Know what is the most susceptible stage of the 

 pest. Know what the preferred temperatures are for 

 the beneficials. Become familiar with the limita- 

 tions — how large a target population can the preda- 

 tor or parasite handle? 



4. FIND OUT WHICH INSECTICIDES OR 

 MITICIDES SHOULD BE AVOIDED. 



As a general rule, most of the standard insecticides 

 will be detrimental to predatory insects and para- 

 sites, and most of the standard miticides will be 

 detrimental to predatory mites. Sometimes soaps 

 or oils can be used in conjunction with the 

 beneficials, but the timing of application is critical. 



5. HAVE REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS. 



Parasites and predators work differently than do 

 standard insecticides. They will not necessarily ef- 

 fect the pest population shortly after release. In 

 some cases you may not be able to wait. In such 

 instances, biological control may not be appropri- 

 ate. However, in parts of the cropping system you 



do have time - and should consider incorporating 

 beneficial insects into your control program. 



One of the challenges for growers in the north- 

 eastern United States is that many of our ranges 

 contain many different crops in varying stages of 

 development. At the same time, there are often 

 many different kinds of insect pests present, 

 each of which might require a different kind of 

 parasite or predator. 



Biological control with parasites and predators 

 can work in some conditions. It will not be right 

 for everyone, but those who become proficient at 

 using parasites and predators will have an edge 

 in the market because they will have reduced 

 their dependence on insecticides. 



Dr. Patricia I. Vitlum is Associate Professor in the Depart- 

 ment of Entomology. Fernald Hall. UMass, Amherst. MA 

 01003. Her phone number is (413) 545-0268. 



Drawing of Chilocorus kuwanae by Dr. \ohn Weaver. ** 



Northern-Grown Lining-Out Stock 



BARE-ROOT 

 SEEDLINGS 



BARE-ROOT 

 TRANSPLANTS 



PLUG 

 SEEDLINGS 



^TOgfe* 



You'll be sure of receiving quality 

 evergreen liners when you order 

 them from Western Maine nurseries. 



Along with delivery of strong 

 seedlings and transplants that have 

 withstood the rigors of the northern 

 climate, the folks at Western Maine 

 nurseries also give you the same 

 fast, dependable service they've been 

 offering for over seventy years. 



So, when you're ready to place an 

 order for evergreen lining-out stock, 

 call Western Maine nurseries, the 

 folks who always provide dependable 

 delivery of deep-rooted quality in 

 both product and service. 



ASK FOR OUR CURRENT 

 WHOLESALE TRADE LIST 



Call 1-800-447-4745 



or FAX 1-207-935-2043 



me nurseriesmc N — ■—■- — — 

 !■■ ESTABLISHED 1923 



P.O. Box 250, One Evergreen Drive, Fryeburg, Maine 04037 



)une& July 1993 

 23 



