IPM Procedure

At Genetics Fanatics, we believe it is of foundational importance to implement a science-based approach to integrated pest management.  As growers who share genetics with gardens all over the world, we realize the vitality of limiting and mitigating the spread of unwanted insects that can deteriorate or demolish an otherwise healthy crop.  We have developed a brief guide with our best-practice standards so our customers can rest assured they are getting clean, healthy cuttings from which to create new life.  We also implore all gardeners to implement their own IPM program, with a multi-faceted approach that is designed holistically to address and prevent any issues in the garden.

All moms are regularly treated with insecticidal soap or wettable sulfur at least twice a week.  The solution is diluted in water and applied as a foliar spray and drench.  These special fatty acids work to penetrate and disrupt the body of pests, resulting in a quick death before later stages of a life cycle can be reached.  Additionally, each mom and potted container gets a healthy sprinkling of diatomaceous earth.  This product is not a chemical, but rather a physical preventative.  The molecular structure of diatomaceous earth works as a jagged knife, killing any soft-bodied insect that it comes in contact with, preventing any larvae from reproducing in the rhizosphere or root zone.  Lastly, all cuttings are fully immersed or drenched in a wettable sulfur mixture prior to shipping.  Research suggests that dipping cuttings during propagation greatly reduces the number of pests and hinders the reproductive life cycle of several pest species.  We implore all our customers to also dip their cuttings before passing or sharing cuts.  Growers can also quarantine all new plants in a separate area to check for signs of disease or damage before moving into a more integrated grow space.

Cultural Control 

Regular cleaning – defoliation – removal of garden waste.  Appropriately training all gardeners and implementing a regular set of operating procedures with appropriate time devoted towards integrated pest management.  

Biological

The addition of beneficial insects can be used once pest populations are encountered. There are also biologically-derived pesticides that are safe for use.  For a full list, please visit https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides 

Physical Control

This concept encompasses removing unwanted pests from the garden with a keen eye, while regularly pulling out plants to fully check for signs of pests or damage. Having appropriate ventilation, filtration, and screens on areas with exposure to the outdoor environment is a minimum.  Many pests are small and hard to see, so growers may need to be well versed in signs they leave in order to spot populations early on.

Preventative

The best way to prevent a pest in the garden is to never get it in the first place.  By incorporating regularly scheduled time allocated towards integrated pest management, a grower can maximize their chances at having a healthy, bountiful harvest.

Arteca, Richard.  Intro to Horticulture.  2006.  Cengage Learning.

Buitenhuis R, Brownbridge M, Brommit A, Saito T, Murphy G. How to Start with a Clean Crop: Biopesticide Dips Reduce Populations of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on Greenhouse Poinsettia Propagative Cuttings. Insects. 2016; 7(4):48. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects7040048

Dhobi, C. B., Bhatt, N. A., Borad, P. K., & Bharpoda, T. M. (2019). Evaluation of root dip treatment and foliar spray of insecticides against aphid, Uroleucon compositae (Theobald) infesting gaillardia (Var. Lorenziana).