Insect and Mite Management Suggestions for Commercial Gerbera Production¹

James F. Price, Curtis Nagle, and Elzie McCord, Jr.²

Florida gerberas (gerbera daisy, Transvaal daisy, Gerbera jamesonii ex. Hook f.) are produced in greenhouses and shade houses as potted florist plants and cut flowers for sales within the southeastern U.S. No records of sales are maintained for this popular product, but improved varieties and cultural methods ensure that production will continue to increase. Major arthropod pests include armyworms, leafminers, thrips and spider mites; other less important arthropods also damage gerbera.

Tables 1-9 list chemicals that are presently available to commercial gerbera producers in Florida and are organized alphabetically by the following major pest groups:

Aphids
Armyworms
Broad Mites and Cyclamen Mites
Fungus Gnats
Leafminers
Shore Flies
Spider Mites
Thrips
Whiteflies

The tables include beneficial nematode and microbial insecticides, which are components of biological control. For each pest group listed, products available for control are presented by active ingredient. Usually only one example of each formulation is given; however, there may be other formulations or products as effective as those listed. Notes taken from labels are provided to qualify some uses.

Precautionary statements, re-entry intervals, restricted use status, and registrants are provided in a separate publication, Insecticides, Miticides & Molluscicides Available to Florida's Floricultural Industry (ENY-679), to aid in the selection and safe use of the pesticides. When available, label hyperlinks are provided in the electronic version of document. Hyperlinks point to respective business Websites, not to any source maintained by the University of Florida. Please be aware that hyperlinks and Websites may change without notice.

Many pesticides decompose in the spray tank when mixed with water above pH 7. Growers should test the pH of their water and when above 7, should add a buffering solution to maintain pH between 6.5 and 7.

This summary is only a guide to aid in selection of pesticides. Care has been given to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but it is possible that, through label changes, error, etc., improper uses may be indicated. In all cases it is the responsibility of the applicator to read, understand, and comply with the label that accompanies each pesticide container.

As an additional precaution, keep the telephone number and address of the nearest county poison control center in a convenient location in case of an accidental poisoning. Also, keep clean copies of labels of all pesticides on your premises. In the event of a poisoning, the label of the pesticide involved should be taken to the poison control center or hospital.

Tables

Table 1.

Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) control measures available for commercial gerbera production in Florida.

