Why Isarid is a grower-approved ally against pests in ornamentals

Green Valley Greenhouse highlights numerous benefits from using Isarid, Koppert's biological insecticide, for the control of a wide­­­­ variety of common pests like whitefly, aphids, thrips, mealybugs, fungus gnats and weevils, on edible and ornamental crops. It's safe for their workers and the environment, it's great at managing resistance, and it's compatible with their existing biocontrols and disease management program.

Green Valley Greenhouse, founded in 1977 by Wayne and Jane Davis and located in the northwest suburb of Ramsey, MN, produces over 1,800,000 pots of Annuals, Perennials, Mums, Poinsettias, and Spruce Tip Porch Pots annually. The nursery is a benchmark for success in innovation and quality production practices. Andrew Butler, head grower at Green Valley Greenhouse, was recently awarded Greenhouse Grower's Head Grower of the Year Award (2022). This recognition is given to leaders of ornamentals operations that serve as an example for growers everywhere to emulate. The company has used biological solutions for over 20 years to tackle incoming infestations and avoid residues on plant material. Since 2015, it has worked with Koppert to reduce conventional chemical applications, relying mainly on products that won't generate pesticide resistance, such as beneficials and Horiver sticky cards.

The company added Isaria fumosorosea, the active ingredient of Isarid, into its Integrated Pest Management program three years ago. What started out as a product used for occasional applications is now their main insecticide resource: 'After two to three consecutive weeks of use, yellow card counts show a noticeable difference,' says Sandy Romsdahl, IPM manager at Green Valley Greenhouse. 'We usually make weekly sprenching applications. It is easy to apply, and there's no residue left on the plants.'

Besides the consistent quality, other significant factors that have contributed to the success of Green Valley Greenhouse IPM program are the resources that come along when purchasing Koppert's products: 'The side effects app is very helpful when considering what to spray that won't be harmful to beneficial insects when we need to supplement a synthetic chemical application. In addition, our Koppert consultant is always available to help with questions and follow-up visits. Also, the new Koppert webshop app is easy to use for online ordering.'Besides the consistent quality, other significant factors that have contributed to the success of Green Valley Greenhouse IPM program are the resources that come along when purchasing Koppert's products: 'The side effects app is very helpful when considering what to spray that won't be harmful to beneficial insects when we need to supplement a synthetic chemical application. In addition, our Koppert consultant is always available to help with questions and follow-up visits. Also, the new Koppert webshop app is easy to use for online ordering.'

Isarid's proof of effectiveness and wide usability in various ornamental, herb, and vegetable crops makes it a dependable and recommended ally: 'We have tried the other brands of Isaria fumosoroseus, and we won't go back. There's no comparison; Isarid is by far the easiest one to use,' Andrew Butler, head grower at Green Valley Greenhouse, concludes.