FLOWERS WORLD

Pests and Diseases
Weeds are a serious problem in field grown cut
flower crops. They compete for nutrients, water,
space, and light. Fumigating the soil before planting
helps to control weed seeds, insects, and some
diseases. Pre-emergent herbicides are also available;
check for phytotoxicity problems on your
crops before applying. If herbicides are used, they
must be applied accurately, at the right time, and at
the right stage of weed growth for maximum effect.
Always check the label for safety factors, target
weeds and possible phytotoxicity problems. Never
use the same sprayer for herbicides and any
other type of spraying. Chemical weed control
should be only a part of a full weed control program.
Although it is time consuming and expensive,
hoeing and hand weeding are also part of a
weed control program. Organic mulching of the
crop is another option; it acts to keep the weeds
down, it retards soil drying, and as it breaks down it
adds organic matter to the soil. Weed barriers are
another possibility, many different types are available
on the market. Usually they’re either plastic or
paper. They have the added benefits of reducing
soil splashes on flowers and leaves and reducing
evaporation from the soil surface.
You should be able to identify insects and know
their life cycles so that effective measures are used
at the right time to control the pest. Make a habit of
checking each bed several times a week to try and
catch insect outbreaks early. Make integrated pest
management (IPM) a central part of your pest
control strategy. The goal is to attain an acceptable
level of insect control with the minimum use of
pesticides. Montoring and record keeping are
essential parts of IPM.
One of the most important factors in controlling
disease is to start with healthy plants. Practice
good sanitation. Your fields should be free of weeds
and crop debris. Water early in the day so that any
germinating fungal sports will be killed by the sun.
Use a plant spacing that allows for adequate air
movement in and between plants. Dry foliage
reduces the incidence of leaf spots and Botrytis.
When harvesting, disinfect your tools frequently,
particularly when working between different crops
or production areas. If it can be avoided, never
move from a diseased section to a healthy section.
Boots and clothing can trap spores and weed seeds
and then move them to new areas. Be familiar with
the diseases that crops are the most susceptible to;
know when outbreaks are most likely to occur and
recognize early disease symptoms.