Insect biocontrol in the greenhouse with Professor Laura Ingwell from Purdue and Professor Samantha Willden from Cornell

Pests and beneficials can sometimes act differently in greenhouses versus the field. So, this week we’re talking with Professor Laura Ingwell from Purdue University and Professor Samantha Willden from Cornell University about IPM for common greenhouse pests, including where and when they are likely to arrive. They tell us about a study they did on 36 farms over 2 years, and how conditions on those farms affected the insect populations.We talk about whether high tunnels are protection from or for pests, and how to design environments that are less conducive to them. We discuss the differences between using beneficials versus sprays, some guidelines for when to do each, and which beneficials to use against which pests. They recently wrapped up a biocontrol research project, but since the details haven’t all been published yet we couldn’t get into the nitty gritty on that one so maybe there will be a sequel to this interview!Connect with guest:Website: Laura Ingwell, Purdue UniversitySamantha Willden, Cornell UniversityInstagram: @willden.cea.labPodcast Sponsors:Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:Nifty Hoops builds complete gothic high tunnels that are easy to install and built to last.  Their bolt-together construction makes setup straightforward and efficient, whether it's a small backyard hoophouse, or a dozen large production-scale high tunnels- especially through their community build option, where professional builders work alongside your crew, family, or neighbors to build each structure -- usually in a single day. Visit niftyhoops.com to learn more.If you grow for market, you know performance is everything. That’s why so many farmers are turning to Burpee’s Farmers Market. Dedicated to professional growers, Burpee is now offering non-GMO seeds in larger quantities – bred and selected for standout flavor, strong yields, and the kind of visual appeal your customers crave. Burpee’s been doing this for 150 years, and they’re still creating new varieties with growers like you in mind. You can check out the full lineup at Burpee.com/FarmersMarket.Farmhand is the all-in-one platform built for direct-market farms — CSA, farmers market, and farmstand growers who'd rather be in the field than juggling five different apps. Online store and subscriptions, delivery and pickup routing, SMS and email marketing, waitlist management, and now farm events: sell tickets to u-picks, tours, dinners, and workshops in minutes, with capacity caps, QR check-in, and SMS/email confirmations built in. Every ticket also puts a name, email, and phone on a list you keep. See how farmers are growing direct-to-consumer sales and set up a free account at farmhand.partners/gfmFor more on veg and flower market farming, subscribe to Growing for Market Magazine!