Common Name	Trade Name/ Formulation	Production Site¹	Notes from Label²
Acephate	1300 Orthene TR	G
Azadirachtin	Azatin XL Ornazin 3% EC	F, G
Azinphos-Methyl	Guthion Solupak	F	Nursery stock
Beauveria bassiana	Botanigard 22WP	F, G	Nursery & shade house (F)
	Botanigard ES	F, G	Nursery (F)
	Naturalis L	F, G
Bifenthrin	Attain TR Talstar GH Prescription Talstar Flowable	G
	Talstar N	F, G	Shade House & Nursery (F)
	Talstar Nursery Flowable	F, G	Shade House & Nursery (F); Do not apply more than 0.2 lbs. a.i. per acre per year for outdoor applications.
Chlorpyrifos	Chlorpyrifos Pro 2	F	Nursery stock in nurseries.
	Chlorpyrifos Pro 4	F, G	Nursery (F)
	Duraguard ME	F, G	Nursery (F); Flowering potted plants & hanging baskets, cut flowers & bedding plants; Direct spray to some open blooms may cause petal drop.
	Dursban 50W	F	Nursery
Chlorpyrifos & Cyfluthrin	Duraplex TR	G
Clarified Hydrophobic Extract of Neem Oil	Triact 70	F, G
Cyfluthrin	Decathlon 20 WP	F, G
Deltamethrin	Deltagard GC 5 SC	F	Nursery
Diazinon	Diazinon 50W Diazinon AG 500 (Micro Flo)	F
Diazinon	KnoxOut NL	F	Nursery
Dimethoate	5 lb. Dimethoate Systemic Dimethoate 4EC	F	Do not use in mixtures containing oil.
Dimethoate	Dimethoate 267, 400, 4E	F	Do not use on any ornamental stock plants grown as a source of propagation material, such as cuttings. Do not use in mixtures containing oil.
Disulfoton	Di-Syston 15%G	F
Endosulfan	Endosulfan 50WP Phaser 50WSB	F, G	Do not exceed a maximum of 3 lbs. a.i. (6 lbs. product) per acre per year.
Endosulfan	Thiodan 3 EC Phaser 3EC	F, G	Do not exceed 3.0 lbs. a.i. (4 quarts) a.i. per acre per year.
Fenoxycarb	Preclude TR	G	Potted plants
Fenpropathrin	Tame 2.4EC	F, G	Nursery & shade house (F); Do not use less than a 7 day retreatment interval.
Imidacloprid	Marathon 1% Granular	F, G	Nursery (F); For outdoor ornamentals grown in beds, applications cannot exceed a total of 40 lbs. (0.4 lbs. active ingredient) per acre per year. On plants with a production cycle of less than 1 year, application is not to exceed a frequency of more than once each 16 weeks for a particular plant. On stock plants and woody crops with a production cycle of greater than 1 year, application may not exceed once a year.
	Marathon 60WP	F, G	Nursery (F); Soil treatment only; For outdoor ornamentals grown in beds applications cannot exceed a total of 10.7 oz. (0.4 lbs. active ingredient) per acre per year. On plants with a production cycle of less than 1 year, application is not to exceed a frequency of more than once each 16 weeks for a particular plant. On stock plants and woody crops with a production cycle of greater than 1 year, application may not exceed once a year.
	Marathon II	F, G	On outdoor ornamentals do not apply more than 1.6 pt. (0.4 lbs. a.i.) per acre per year.
Lambda-Cyhalothrin	Scimitar GC	F, G	Nursery & Shade house (F); Do not apply more than 0.36 lbs. a.i. (52.4 fl. oz. of concentrate) per acre per year.
Malathion	Atrapa 5E Gowan Malathion 8 Flowable Malathion 5 Malathion 5EC Prozap Malathion 57EC	F
Oxydemeton-Methyl	Metasystox-R	F	Field grown nursery stock; Do not make more than two applications per season.
Permethrin	Astro	F, G	Field and container grown nursery stock (F); Do not apply more than 2.0 lb. a.i. per acre per year.
Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids	Insecticidal Soap 49.52 CF	F, G	Caution: Do not use on new transplants, newly rooted cuttings, or plants stressed by drought or with tender new foliage present.
Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids	M-Pede	F, G	For control of aphids must combine with other pesticides. Tank mixes with chlorothalonil should be avoided. Potential for injury increases on plants stressed by heat, humidity, drought, or insect, mite or disease pressure.
Pymetrozine	Endeavor	F, G	For outdoor use, do not apply more than 48 oz. per acre per year. For indoor use, do not apply more than 100 oz. per acre per year.
Pyrethrins & Piperonyl Butoxide	1100 Pyrethrum TR	G
Pyrethrins & Piperonyl Butoxide	Pyreth-It Pyrenone	F, G
Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide & Silicon Dioxide	Diatect Multipurpose Insecticide II	F
Pyrethrins, Rotenone & Other Cube Resins	Pyrellin EC	F, G	Apply in intervals of 7 days or less.
Pyriproxyfen	Distance	F, G	Suppression only; Apply Distance or Pyrigro no more than two times per cropping cycle or no more than two times per 6 months.
Refined Petroleum Distillate	Saf-T-Side Spray Oil	F	Bedding plants; Do not use in combination with or immediately before or after spraying with fungicides such as oxythioquinox or any product containing sulfur. Also do not use with carbaryl (Sevin) or dimethoate. Do not use with any product whose label recommends the use of no oils. Do not use in combination with NPK foliar fertilizer applications.
Refined Petroleum Distillate	Ultra-Fine Oil	F, G	Caution: Spray no more than four consecutive sprays. The frequency of consecutive sprays should not exceed once every 2 weeks. Early morning applications are recommended. Do not tank mix with insecticide or miticide whose label indicates that it should not be used with oil. Do not use with chlorothalonil, dimethoate, methiocarb, oxythioquinox, propargite, and any product containing sulfur. This list is not exhaustive; therefore, for products not included in this list, consult label for compatibility information.
S-Kinoprene	Enstar II	G
Tau-Fluvalinate	Mavrik Aquaflow	F, G
¹“F” indicates field production. Lath house and shade house production normally are considered components of field production. “G” indicates greenhouse production. ²Notes are taken from product labels and restrict use to the condition indicated (nursery, potted plants, beet armyworm, exposed thrips, etc.), limit numbers or patterns of applications, provide phytotoxicity precautions, etc.

