. Once that’s complete, disinfection comes next. And always follow instructions on the disinfectant label to ensure those reused pots are ready for plants.

Here at ICL Growing Solutions, we understand the challenges you face in keeping pests and disease at bay, and producing exceptional plants. Our local Territory Managers have feet on the ground where you live and grow. From an ideal fertilizer regimen to advice on other ways you and your team can excel, we’re here to help.