Bio Control at the OSU/CAS Greenhouses
Biocontrol is the use of living organisms to control pest issues. Used correctly, biocontrol can reduce pesticide use, contribute to a safer work environment, provide an alternative strategy for ongoing pest problems, result in cost reduction for pest control, and reduce REI interference for access to greenhouses.
For bio control to be successful all entities involved with the decisions and care of the plant materials need to cooperate and communicate with each other. This involves plant care such as cultural needs, people and plant movement, monitoring of pests, application of biological controls and environmental settings.
Projects that want to establish bio control in their greenhouse section need to contact the GOPS manager and/or the IPM coordinator prior to the implementation of any controls. A work plan will be generated together by both entities that meet the needs of the individual project and are practical by the GOPS staff.
All plant material using bio control methods will be identified as such using a color coded system developed by the GOPS Manager (orange & white striped markers).
Specific Considerations when Using BioControl
- Requested section(s) for bio control
- Pests/Pathogen to control
- Crop being grown and plant part needed for research (flowers, roots, etc.)
- Duration of experiment
- Potential addition of new plants after start of Bio Control (If yes, timing and communication is essential for success)
- People & plant movement
Greenhouse Operations Responsibilities:
- Recommend control agents
- Purchase, receive, and deliver or apply biocontrol agents
- Monitor pests and bio control populations
- Develop compatible sprays
- Communicate with user groups
- Sanitize rooms, keep weed-free floors.
Research User Groups Responsibilities:
- Monitor crop for pests
- Assist GOPS with control methods
- Communicate with GOPS any changes in bio control plan
- Maintain a clean growing environment (discard unneeded material, weed free pots, etc.)
- Alert GOPS to the introduction of new plant material