Virginia Tech® home

Resources for Nursery & Greenhouse

Title Available As Summary Date ID Author
Greenhouse Heater Checklist Jan 28, 2019 2906-1387 (SPES-97NP)
Pine Bark Adelgid
The pine bark adelgid was introduced from Europe and is now widely distributed in North America, occurring principally throughout the native range of eastern white pine. This insect is also found on Scots and Austrian pine.
Mar 30, 2023 2907-1402 (ENTO-544NP)
Fungus Gnats Mar 4, 2021 3104-1579 (ENTO-442NP)
Lace Bugs Apr 18, 2022 3104-1581 (ENTO-500NP)
Obscure Scale
Heavily infested trees will have large numbers of scales on twigs and branches. Scales may also be found on exposed roots and on the trunk of young trees. Scale insects feed on plant sap with their long thread-like mouthparts (stylets), which are several times longer than the insect itself.
Apr 18, 2022 3104-1583 (ENTO-499NP)
Care of Specialty Potted Plants Dec 12, 2022 426-101 (SPES-449P)
Sprouting Seeds for Food
Seeds themselves are a very nutritious form of food because they contain proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and oils that a beginning plant needs to grow. Many of these nutritious components are increased greatly when the seeds are sprouted.
Apr 6, 2022 426-419 (SPES-394P)
Getting Started in the Nursery Business: Nursery Production Options
The nursery industry in Virginia has enjoyed an extended period of growth and expansion. Consequently, there is considerable interest in and some potential for new business opportunities in the industry. Another consequence of this period of economic growth is an increase in competition within the industry to supply the growing demand for landscape plants. Those interested in getting into the nursery business are strongly encouraged to invest their time and energy into learning as much as they can about the modern nursery industry, and the many options now available in nursery production, before they invest any money in facilities and operations.
Apr 27, 2015 430-050 (HORT-89P)
The Basics of Fertilizer Calculations for Greenhouse Crops Oct 23, 2020 430-100 (SPES-263P)
Dealing with the High Cost of Energy for Greenhouse Operations Aug 21, 2023 430-101 (HORT-284P)
Using Plant Growth Regulators on Containerized Herbaceous Perennials Aug 21, 2023 430-103 (HORT-281)
Mowing To Recycle Grass Clippings: Let the Clips Fall Where They May! Jul 8, 2021 430-402 (SPES-337P)
Spider Mites
Spider mites (Family Tetranychidae, Order Acari) are not insects; they are closely related to spiders, harvestmen (daddy longlegs), and ticks. Unlike insects, which have six legs and three body parts, spider mites have eight legs and a one-part body. They also lack wings, antennae, and compound eyes. Individual spider mites are almost microscopic, yet when they occur in large numbers, they can cause serious damage. Dozens of species attack shade trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.
Apr 22, 2022 444-221 (ENTO-502NP)
Spruce Spider Mite
The spruce spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae, Oligonychus unuguis (Jacobi)) lives in all areas of Virginia and is widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of the United States and Canada. It attacks spruce, arborvitae, juniper, hemlock, pine, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, and larch, among others.
Apr 22, 2022 444-235 (ENTO-503NP)
Euonymus Scale Apr 15, 2022 444-277 (ENTO-498NP)
Verticillium Wilt of Shade Trees
Verticillium wilt is a serious vascular wilt disease affecting many shade tree species and over 80 tree genera, as well as many woody ornamental landscape plants, and herbaceous and vegetable plants. Verticillium wilt most commonly occurs in nursery, orchard and landscape locations. Maple (Acer spp.) are a tree genus commonly associated with the disease, but Verticillium wilt occurs on many other trees and woody ornamentals used in landscapes. Verticillium wilt more commonly occurs in locations with colder climates than Virginia; however, Verticillium wilt does cause disease on trees and woody ornamentals in Virginia.
