Poinsettia IPM Module
Practical IPM plan for poinsettia covering protected poinsettia production.
Main focus: whitefly, mealybug, fungus gnats and Botrytis.
Main pest risks
| Pest | Risk | Main trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Whitefly | Very High | Warm protected crops |
| Mealybug | Moderate–High | Dense sheltered plants |
| Sciarid fly | Moderate | Wet substrate |
| Botrytis | Moderate | Dense humid canopy |
Monitoring plan
Best practical rule: inspect lower leaves and stem junctions carefully. Whitefly and mealybug often establish unnoticed inside dense crops.
| Area | What to inspect |
|---|---|
| Lower leaves | Whitefly scales |
| Stem junctions | Mealybug |
| Wet benches | Sciarid fly |
| Dense centres | Humidity and Botrytis |
Environmental risk
| Condition | Likely issue |
|---|---|
| Warm humid crop | Whitefly expansion |
| Dense canopy | Botrytis |
| Wet substrate | Fungus gnats |
| Poor airflow | Hidden hotspots |
Crop hygiene
Useful practices: - inspect incoming plants - remove infested plants early - avoid overcrowding - clean benches between batches - maintain airflow around pots
Key message
Poinsettia IPM is mainly about preventing whitefly and mealybug becoming established reservoirs.