Pest, Diseases & Hygiene

Common Pests Aphids Whiteflies Spider Mites Caterpillars Clusters of tiny, soft-bodied insects on underside of leaves Whiteflies Lots of tiny, white moths Spider Mites Tiny yellow speckles on leaves Caterpillars Black eggs (dots) on channels Mealybugs Cottony masses in crooks of stems Thrips Tiny insects, curling leaves with white/silver spots Fungus Gnats Swarms of tiny black flies Common Pests

Common Pests Aphids Whiteflies Spider Mites Caterpillars Clusters of tiny, soft-bodied insects on underside of leaves Whiteflies Lots of tiny, white moths Spider Mites Tiny yellow speckles on leaves Caterpillars Black eggs (dots) on channels Mealybugs Cottony masses in crooks of stems Thrips Tiny insects, curling leaves with white/silver spots Fungus Gnats Swarms of tiny black flies A C B Work with a partner: Identify each of the above pests Common Pests

Common Pests Aphids Whiteflies Spider Mites Caterpillars Clusters of tiny, soft-bodied insects on underside of leaves Whiteflies Lots of tiny, white moths Spider Mites Tiny yellow speckles on leaves Caterpillars Black eggs (dots) on channels Mealybugs Cottony masses in crooks of stems Thrips Tiny insects, curling leaves with white/silver spots Fungus Gnats Swarms of tiny black flies Mini Lab: Work with your group to examine the plant leaves at your station What does it look like macroscopically? (when you look at it with the naked eye) What does it look like under a magnifying glass? What does it look like under the microscope? Which pest or disease do you think this is? What would we do with an infected plant or crop? Common Pests

Common Diseases Gray Mold Powdery Mildew Damping Off Algae Wilt Sooty, gray-white lint Powdery Mildew Small white spots progress to fine pale covering Damping Off Wet, dark-looking stem Shrinks and collapses at soil line Caused by “too wet” Algae Green gunk, can emerge just about anywhere Can only thrive in light Wilt Start as small spots Leaves curl, dry, wilt Common Diseases

Clean Practice Hydroponic Mantra “Start Clean, End Clean” The majority of diseases are fungal-like pathogens transferred by water. 1.Routinely inspect for pests and diseases 2.Use “sticky” traps 3.Use anti-bacterial hand sanitizer 4.Always clean before planting and after harvesting Prevention is much better than curing. Clean Practice

Clean Practice Hydroponic Mantra “Start Clean, End Clean” Keep soil and similar organic materials out of the grow area. Consider wearing shoes in the grow room that are never worn outdoors Minimize visitor “traffic” Clean Practice

Remediation What if a problem arises? Diagnose the problem using books, knowledge, the internet and expert advice. If possible, Quarantine the effected plants Treat the problem ASAP or destroy the effect plants. Finally: Clean the entire grow area. Remediation