Feb 29, 2024 450-619 (SPES-571NP)
Spray Water Quality and Pesticide Characteristics
Pesticide sprays consist of at least 95% water. Water quality plays an important role in pesticide performance. The following issues may indicate a compatibility problem with pesticides and spray water quality: - Pesticide does not work at labeled rates; - Difficulty mixing sprays or clogging of nozzles; - Inconsistent pest control observed in fields or plots; - Pests seem resistant to a new pesticide active ingredient, or - Crops are lower quality or lower yielding. Understanding how water quality characteristics such as pH, water hardness, turbidity, and total suspended solids affect the adsorption and persistence (half-life, storage time) of a pesticide can help pesticide applicators reduce or eliminate compatibility issues and improve pesticide effectiveness
Feb 22, 2024 BSE-350P
Understanding Spray Tank Mixing Practices
Mixing two or more pesticide products can allow for the treatment of several pests at the same time, improve pesticide performance, and ultimately saving time and money. However, physical and chemical tank mix incompatibilities can occur when combining two or more pesticides. Physical incompatibility is the failure of pesticide products to stay uniformly mixed and can result in layering, products settling out of solution, or clumping. A chemical incompatibility is the result of a chemical reaction between pesticide products. A chemical incompatibility is less visible and can be harder to detect. This publication focuses on basic factors that influence product compatibility (agitation speed and method, water temperature, mixing order, carrier type, and chemical formulations) and summarizes best mixing practices to address these factors.
Feb 22, 2024 BSE-351P
Solving Spray Water Problems
Spray water problems may arise due to water quality and management decisions. Certain aspects of water quality can reduce the efficacy of the pesticide as well as affect how the pesticide interacts with the plant surface or targets pests. Evaluating and testing spray water chemistry can help identify water quality problems that might otherwise be overlooked. This publication will examine possible solutions to spray water problems, including the use of adjuvants and other additives to enhance pesticide performance.
Feb 15, 2024 BSE-352P
Fall Cankerworm
Cankerworms are also known as inchworms, loop worms, and spanworms - this is credited to their distinctive way of moving. In order to travel, a cankerworm must grab leaves or branches with its front legs and then pull the rest of its body forward. This causes the abdomen area to contract and gives the worm the appearance of arching its back.
Feb 5, 2021 ENTO-223NP (ENTO-404NP)
Jumping Worms (Amynthas spp.) May 24, 2023 ENTO-427NP (ENTO-559NP)
Box Tree Moth Mar 10, 2021 ENTO-445NP
Red Headed Flea Beetle in Virginia Nurseries Dec 21, 2021 ENTO-464NP
UPDATED List of Commercial Suppliers and Insectaries/Laboratories Selling Predators and Parasitoids for Augmentative Biocontrol Feb 4, 2022 ENTO-480NP
Identification and Life Cycle of Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia Mar 18, 2022 ENTO-268NP (ENTO-494NP)
Box Tree Moth in the United States Oct 31, 2022 ENTO-525NP
Juniper and Cryptomeria Scales in Residential Landscapes Nov 30, 2022 ENTO-533NP
Japanese Maple and Oystershell Scales in Residential Landscapes Mar 6, 2023 ENTO-550NP
Cryptomeria Scale on Christmas Trees Mar 13, 2023 ENTO-551NP
Elongate Hemlock Scale on Christmas Trees Mar 17, 2023 ENTO-552NP
Recognizing Asian Longhorned Beetle in Virginia Apr 25, 2023 ENTO-557NP
Japanese Maple Scale: A Pictorial Guide for Identification
The Japanese maple scale is an armored scale, considered a key pest, causing the nursey industry significant losses due to direct injury or plant rejection. Identify JMS can be difficult due to their biology. This factsheet serves as a pictorial guide to provide key features of this insect.
Aug 24, 2023 ENTO-572NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: Accessing Virginia Market Sectors - Module 1
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.
Sep 18, 2023 FST-460NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: Performing A Hazard Analysis - Module 2
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.
Sep 18, 2023 FST-461NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: General Practices - Module 3
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.
Sep 18, 2023 FST-462NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: Pre-Plant Stage - Module 4
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.
Sep 18, 2023 FST-463NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: Production Stage - Module 5
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.
Sep 19, 2023 FST-464NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: Harvest Stage - Module 6
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.
Sep 19, 2023 FST-465NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: Post-Harvest Handling - Module 7
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.