Table 2.

Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) control measures available for commercial gerbera production in Florida.

Common Name	Trade Name/ Formulation	Production Site¹	Notes from Label²
Azadirachtin	Ornazin 3% EC Azatin XL	F, G
Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai	XenTari, DF	F, G
Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki	Javelin WG	F, G
	Dipel Pro DF, 2X	F, G
	Troy-BT 2WP	F, G	If mature worms or heavy populations are present, a contact insecticide should be used to enhance control.
	Biobit HP	F, G	May be used to control small armyworms (1st & 2nd instars) when populations are light and full coverage sprays are applied.
Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki EG7841	Crymax WP	F, G
Beauveria bassiana	Naturalis L	F, G
Bifenthrin	Attain TR	G	Caterpillars
	Talstar GH Prescription Talstar Flowable	G	Beet armyworm
	Talstar N	F, G	Shade House & Nursery (F); beet armyworm (G)
	Talstar Nursery Flowable	F, G	Shade House & Nursery (F); Do not apply more than 0.2 lbs. a.i. per acre per year for outdoor applications.
Chlorpyrifos	Chlorpyrifos Pro 2	F	Non-bearing nursery stock in nurseries; Do not exceed 1 lb. a.i. per acre.
	Chlorpyrifos Pro 4	F, G	Nursery (F)
	Dursban 50W	F	Nursery
Chlorpyrifos & Cyfluthrin	Duraplex TR	G	Caterpillars
Cyfluthrin	Decathlon 20 WP	F, G
Deltamethrin	Deltagard GC 5 SC	F	Nursery
Diazinon	Diazinon 50W Diazinon AG 500 (Micro Flo)
Diflubenzuron	Adept	F, G	Shade house (F); Do not make more than four applications per crop. Do not reuse potting media that has been treated with Adept. Do not apply to plants grown on capillary water mats.
	Dimilin 25W (EPA# 400-469)	F, G	Beet armyworm; Shade house (F)
	Dimilin SC	F, G	Shade house (F)
Fenpropathrin	Tame 2.4EC	F, G	Beet armyworm; Nursery & Shade house (F); Do not use less than a 7 day retreatment interval.
Heterorhabditis indica	Grubstake 100	F, G	Store at 65°F; use within 5 days of receipt. Native to Florida. Do not inject into drip irrigation systems. Do not apply within 21 days of a nematicide application.
Lambda-Cyhalothrin	Scimitar GC	F, G	Nursery & Shade house (F); Do not apply more than 0.36 lbs. a.i. (52.4 fl. oz. of concentrate) per acre per year.
Novaluron	Pedestal	F, G	Container grown (F, G); Shade house & nursery (F); Use only one application before rotation with other classes of insecticides with different modes of action. Use at least two alternative products between applications. Do not: apply more than once every 30 days, make more than two applications per crop year, apply in successive applications, apply more than 52 fl. oz. per acre per year per crop, use more than once within each generation cycle.
Permethrin	Ambush	F	Field grown nursery stock; Beet armyworm.
	Ambush 25W	F	Field grown nursery stock; Beet armyworm; Do not apply more than 2.0 lbs. a.i. per acre per season. Application to blooming plants may cause browning of petals.
	Astro	F, G	Leaf-feeding caterpillars; beet armyworm; Field & container grown nursery stock (F); Do not apply more than 2.0 lb. a.i. per acre per year.
	Pounce 25WP Pounce 3.2EC Pounce WSB Perm-Up	F	Beet armyworm; field grown nursery stock.
POBs of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Spodoptera exigua	Spod-X LC	F, G	Beet armyworm
Pyrethrins & Piperonyl Butoxide	Pyreth-It Pyrenone Crop Spray	F, G
Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide & Silicon Dioxide	Diatect Multipurpose Insecticide II	F
Pyrethrins, Rotenone & Other Cube Resins	Pyrellin EC	F, G	Apply in intervals of 7 days or less.
Spinosad	Conserve SC	F, G	Small and large larvae; When used in greenhouse or areas of commercial production in nurseries (including plant propagation beds): Do not apply more than 10 times in a 12-month period per crop regardless of the pest being treated. Because generations of a specific pest may overlap, rotate control products and never apply more than three consecutive applications of Conserve SC or products containing the same a.i. or products with the same mode of action. Except for greenhouses and structures that can be altered to be closed or open, do not reapply within less than 7 days.
Steinernema carpocapsae	Millenium	F, G	Nursery (F)
Tau-Fluvalinate	Mavrik Aquaflow	F, G
Tebufenozide	Confirm T/O	F, G	Nursery (F); Do not use to control more than three consecutive generations of pests in a cropping area (field) regardless of the crop rotation on that field. If you are unsure of the number of generations treated do not use more than four times within any 80-day interval. If Confirm has been applied four times in 80 days or less, allow at least 40 days to pass before making additional applications.
¹“F” indicates field production. Lath house and shade house production normally are considered components of field production. “G” indicates greenhouse production. ²Notes are taken from product labels and restrict use to the condition indicated (nursery, potted plants, beet armyworm, exposed thrips, etc.), limit numbers or patterns of applications, provide phytotoxicity precautions, etc.

