In this weeks blog update well be discussing some of the integrated pest management weve implemented and offer a little insight behind the benefits of biological pest control.

For those unfamiliar with integrated pest management, its basically the practice of introducing beneficial organisms into your garden to help prevent potentially damaging pests, naturally.

Over the early stages of our seedlings life, we have introduced a series of beneficals including inoculating with beneficial nematodes, Hypoaspis, A. Cucumeris and N. Californicus.

Hypoaspis are used primarily to control young larvae of fungus gnats in the soil or planting media. They also help control soil stages of thrips and may account for up to 30% of thrips control. They do not control shore flies or moth flies, but will feed on other soil organisms, such as springtails and root mealybugs. Applied by sprinkling liberally over plants and soil.

Amblyseius cucumeris, the thrips predatory mite, are useful for the prevention, control, and management of various thrips species. A. cucumeris are tough, flexible predators that happen to prefer thrips, mostly the immature thrips stages. These predators are supplied two different ways: a bulk product in vermiculite for fast distribution and consumption; and a sachet product for slow preventive releases over an 5-7 week period. Applied by sprinkling liberally over plants and soil.

Finally, Neoseiulus californicus is used for the prevention, control, and management of various spider mites. These 0.5 mm. mites are noted for their ability to actively hunt in conditions where prey is few and far between. This mite has also made a bit of a name for itself by being able to deal with some of the nearly microscopic species, like broad mites. Applied by sprinkling liberally over plants and soil.

We will be monitoring these new beneficial microorganisms to see how they interact with our new seedlings and hopefully prevent any problems from sprouting before they start! Stay tuned for next weeks update where we will take a closer look at our next batch of Citrus Sap seedlings!