Sep 19, 2023 FST-466NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: The GAP Audit Process - Module 8
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.
Sep 19, 2023 FST-467NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: GAP Manual Preparation - Module 9
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.
Sep 19, 2023 FST-468NP
Guide to Identifying Food Safety Hazards in Greenhouse Systems
According to the United States Department of Agriculture 2012 Census of Agriculture, sales from greenhouse-grown food crops equaled around $800 million in the U.S. Crops grown included tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, and berries, with hydroponic production operations making up about 64% of the total production (cwt) (USDA Census of Agriculture, 2012). Demand for greenhouse-grown produce continues to increase, providing growers with unique opportunities to tap into this expanding market. Although greenhouse systems provide a more protected environment than field-grown systems, it is important to understand the unique food safety risks and possible sources of contamination when growing produce in these systems. Identifying food safety hazards are necessary to implementing practices that reduce the risk of contamination during the pre-plant, production, harvest, and post-harvest handling stages. Use the checklist below to guide you in asking important questions targeting possible risks at each of the greenhouse system stages.
Jul 10, 2017 HORT-254NP
Micro Tunnels in Vegetable Crops: Beyond Season Extension
"Low Tunnels in Vegetable Crops: Beyond Season Extension" is a comprehensive document that delves into the multifaceted benefits of micro tunnels in vegetable cultivation, encompassing not only extended growing seasons but also improved yield, pest management, and resource efficiency, making it an essential resource for modern sustainable farming.
Nov 9, 2023 HORT-291 (SPES-524P)
Selecting and Using Plant Growth Regulators on Floricultural Crops
Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are chemicals that are designed to affect plant growth and/or development (figure 1). They are applied for specific purposes to elicit specific plant responses. Although there is much scientific information on using PGRs in the greenhouse, it is not an exact science. Achieving the best results with PGRs is a combination of art and science — science tempered with a lot of trial and error and a good understanding of plant growth and development. good understanding of plant growth and development.
Nov 15, 2019 HORT-43P (SPES-149P)
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight in the Virginia Home Landscape
Boxwood blight is a devastating disease of boxwood that results in defoliation and decline of susceptible boxwood. This best management practices factsheet provides guidelines for home growers of landscape boxwood to avoid introduction of the boxwood blight pathogen into a landscape or, if the disease is already present in a landscape, to manage to disease in the most effective manner and avoid spread of the disease to new locations.
Dec 19, 2023 PPWS-29NP (SPES-557NP)
Virginia Boxwood Blight Task Force
To provide leadership in safeguarding and protecting the ornamental horticulture industry, historical gardens and landscape plantings from boxwood blight.
Jul 1, 2019 PPWS-30
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight in Virginia Production Nurseries WITH Boxwood Blight
This Best Management Practice document is a set of guidelines for home growers of landscape boxwood to avoid introduction of the boxwood blight pathogen into a landscape or, if the disease is already present in a landscape, to manage the disease in the most effective manner and avoid spread of the disease to new locations.
Feb 16, 2021 PPWS-32NP (PPWS-87NP)
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight: Best Management Practices for Virginia Retail Nurseries WITH Boxwood Blight
This Best Management Practice document is a set of guidelines for home growers of landscape boxwood to avoid introduction of the boxwood blight pathogen into a landscape or, if the disease is already present in a landscape, to manage the disease in the most effective manner and avoid spread of the disease to new locations.
Jan 6, 2021 PPWS-34NP (PPWS-89NP)
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight: Best management Practices for Virginia Retail Nurseries WITHOUT Boxwood Blight
This Best Management Practice document is a set of guidelines for home growers of landscape boxwood to avoid introduction of the boxwood blight pathogen into a landscape or, if the disease is already present in a landscape, to manage the disease in the most effective manner and avoid spread of the disease to new locations.