Table 3.

Broad mite & Cyclamen mite (Acari: Tarsonemidae) control measures available for commercial gerbera production in Florida.

Common Name	Trade Name/ Formulation	Production Site¹	Notes from Label²
Abamectin	Avid 0.15 EC	F, G
Bifenthrin	Talstar GH Prescription Talstar Flowable	G	Broad mite
	Talstar N	F, G	Shade House & Nursery (F)
	Talstar Nursery Flowable	F, G	Shade House & Nursery (F); Do not apply more than 0.2 lbs. a.i. per acre per year for outdoor applications.
Chlorfenapyr	Pylon	G	Do not apply more than three applications (not more than 41 fl. oz. of product or 0.64 lbs. of a.i.) during a crop cycle. Do not apply more than two times consecutively and do not apply to consecutive crops in a greenhouse structure.
Diazinon	Diazinon 50W Diazinon AG 500 (Micro Flo)	F	Cyclamen mites
Dicofol	Kelthane 50 WSP	F	Applicators must be in enclosed cabs or cockpits. Nursery; Resistance management: As a general rule, rotate use with miticides with different modes of action and limit the number of applications to an average of one per season. Do not make more than two applications per crop or season. If two applications are made in a single growing season, no application should be made during the following year.
Dicofol	Kelthane T&O	F	Applicators must be in enclosed cabs or cockpits. Resistance management: As a general rule, rotate use with miticides with different modes of action and limit the number of applications to an average of one per season. If two applications are made in a single growing season, no application should be made during the following year. In no case should more than two applications be made to a crop or in a single growing season.
Endosulfan	Endosulfan 50WP Phaser 3EC Phaser 50WSB Thiodan 3EC	F, G	Cyclamen mite; Do not exceed a maximum of 3 lbs. a.i. per acre per year.
Lambda-Cyhalothrin	Scimitar GC	F, G	Broad mite; Nursery & Shade house (F); Do not apply more than 0.36 lbs. a.i. (52.4 fl. oz. of concentrate) per acre per year.
Pyridaben	Sanmite 75W	F, G	Broad mite; Maximum seasonal use rate: Do not exceed 21.34 ounces per acre per year.
¹“F” indicates field production. Lath house and shade house production normally are considered components of field production. “G” indicates greenhouse production. ²Notes are taken from product labels and restrict use to the condition indicated (nursery, potted plants, beet armyworm, exposed thrips, etc.), limit numbers or patterns of applications, provide phytotoxicity precautions, etc.

