In this week’s episode of Tech on Demand host Bill Calkins discusses spring pest control, integrated pest management, and implementing biocontrol strategies that work with Koppert’s Heidi Doering. Heidi is our National Ornamental Crop Lead and Technical IPM Consultant for the Midwest Region. She fills Bill in on what she’s seeing and hearing as spring production ramps up across North America.
Bill and Heidi discuss her role as a “greenhouse CSI” when walking into a facility and meeting with owners and growers. They touch on common spring pests and potential prevention/management strategies, as well as education and planning as they relate to biological IPM.
Heidi also explores the importance of relationships in this regard, and gives her thoughts on Thrips parvispinus—the pepper thrips hitchhiking their way North on tropical plants. It’s a riveting discussion that’s well worth a listen. Be sure to stay tuned until the very end!
Heidi has worked with Koppert for the past decade and is one of the most well-informed plant experts regarding ornamental IPM. Her experience in production, sales, and with the plants themselves fuels her passion for mentoring growers from conventional through biological controls. Heidi’s broad range gives her a unique perspective.
Bill Calkins is widely known as the editor of Tech On Demand, the email newsletter discussing technical topics in the horticultural industry. In his companion podcast, he and his expert guest speakers deliver weekly cultural and technical information to greenhouse professionals, covering the latest research and timely production tips and tricks.
For more information about building an effective bioprogram, contact Heidi at hdoering@koppert.com
You can listen to the podcast from the following sources:
SPOTIFY
APPLE PODCASTS
For more information on Koppert US, their products and services, and BioSolutions, follow the links below: