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Pb1594-Insect And Mite Management In Greenhouses, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Commercial Horticulture

Pest Management (PM) is a term that refers to the use of various strategies to manage greenhouse insect and mite pests. The focus of PM is to use a variety of management strategies to deal with existing pest problems, rather than relying solely on pest control materials such as insecticides and/or miticides. PM involves the use of cultural, physical, biological and/or chemical management strategies.

PM programs typically require growers to be proactive rather than reactive. An effective PM program begins by regularly scouting the greenhouse for insect and mite pests. A PM program may include establishing action thresholds for specific …

Pb1589-Commercial Insect And Mite Control For Trees, Shrubs And Flowers, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Commercial Horticulture

No abstract provided.

Pb1739-Managing Fire Ants In Urban Areas, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Commercial Horticulture

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, the black imported fire ant, Solenopsis richteri Forel, and their hybrid are nuisance insects and their stings can cause serious medical problems. Imported fire ants interfere with outdoor activities and harm wildlife throughout the southern United States. Ant mounds are unsightly and may reduce land values. In some cases, imported fire ants are considered to be beneficial because they prey upon other arthropod pests. In urban areas, fire ants prey on flea larvae, chinch bugs, cockroach eggs, ticks and other pests. In many infested areas, the problems outweigh the benefits and controlling …

Sp419-The Two-Step Method: Managing Fire Ants Around Homes And In Neighborhoods, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Commercial Horticulture

Experts predict most of Tennessee is suitable for fire ant survival. Recent research from The University of Tennessee indicates the hybrid form found in East and parts of Middle Tennessee is more cold-tolerant than either parent species (the red or black imported fire ant). Therefore, we must learn how to manage these pesky ants. Once fire ants are established in an area, weʼll need to apply the two-step method twice a year.

Sp598-Using Single-Strand Fencing To Manage Deer Damage, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Insects, Pests, Plant Diseases and Weeds

White-tailed deer are the number one source of crop depredation in Tennessee. Once in peril of extermination, the white-tailed deer population in Tennessee now approaches one million. The number one field crop for depredation is soybeans; however, other crops, gardens, tree plantings and ornamentals shrubs and flowers are damaged also.

Deer damage soybeans by browsing, trampling and bedding, and indirectly by increasing weed competition. Deer feed on soybeans from the seedling stage through harvest. Browsing of seedlings is most destructive, as one bite can kill a plant if the cotyledons (the first pair of leaves on a soybean seedling) are …

Sp503-D-An Introduction To Integrated Pest Management Of Landscapes, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Insects, Pests, Plant Diseases and Weeds

A properly maintained landscape adds beauty and value to a property. Landscapes often contain a great diversity of plants and so have the potential to attract many pests. Fortunately, natural enemies of pests often regulate pest populations to low or moderate levels and chemical control is not needed. However, pests may still cause more damage than can be tolerated. We recommend using an integrated approach to managing pests.

This factsheet was written to familiarize the home or professional landscaper with the steps to using integrated pest management (IPM) in the landscape. Using this approach, you can manage damaging pests without …

Pb1623-Decision Making Handbook For Insect & Mite Pests Of Ornamental Plants, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Insects, Pests, Plant Diseases and Weeds

Attractive, vital landscape plants contribute significantly to real estate values. On the other hand, poorly maintained landscapes may become a liability, especially if trees or their parts fall and cause property or bodily injury. This realization, coupled with increased leisure time to enjoy our yards and more discretionary income for landscaping and landscape maintenance, has contributed to dramatic increases in the demand for nursery products and competent service personnel. At the same time, concerns for environmental quality and safe use of pesticides require that plant health care activities, including pest control, provide quality plants without creating adverse side effects. This …

Pb1600 Control Of Voles In No-Till Corn, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Voles have historically been a problem for farmers using minimum and no-till technologies to establish field corn. As land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is returned to row crops, this problem is expected to increase. Retaining established cover by no-till farming decreases erosion, improves water quality, increases wildlife habitat and conserves moisture when compared to conventional tillage practices. However, voles that have established colonies and flourished beneath the cover established under CRP, crop residue or hay crops can devastate crop plantings. Stand reductions of 80-100 percent have been reported in no-till corn where vole numbers are high.