Jan 6, 2021 PPWS-35NP (PPWS-88NP)
Plant Injury From Herbicide Residue
Herbicides that are usually associated with contamination of straw/hay, turf clippings, manure, and composts are growth regulator herbicides or synthetic auxins, a group of herbicides that mimics plant hormones and regulates growth. These herbicides are labeled for control of broadleaf weeds in grass crops, such as pastures and corn; in turfgrass, including lawns, golf courses, parks, and highway turf; and in noncrop areas. Vegetable and fruit crops, as well as broadleaf ornamentals can inadvertently be injured by these chemicals through drift of spray droplets, volatilization, and spray tank contamination or by residues in straw, manure, turf clippings, or compost. Diagnosing the specific herbicide responsible for the plant damage can be difficult. This publication focuses on damage caused by herbicide residues.
PPWS-77P (SPES-565P)
“Lost in the Weeds” part 1 Nov 28, 2022 SPES-441NP
“Lost in the Weeds” part 2 Nov 28, 2022 SPES-442NP
“Let the Clips Fall Where they May” Nov 28, 2022 SPES-443NP
"Don't Guess, Do the Test" Nov 28, 2022 SPES-444NP
“Application Without Calibration" Nov 28, 2022 SPES-445NP
"Fungus Among Us" Nov 28, 2022 SPES-446NP
"PPE and Me" Nov 28, 2022 SPES-447NP
"Don't Waste Water" Nov 28, 2022 SPES-448NP
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Planning for the Market
According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, U.S. greenhouse vegetable farms more than doubled from 2012 (USDA 2019). Virginia fell within the top 10 states for acreage of vegetables and berry crops grown under protected culture. Protected culture includes greenhouses and structures like high tunnels. With close to two and a half million square feet devoted mostly to tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and strawberries, the value of Virginia greenhouse sales in 2017 was over 31 million dollars! A lot of this increase in square footage was due to the addition of large operations coming into Virginia.
Jul 27, 2023 SPES-461NP
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Management Basics Jul 21, 2023 SPES-462NP
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Systems
With the increasing number of controlled environment agriculture farms, Virginia Cooperative Extension is working closely with specialty crop growers to address the challenges of establishing and managing hydroponic greenhouse operations. Growers interested in producing food crops in controlled environments can use several different types of hydroponic systems. One of the most common types of hydroponic systems is called nutrient film technique (NFT).
Jul 24, 2023 SPES-463NP
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Deep Water Culture (DWC) Systems Jul 19, 2023 SPES-464NP
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: System and Crop Comparisons
This factsheet is part of a series of seven factsheets targeting beginning farmers growing edible crops using hydroponic greenhouse systems. There are also five videos that are related to the factsheets and included in the numbering sequence.
Jul 26, 2023 SPES-466NP
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Food Safety Considerations Jul 20, 2023 SPES-467NP
Farming Foundations in Hydroponics: Targeting the Marketplace Jul 12, 2023 SPES-468NP
Farming Foundations in Hydroponics: Crop and System Types Jul 12, 2023 SPES-469NP
Farming Foundations in Hydroponics: Planning Your Production Jul 12, 2023 SPES-470NP
Local, Community Focused Hydroponics: Endless Summer Harvest Jul 12, 2023 SPES-471NP
High Tech for Small-Scale Hydroponics: Schuyler Greens Company Jul 12, 2023 SPES-472NP
Protective Agriculture Production Series: Plant density recommendations Feb 2, 2023 SPES-474NP
Vascular Streak Dieback: An Emerging Problem on Woody Ornamentals in the U.S. Feb 28, 2024 SPES-483P (SPES-587P)
Basic melon (Cucumis melo L.) physiology and morphology
Understanding the fundamental aspects of melon physiology and morphology is essential for optimizing its cultivation, improving yield, and enhancing fruit quality. This document provides a concise overview of the key physiological and morphological characteristics of the basic melon plant, highlighting its growth and development processes. The physiological aspects encompass various essential factors that influence melon growth, including photosynthesis, water relations, nutrient uptake and assimilation, and hormone regulation. Melon plants exhibit distinct physiological responses to environmental stimuli such as light, temperature, and water availability, which directly impact their growth, flowering, and fruiting. An understanding of these physiological processes aids in implementing appropriate cultivation practices and management strategies for maximizing melon productivity.
Jun 9, 2023 SPES-507NP