Staff in the Liberty Hyde Bailey Conservatory rely heavily on biocontrol as part of an integrated pest management program that drastically reduces the need to spray for pests.
In the case of ‘Wee Stinky’, they’ve enlisted the help of a predatory mite (Neoseiulus cucumeris) to help reduce populations of western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis).
These tiny thrips (adults are about 1 to 1.5 mm long) are common greenhouse pests and are particularly fond of feeding on the Titan arum’s spadix.
The predatory mites (about 0.5 to 1 mm long) are particularly fond of feeding on immature thrips. They are shipped to greenhouse growers in the small packets you see hanging from the Titan arum.
As you tour the Conservatory, you’ll see packages of other beneficial organisms that feed on mealybugs, whiteflies, spider mites and other plant pests.