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How To Manage Parvispinus, Oleander Aphid and Spider Mites Effectively in Mandevilla: Part 1 – Propagation.

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When Thrips parvispinus first came on the scene in Ontario, our one goal was to knock back this pest any way we could. Four years later, we are suffering the effects of an all-chemical program . This includes high costs, along with insecticide resistance developing in two-spotted spider mite, which used to be managed biologically before Parvipsinus came along. Based on OMAFA’s work with commercial farms, along with input from technical reps from biocontrol companies, we’ve come up with a more refined IPM program for Mandevilla that balances Parvispinus control while taking into consideration other pests, as well as costs. I’ll be going over this program in detail over a 3 part series , so buckle up! There’s going to be a lot of content in these posts, so I’m including a handy-dandy table of contents if you want to skip to a specific section: Original Spray Program for Parvispinus IPM Program for Parvi, Aphids and Mites in Mandevilla New Plan in PDF Form Treating Cuttin...
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Join our LAST Thrips Identification Workshop on March 4th in SIMCOE!

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As control measures differ depending on the thrips species you’re dealing with, the very FIRST step in learning how to manage thrips effectively is proper species identification . If you’re interested in having someone in your greenhouse operation learn how to do this (so you don’t have to rely on technical reps or government specialists), then keep reading! This will be our LAST in-person workshop , so make sure to take advantage of this free learning opportunity! Read on for more details and how to register . Workshop Details: Learning to ID Thrips Fig. 1. Can you say for certain which species these 3 thrips are? If not, then you should attend our workshop. Photo courtesy of A. Summerfield. WHAT: This  Thrips Species Identification Workshop is designed to teach greenhouse growers and IPM practitioners how to correctly identify thrips species that may occur on their farm. This includes common species such as western flower thrips, onion thrips, and Echinothrips , b...
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Biostimulants Part 1: What Are They and What Can They Do?

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Ontario greenhouse growers are increasingly experimenting with biostimulants to potentially boost plant quality. Used correctly, these products could help cut fertilizer costs, improve stress tolerance, and enhance overall crop quality . However, using these products without the knowledge of different categories of biostimulants, and sufficient in house trialing, can waste your time and money . In this first post of this two-part series , we will discuss what biostimulants are, the different categories they fall into, and first steps for choosing a product to trial. In the second post (coming soon!), we’ll discuss important tips for choosing a biostimulant , as well as potential drawbacks and, most importantly, how to trial this on your own farm for YOUR crop. Only looking for certain information? Use the table of contents to navigate between sections. Biostimulants Explained What they do: Potential Benefits: Biostimulant Active Ingredients Understanding Categor...
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DLI Data – January, 2026

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Welcome to the Vineland DLI report for January, 2026! In January, 2026, Vineland received 50% more light than in December, 2025. Read on for the detailed data report and more information about our DLI data collection project. Only looking for certain information? Use the table of contents to navigate between sections: DLI Data for January, 2025 Project Background Purpose Materials and Methods DLI and PPFD data Excel sheets Monthly Radio Report Tell us what YOU want DLI Data for January, 2025 Figure 1: Monthly DLI data for Vineland is presented in 2 two graphs. Graph A) represents the average monthly DLI ± standard deviation. Graph B) represents the median monthly DLI and variability in the data using two ranges: the interquartile range (middle 50%) and the outer range (80% of data). A) B) Table 1: Monthly DLI data for Vineland Month and Year (number of days of data) Average ± standard deviation (mol/m 2 /day) Median (mol/m 2 /day) January, 20...
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Sewing the Seasons

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Now for something totally different! Here’s what else I’ve been doing these last couple of years — I taught myself to embroider. And of course, my number one subject is plants and flowers. All of my female relatives on both sides did needlework. As a child, I never laid my head on a pillowcase that wasn’t crocheted or appliquéd. I slept under a handmade quilt — little girls with sunbonnets — made just for me by my paternal grandmother and great-aunt, Grossmutter and Tante Olga, who had long cold winters to while away in rural South Dakota. They taught me to crochet and also to tat (a method of making lace with a handheld shuttle ). I haven’t had the patience for either craft in a long time, and have probably forgotten how. I have knitted a few scarfs and the occasional vest, with more enthusiasm than skill. Walter was pretty sure this scarf was for him, so he supervised closely.  My mother could knit and quilt, and she did crewel work — which is embroidery, but with yarn inste...
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