Insect Control

For best results with aerosols, apply when air temperature in the greenhouse is 70°F–80°F. Keep vents closed and fans off during treatment. Ventilate greenhouse before entering. DO NOT perform this operation alone.

Aphids, Two-spotted Spider Mite, Thrips, Fungus Gnats

Scouting and preventative, timely releases of biological controls can be effective in managing aphids, thrips, spider mites and fungus gnats in greenhouse tomato. See the Potato insect control section for more information on potato aphid, the Pepper insect control section for more information on green peach aphid, and the Tomato, Outdoor insect control section for more information on spider mites. Refer also to the Transplant Insect and Mite Management section for more information about greenhouse pests, including Table 22 for biological control guidelines and Table 24 about insecticides labeled for vegetable transplants in the greenhouse. Note that some of the products listed in these tables are only labeled for transplants that will be planted on-farm, not plants to be sold.

Please refer to the following guides for more information on the biology and monitoring of these pests in greenhouse crops and how to integrate cultural practices, biological control and pesticides: The New England Greenhouse Floriculture Guide and the Penn State manual Greenhouse IPM with an Emphasis on Biocontrols. 

IRAC Group 3:

• pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0^OG): 4.5 to 15.61 oz/A, or 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal and 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M.

IRAC Group 4:

• dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar, 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Do not apply to vegetables grown for seed. Suppression of green peach aphid (foliar and soil) and potato aphid (soil). Aphids and thrips only.
• imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 0.6 oz/1,000 plants; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Use on mature plants only. Do not apply to plants grown in non-soil media. Aphids only. 

IRAC Group 6:

• abamectin (Agri-Mek SC): 1.75 to 3.5 oz/A; PHI 1d commercial greenhouse tomatoes, 7d other tomatoes, REI 12h, Bee: H. Two-spotted spider mite and thrips only. 

IRAC Group 7:

• pyriproxyfen (Distance IGR): 6 oz/100 gal aphids and thrips foliar, 3 to 6 oz/100 gal fungus gnats sprench, 2 oz/100 gal fungus gnats drench; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 7D. Do not apply to tomato varieties less than 1" in diameter, such as cherry or grape tomatoes. Suppression only for aphids and thrips. 

IRAC Group 11:

• Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Gnatrol WDG^OG): 3.2 to 6.4 oz/100 gal light infestations, 13 to 26 oz/100 gal heavy infestations; REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as soil drench to flats to control larvae. Fungus gnat larvae only.

IRAC Group 13:

• chlorfenapyr (Pylon): 6.5 to 13 oz/100 gal; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M. A tank mix with an IGR insect growth regulator or second mode of action product registered for this use is recommended to enhance control of thrips. Mites and thrips only.

IRAC Group 20:

• acequinocyl (Kanemite 15SC): 31 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 20B. Use of an adjuvant or surfactant is prohibited.
• bifenazate (Floramite SC): 4 to 8 oz/100 gal water; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 20D. Mites on greenhouse tomatoes only. Do not use adjuvants.

IRAC Group 28:

• cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Do not treat plants grown for transplanting. For suppression of thrips only.

IRAC Group UN:

• azadirachtin (Azatin O^OG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake. For suppression and adult feeding deterrence. Aphids only. 
• Beauveria bassiana (Mycotrol ESO^OG): 0.5 to 1 qt/100 gal aphids, 0.5 to 2 qt/100 gal spider mites, 1 to 2 qt/100 gal thrips; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Not for fungus gnats. 
• Burkholderia spp. strain A396 (Venerate XC^OG): 2 to 4 qt/A aphids and mites, 1 to 4 qt/A thrips; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Suppression only for aphids and mites. Not for fungus gnats.
• Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (Grandevo^OG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Not for fungus gnats.
• insecticidal soap (M-Pede^OG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. For enhanced and residual control, apply with companion labeled insecticide. Do not mix with sulfur. Not for fungus gnats.
• Metarhizium anisopliae Strain F52 (Met 52 EC): 40 to 80 oz/100 gal drench, 8 to 64 oz/A foliar; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Not for fungus gnats.
• mineral oil (SuffOil-X^OG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed. Not for fungus gnats.

