Management of Thrips and Whiteflies with Insect-Killing Fungi: Greenhouse Spray Trials
RESEARCHERS ANALYZE METHODS FOR APPLYING INSECT-KILLING FUNGI
Are there thrips in the greenhouse–again? Plant lovers loathe
the petal-rasping pests, but fortunately there’s a gaggle of parasitic
fungi that find thrips irresistable. Recent advances in the mass production
of the thrip-thwarting fungi and their incorporation into stable, commercially
viable, control products (all easily mixed for spray application) have
been welcome. Yet, in real-world usage, the sprays’ effectiveness has varied
widely — not because the fungi are loafing — but because spray coverage
isn’t always complete. Endowment-funded researchers led by insect pathologist
Dr. Michael Brownbridge are studying the effects of different sprayers
as well as fungi formulations and concentrations to determine how standard
application methods might be amended to improve spray coverage. And the
researchers are approaching their work creatively, using tools as low-tech
as Scotch tape (to lift fungi samples from treated leaves) and as cutting-edge
as air-assisted, electrostatic sprayers. Much to thrips’ dismay, results
from the team’s studies should be available later this year.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT RESEARCH-PROJECT LEADER:
Dr. Michael Brownbridge, Insect Pathologist, University of Vermont
E-MAIL: <mbrownbr@zoo.uvm.edu>
