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heirloom_lady

Greenhouse pests problems

19 years ago

I'm fairly new to greenhouse growing. I have a 14 x 48 ft double wall poly gh which I used last for growing out tomato and flower transplants. It was fine except that the tomatoes became covered with aphids and white flies. How can I control this without using chemicals. What am I doing wrong that would cause it? Any help would be appreciated, so hopefully I won't have the same problem this year. Thanks, Sherry

Comments (8)

  • 19 years ago

    I am not familiar with white flies, so I am not sure how to address that problem.

    Regarding aphids, you can use horticultural soap, or a home made brew of diluted diodegradeable dishwashing liquid. Concentration should be mild - between 1/2 to 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water.
    Spray the entire plant, paying special attention to spots where aphids gather.
    The idea is that the soap (emulsifying agent) breaks down the waxy layer that protects the aphids' body. Once that waxy layer is broken down, the insect dehydrates and dies.
    This also has the bonus of breaking down the sugary substance that builds up along aphid hangouts that eventually attract ants.
    After a few minutes, rinse the plants with clean water to ensure that no soap residues stay attached to the plants.

  • 19 years ago

    Whiteflies love tomatoes. Everytime I have tomatoes in the GH, I get whiteflies.

    Whiteflies are pretty sensitive to everything, including soap spray, Neem, pyrethrin, etc. I use a soap spray with baby shampoo (no phytotoxin detergents) at the rate of 1-2T/gal. Spray when cool and the flies are less mobile. You have already discovered that they like the undersides of the leaves, so you have to get underneath everything. Control is possible.

  • 19 years ago

    I am about to release 1500 lady bugs in my greenhouse! SHould be fun. I only have a very few aphids, I mainly just want the ladies in there for color.

  • 19 years ago

    Had same problem years ago...white flies r a real PAIN.
    Found this like ...you might wanna try

    Here is a link that might be useful: Homemade whitefly trap

  • 19 years ago

    Bihai, I'm just passing through from stained glass/mosaics board . . . noticed your post about ladybugs. Once my sister ordered a huge amount of them through the mail. When she released them, they all immediately flew away. I recently read somewhere that, Before you release ladybugs, mist or spray water in the area. They will stay for moisture, but they will leave if it's not present. Good luck!

  • 19 years ago

    I am sure the ladybugs will never want to leave Bihai's greenhouse. It is a flora/fauna paradise :)

    Ladybugs are an excellent option though. If they are available locally and your garden can sustain their feeding needs.

  • 19 years ago

    I thought of ladybugs too and in a GH, they aren't likely to leave. But I also wonder if some smaller mantis species, like the bright green wouldn't be a good idea too, for checks & balances.

    When I was very small child, I was terrified of mantis, until I learned more about them. Marvelous creatures.

  • 19 years ago

    Thanks everyone for the great advice. The soap sprays sound like a great solution especially if it works on both aphids and whiteflies. Guess the trick is to catch them early. Last year I didn't notice them until they were all over the tomatoes. I'll try making some sticky traps too.

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