Caterpillars: Hornworms, Fruitworms, Loopers, and Armyworms

Hornworms are large green caterpillars with white stripes along the sides that may grow up to 4" long. Look for large pellet-like fecal droppings on the plastic under plants, defoliation of leaves leaving only bare stems, or surface feeding scars on green fruit.

Caterpillar infestations usually begin in July and may extend through September. Spot-treat and use selective insecticides to preserve natural enemies and avoid secondary pest outbreaks (e.g., aphids). See the Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Other Brassica Crops insect control section for information on cabbage looper, and the Tomato (Outdoor) insect control section for more information on tomato fruitworm and tomato hornworm. Several species of armyworm feed on tomato fruits. See the Pepper insect control section for more information on armyworms.

IRAC Group 3:

• pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0^OG): 4.5 to 15.61 oz/A, or 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal and 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M.

IRAC Group 11:

• Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai (XenTari^OG): 0.5 to 1.5 lb/A hornworms, fruitworm, and loopers; 0.5 to 2 lb/A armyworms; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Must be ingested. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt kurstaki products (Dipel). For armyworms, use alone to control light populations or 1st and 2nd instar larvae. Add a contact insecticide to control mature armyworm larvae and higher populations. 
• Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Dipel DF^OG): 0.5 to 2 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Must be ingested. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt aizawai products (XenTari). 

IRAC Group 13:

• chlorfenapyr (Pylon Miticide-Insecticide): 6.5 to 13 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M.

IRAC Group 15:

• novaluron (Rimon 0.83EC): 9 to 12 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Most effective on 1st and 2nd instars.

IRAC Group UN:

• azadirachtin (Azatin O^OG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake. For larvae feeding externally.
• Burkholderia spp. strain A396 (Venerate XC^OG): 1 to 4 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.
• Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (Grandevo^OG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.

Slugs

See the Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Other Brassica Crops insect control section for information on slugs.

IRAC Group UN:

• iron phosphate (Sluggo: Snail and Slug Bait^OG): 20 to 44 lb/A, 0.5 to 1 lb/1,000 sq ft., 0.5 tsp/9" pot; PHI 0d, REI 0h, Bee: L. Scatter on soil around plants, or in and around pots. Apply to moist soil in evening. 
• metaldehyde (Deadline Bullets): 25 lb/A, up to 3x/season; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Apply to moist soil in the evening. Do not apply directly to or contaminate edible portions of plants.

Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii)

See the Tomato (Outdoor) insect control section for information on SWD.

IRAC Group 1:

• malathion (Malathion 57EC): 2.5 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B.

Variegated Cutworm (Peridroma saucia)

Variegated cutworms will feed on leaves, but will also chew shallow or deep holes in the fruit during mid- to late summer. Caterpillars are brownish-grey, with diamond-shaped marks along the back and light lines along the sides. They are up to 2" long. Scout fruit for damage during harvest. Spray tomatoes if 1% of the plants are infested with variegated cutworms. For best results, make application after dark when cutworms are actively feeding. Thorough coverage of the foliage is needed for good control. Neem (azadirachtin) interrupts larval development and acts as a feeding deterrent. See the Tomato (Outdoor) insect control section for more information on variegated cutworm.

IRAC Group 5:

• spinosad (Seduce^OG): 20 to 44 lb/A, 0.5 to1 lb/1000 sq ft.; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Spread bait on soil around plants. Do not apply to seedling fruiting vegetables grown for transplant within a greenhouse or shade house.

IRAC Group UN:

• azadirachtin (Azatin O^OG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake. For larvae feeding on leaves and stems.
• Burkholderia spp. strain A396 (Venerate XC^OG): 1 to 4 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.
• Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (Grandevo^OG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.

Whiteflies, Greenhouse (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and Sweet Potato (Bemisia tabaci)

The primary whitefly species in greenhouses are the greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and sweet potato whitefly B-biotype or silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci or B. argentifolii). Greenhouse whitefly is more common on greenhouse tomatoes, but both species occur in greenhouses, and correct identification is important in order to select effective biological controls. The host range of greenhouse whitefly includes many ornamentals and vegetables; among greenhouse-grown vegetables the most common hosts are tomato, eggplant, and cucumber. In the field, bean, cucumber, cantaloupe, lettuce, squash, tomato, and eggplant are good hosts, with cabbage, sweet potato, pepper, and potato less suitable. Sweet potato whitefly also has a wide host range, with cucurbit crops, sweet potato, and fruiting crops favored.