Table 4.

Fungus Gnat (Diptera: Sciaridae) control measures available for commercial gerbera production in Florida.

Common Name	Trade Name/ Formulation	Production Site¹	Notes from Label²
Acephate	1300 Orthene	G
Azadirachtin	Ornazin 3% EC Azatin XL	F, G
Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis	Gnatrol	F, G	Larvae; In potting soil mixtures only (F).
Beauveria bassiana	Naturalis L	F, G
Bifenthrin	Attain TR Talstar GH Prescription Talstar Flowable	G
	Talstar N	F, G	Shade House & Nursery (F)
	Talstar Nursery Flowable	F, G	Shade House & Nursery (F); Do not apply more than 0.2 lbs. a.i. per acre per year for outdoor applications.
	Talstar Nursery Granular	F	Containerized plants; Larvae
Chlorpyrifos	Duraguard ME	F, G	Nursery (F); Flowering potted plants & hanging baskets, cut flowers & bedding plants; Direct spray to some open blooms may cause petal drop.
Chlorpyrifos & Cyfluthrin	Duraplex TR	G
Cyfluthrin	Decathlon 20 WP	F, G
Cyromazine	Citation	F, G	Will not control adult stage. Do not make more than six applications to one crop.
Deltamethrin	Deltagard GC 5 SC	F	Nursery
Diazinon	KnoxOut NL	F	Larvae, Nursery
Diflubenzuron	Adept	F, G	Shade house (F); Do not make more than four applications per crop. Do not reuse potting media that has been treated with Adept. Do not apply to plants grown on capillary water mats.
Fenoxycarb	Precision	F, G	Container & shade house grown (F); Will not control the adult stage. Do not exceed a maximum of 30 applications per year for greenhouse use.
Permethrin	Astro	F, G	Field and container grown nursery stock (F); Do not apply more than 2.0 lb. a.i. per acre per year.
Pyrethrins & Piperonyl Butoxide	1100 Pyrethrum TR	G
Pyrethrins & Piperonyl Butoxide	Pyrenone Crop Spray	F, G
Pyriproxyfen	Distance	F, G	Apply Distance or Pyrigro no more than two times per cropping cycle or no more than two times per 6 months.
Pyriproxyfen	Pyrigro	F, G	Larvae; Shade house & garden centers (F); Apply Distance or Pyrigro no more than two times per cropping cycle or no more than two times per 6 months.
Refined Petroleum Distillate	Ultra-Fine Oil	G	Caution: Spray no more than four consecutive sprays. The frequency of consecutive sprays should not exceed once every 2 weeks. Early morning applications are recommended. Do not tank mix with insecticide or miticide whose label indicates that it should not be used with oil. Do not use with chlorothalonil, dimethoate, methiocarb, oxythioquinox, propargite, and any product containing sulfur. This list is not exhaustive; therefore, for products not included in this list, consult label for compatibility information.
S-Kinoprene	Enstar II	G	Slight to moderate injury has occurred on some blooms under certain conditions, suggest application be made in pre-bloom stage.
Steinernema carpocapsae	Millenium	F, G	Nursery (F)
Steinernema feltiae	Nemasys	F, G	Larvae; Nursery (F); If fungus gnats are established it may take 2 to 3 weeks before the number of adults is noticeably reduced.
¹“F” indicates field production. Lath house and shade house production normally are considered components of field production. “G” indicates greenhouse production. ²Notes are taken from product labels and restrict use to the condition indicated (nursery, potted plants, beet armyworm, exposed thrips, etc.), limit numbers or patterns of applications, provide phytotoxicity precautions, etc.

Table 5.

Leafminer (Diptera: Agromyzidae) control measures available for commercial gerbera production in Florida.

