• Knowing & recognizing

  updated edition of Knowing and recognizing also includes new biopesticides and biostimulants that increase the plant’s resilience to stress and help the plant [...] crop protection Knowing and recognizing does exactly what it implies. It empowers you with knowledge about the pest’s lifecycle and its many phases, as [...] illustrations and close-up photographs. The knowledge gained will equip you to find the best sustainable solutions. First published 25 years ago and revised

• Botrytis: Ten must-knows

  March 26, 2025

  Botrytis is an above-ground fungus, and there are many species. The fungus is found all over the world and can infect a wide variety of plants. If conditions [...] pollen tube, kills them, and feeds on the contents of these dead cells. Botrytis loves soft plant parts, such as soft fruit, petals, and lush leaves. Crops with [...] attractive and are therefore at a lower risk. The species Botrytis cinerea can affect more than two hundred different crops, including strawberry and grape

• Know Your Enemy - A closer look at Whiteflies

  August 14, 2024

  spindle-shaped, and attached to a short pedicel. Upon hatching, the young larvae, known as 'crawlers,' have well-developed legs and antennae and actively seek [...] Damage and Economic Consequence Whitefly pose a significant threat to a variety of indoor and outdoor crops including annuals, perennials, herbs, and vegetable [...] Extensive feeding can retard plant growth and cause leaves to wilt and drop. This significantly impacts fruit development and yield. The importance of strategic

• Pumpkin, squash and gourd

  they are also know, are indigenous to the Andes region and Mesoamerica. Currently, five species are cultivated for their edible fruit and seeds. This fruit [...] pumpkin, squash or gourd. That depends on species, variety and local jargon. The fruits of the Cucurbita species are usually large and fleshy, but their size [...] substantially. Wild fruit species can be as small as 4 centimetres (1.6 inch) and some commercial specimens can weigh more than 300 kilograms (660 lbs).

• Mealybugs and scales

  of mealybugs and scales Mealybugs and scale insects are persistent pests that feed on plant sap, weakening crops and producing honeydew that leads to sooty [...] beetles and lacewings help reduce mealybug and scale populations by attacking both larvae and adults. Pheromone traps support early detection and population [...] wingless and immobile, and covered with a hard scale (armoured scales and soft scales) or with waxy threads (mealybugs). They suck the sap of plants and are

• Crop Monitoring and Scouting

  monitoring and scouting In the world of agriculture and horticulture, the phrase "knowledge is power" couldn't be truer. Crop monitoring and scouting are [...] identification and prompt action. By employing insect traps, such as sticky traps and pheromones, growers can promptly detect the presence of pests and respond [...] of crop monitoring and scouting One of the most critical aspects of crop scouting is pest and disease detection. Identifying pests and diseases early allows

• Spider mites and other mites

  weeds and other plants that may serve as a host for mites, and implementing a rigorous cleaning and disinfection program for all tools, equipment, and surfaces [...] spider mites and other mites Spider mites and other mite species can rapidly infest greenhouse and field crops, feeding on plant cells and causing leaf [...] distinct body segmentation that spiders have. Gall mites and russet mites are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye and only have four legs.

• Pea blight, leaf and pod spot

  plant pathogen that causes A scochyta blight on pea (leaf blight or pea blight) and lesions of stems, leaves, and pods (pea leaf spot and pea pod spot) [...] stems and pods of peas. The spots on leaves and pods are round, on the stems they are more elongated. The lesions are light brown, sunken and surrounded [...] the primary leaves. The fungus is seed borne and thus also causes post- and pre-emergence damping off and dwarfing. Other Ascochyta species may also infect

• Rainy Woes – Conquering Downy Mildew and Botrytis Naturally

  November 3, 2023

  appears. Harnessing the power of Nature to Manage Downy mildew and Botrytis. Did you know that plants have an inherent ability to fight disease through various [...] NoPath is safe for the environment and workers. It offers both prophylactic and curative control on both downy mildew and botrytis . It reduces reliance on [...] Downy mildew and Botrytis diseases of roses are among the few challenges that a grower can deduce their occurrence based on the prevailing weather conditions

• Nurturing soil and water for a sustainable tomorrow

  December 5, 2023

  withdraw 70% of the world's freshwater and cover 20% of croplands (FAO, 2023). The soil's health and water quality and availability are intricately connected [...] retention and availability. By incorporating organic matter into the soil, we nourish beneficial fungi and bacteria, creating a vibrant soil food web that is [...] year's theme, ‘Soil and Water,’ echoes the profound interdependence of these two vital elements in sustaining life on Earth. Both soil and water stand as