Greenhouse whitefly adults are most active at temperatures around 75ºF. Adults are winged, white, and 1/16" (2.0 mm) long. Greenhouse whitefly adults hold their wings flat, parallel to the top of the body. Females lay more than 20 eggs in a small circle. Newly laid eggs are white and eventually turn gray. Young nymphs (crawlers) are white, have legs and antennae, and move short distances before locating suitable places to initiate feeding. More mature nymphs (3rd and 4th instars) are typically found on the lower leaves. Pupae do not feed, and have distinct, visible red eyes. Greenhouse whitefly pupae may possess long waxy filaments encircling the outer edge, and are elevated in profile with vertical sides, resembling “cakes” on leaf surfaces.

Sweet potato whitefly B-biotype adults prefer warmer temperatures than greenhouse whiteflies, >80ºF. The adults are yellow and smaller than greenhouse whitefly. Their wings are tilted, and held roof-like over their bodies. Adult females live up to 6 weeks, and produce up to 200 eggs, which are randomly laid in small clusters on new plant growth. Newly laid eggs are white and then turn amber-brown. Young nymphs have legs and antennae and move short distances before locating suitable places to initiate feeding. More mature nymphs (3rd and 4th instars) are typically found on the lower leaves. Sweet potato whitefly B-biotype nymphs are yellow, oval, and dome-shaped, and do not possess long waxy filaments.

Large populations of whiteflies cause leaves to turn yellow, appear dry, or fall off plants. Honeydew excreted by whiteflies encourages growth of black sooty mold, and also attracts ants that interfere with natural enemies of other pests.

Avoid overfertilizing crops, as this increases their attractiveness to adult whiteflies. Whiteflies may be introduced into greenhouses on infested cuttings or plants arriving from outside sources. Carryover or stock plants may also be a source of whiteflies. Using appropriate sanitation practices including weed removal helps alleviate whitefly problems in subsequent cropping cycles. Manage whiteflies during transplant production to avoid introducing whiteflies to production greenhouses or to the field; for more information on controls on transplants see whiteflies in the Insect and Mite Management section of Vegetable Transplants.

Scout weekly by checking the undersides of 1–2 leaves on 10–20 plants throughout the greenhouse. Use yellow sticky cards to capture whitefly adults. Hang traps near the tops of the plants, 1–4 cards every 1,000 sq ft of greenhouse. Check and replace weekly, recording the number of adults per card. Use this information to decide if natural enemy releases or insecticides are needed.

As with all biological controls, it is important to begin releases early, before the pest builds up, and continue releases as the crop grows. The parasitic wasps Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus can be used to control greenhouse whiteflies on greenhouse tomato and other crops, and to control sweet potato whitefly, respectively. Please consult the following guides for more information on the biology and monitoring of whiteflies in greenhouse crops and how to integrate cultural practices, biological control and pesticides: The New England Floriculture Guide and the Penn State manual Greenhouse IPM with an Emphasis on Biocontrols. 

IRAC Group 3:

• pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0^OG): 4.5 to 15.61 oz/A, or 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal and 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M.

IRAC Group 4:

• dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar, 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Do not apply to vegetables grown for seed.
• imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 0.6 oz/1,000 plants; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Use on mature plants only. Do not apply to plants grown in non-soil media.

IRAC Group 7:

• pyriproxyfen (Distance IGR): 6 oz/100 gal; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 7D. Foliar spray. Do not apply to tomato varieties less than 1" in diameter, such as cherry or grape tomatoes.

IRAC Group 16:

• buprofezin (Talus 70DF): 6 to 9 oz/100 gal; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Apply when population reaches economic threshold. Good coverage is essential.

IRAC Group 28:

• cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. For best performance, use an effective adjuvant. Do not treat plants grown for transplanting.

IRAC Group UN:

• Burkholderia spp. strain A396 (Venerate XC^OG): 2 to 4 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Suppression only.
• Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (Grandevo^OG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.
• insecticidal soap (M-Pede^OG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. For enhanced and residual control, apply with a companion labeled insecticide. Do not mix with sulfur.
• Metarhizium anisopliae Strain F52 (Met 52 EC): 40 to 80 oz/100 gal drench, 8 to 64 oz/A foliar; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L.
• mineral oil (SuffOil-X^OG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.