December isn’t just the month dedicated to an array of festivities, drinking mulled wine and spending time with loved ones – it’s the season North American Cucumbers start propagation.

How prepared are you for this growing season? Whether it is a little or a lot, below we spoke to our IPM technical specialist, Ronald Valentin, to share his top 5 tips when implementing a biocontrol strategy this cucumber growing season.

1. YOU CAN’T START EARLY ENOUGH

Implement Amblyline  or Swirskiline on a stick during propagation – both of these biological control agents feed on the first stage of thrips. Beginning biocontrol this early also allows time for the beneficial insect populations to grow.

2. MONITOR IN PROPAGATION

Keep a focused eye on crops immediately and throughout the growing season.

3. USE SACHETS 2 WEEKS AFTER PLANTING

Release Amblyline (Amblyseius cucumeris) or Californline (Amblyseius californicus) sachets 2 weeks after planting. We advise a sachet every 6 plants, every other week.

4.  APPLY APHID CONTROL

Add Aphiline (Aphidius colemani) to prevent aphids effecting cucumber growth.

5. INTRODUCE ORILINE I

To prevent adult thrips damaging your cucumbers, add Oriline i (Orius insidiosus).