 Greenhouse Ornamentals IPM Program
Production of greenhouse-grown ornamentals and bedding plants is one of the fastest growing agricultural sectors in Vermont, ranking second in state agricultural revenues. Chemical pesticides are commonly relied upon to control insects and diseases to produce high quality unblemished ornamentals that meet customer demands for pest-free plants. Hence more ai of pesticides per acre are applied on this crop than most others. For example, multiple pesticide applications are often required weekly to control persistent thrips populations. By the very nature of the crop, customers come in direct contact with ornamentals and bedding plants, either by maintaining them as house plants, or handling them during replanting. Efforts to encourage IPM implementation during the early production stage are critical to reduce pesticide exposure by the customer and the applicator. In addition, pesticide contamination from run-off has obvious negative environment impacts, and prolonged pesticide usage results in resistant pest populations that further reduce crop revenues. Because of competition from western agribusinesses, it is difficult for Vermont farmers to compete in today’s dairy or vegetable industry. Many use greenhouse ornamentals to diversify production and thus better support the small family farm model. Greenhouse production therefore contributes significantly to the long-term economic sustainability of agriculture in this rural state. Growers admit that a lack of knowledge remains one of the major obstacles to more fully using IPM. The VT IPM Program will offer hands-on workshops that increase growers’ base of knowledge and confidence to use biological control and other non-chemical IPM practices. State-of-the-art IPM techniques that specifically apply to production operations in this region will be presented in an interactive small-group format that growers prefer.
Growers recognize that consumer awareness is essential to increase the value of IPM-grown crops. If customers demand plants grown according to IPM principles, growers would be more inclined to implement them. A public-private partnership between growers and the VT IPM Program is underway to disseminate information to the public. Through a coordinated program of practical research, grower education and public awareness, the VT IPM Program will ensure that IPM is implemented more extensively and cost effectively in this agricultural sector which has traditionally been highly pesticide-dependent. By increasing awareness among customers on the benefits of IPM to them and the environment, this program will also increase the intrinsic value IPM-grown crops, enabling growers to demand premium prices for their specialty products.
Program Contact: Margaret Skinner
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Issued in furtherance of Cooperative
Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States
Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont.University
of Vermont Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and
employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age,
disability, political beliefs, or marital or familial status.
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