Common Name	Trade Name/ Formulation	Production Site¹	Notes from Label²
Abamectin	Avid 0.15EC	F, G	Liriomyza
Acephate³	1300 Orthene TR	G
Azadirachtin	Ornazin 3% EC Azatin XL	F, G
Bifenthrin³	Talstar GH Prescription Talstar Flowable	G
	Talstar N	F, G	Shade House & Nursery (F)
	Talstar Nursery Flowable	F, G	Shade House & Nursery (F); Do not apply more than 0.2 lbs. a.i. per acre per year for outdoor applications.
Chlorpyrifos³	Chlorpyrifos Pro 2	F	Non-bearing nursery stock in nurseries; Do not exceed 1 lb. a.i. per acre.
	Chlorpyrifos Pro 4	F, G	Nursery (F)
	Duraguard ME	F, G	Nursery (F); Flowering potted plants & hanging baskets, cut flowers & bedding plants; Direct spray to some open blooms may cause petal drop.
	Dursban 50W	F	Nursery
Cyromazine	Citation	F, G	Will not control adult stage. Leafminers can develop resistance, therefore, do not use as the only control for leafminers, make no more than 3 applications at intervals, then switch to Avid as an alternative control for the same period, then Citation may be applied again at intervals if necessary. Do not make more than six applications to one crop.
Deltamethrin³	Deltagard GC 5 SC	F	Nursery
Diazinon³	Diazinon 50W Diazinon AG 500 (Micro Flo)	F
Diazinon³	KnoxOut NL	F	Nursery
Diflubenzuron	Adept	F, G	Shade house (F); Do not make more than four applications per crop. Do not reuse potting media that has been treated with Adept. Do not apply to plants grown on capillary water mats.
Fenoxycarb	Precision	F, G	Container & shade house grown (F); Will not control the adult stage. Do not exceed a maximum of 30 applications per year for greenhouse use.
Fenpropathrin³	Tame 2.4EC	F, G	Nursery & Shade house (F); Do not use less than a 7 day retreatment interval.
Imidacloprid	Marathon 1% Granular	F, G	Nursery (F); For outdoor ornamentals grown in beds, applications cannot exceed a total of 40 lbs. (0.4 lbs. active ingredient) per acre per year. On plants with a production cycle of less than 1 year, application is not to exceed a frequency of more than once each 16 weeks for a particular plant.
	Marathon 60WP	F, G	Nursery (F); Soil treatment only; For outdoor ornamentals grown in beds, applications cannot exceed a total of 10.7 oz. (0.4 lbs. active ingredient) per acre per year. On plants with a production cycle of less than 1 year, application is not to exceed a frequency of more than once each 16 weeks for a particular plant.
	Marathon II	F, G	On outdoor ornamentals, do not apply more than 1.6 pt. (0.4 lbs. a.i.) per acre per year.
Lambda-Cyhalothrin³	Scimitar GC	F, G	Adults; Nursery & Shade house (F); Do not apply more than 0.36 lbs. a.i. (52.4 fl. oz. of concentrate) per acre per year.
Novaluron	Pedestal	F, G	Suppression only; container grown (F, G); Shade house & nursery (F); Use only one application before rotation with other classes of insecticides with different modes of action. Use at least two alternative products between applications. Do not: apply more than once every 30 days, make more than two applications per crop year, apply in successive applications, apply more than 52 fl. oz. per acre per year per crop, use more than once within each generation cycle.
Oxydemeton-Methyl³	Metasystox-R	F	Nursery stock
Permethrin³	Ambush	F	Liriomyza leafminer fly, vegetable leafminer; field grown nursery stock.
	Ambush 25W	F	Vegetable leafminer; field grown nursery stock; Do not apply more than 2.0 lbs. a.i. per acre per season. Application to blooming plants may cause browning of petals.
	Astro	F, G	Field & container grown nursery stock (F); Do not apply more than 2.0 lb. a.i. per acre per year.
	Pounce 25WP Pounce 3.2EC Pounce WSB Perm-Up	F	Liriomyza leafminer flies; Nursery stock (leafminers); field grown nursery stock.
Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids	M-Pede	F, G	For control of leafminers must combine with other pesticides. Tank mixes with chlorothalonil should be avoided. Potential for injury increases on plants stressed by heat, humidity, drought, or insect, mite or disease pressure.
Pyrethrins & Piperonyl Butoxide	Pyrenone Crop Spray	F, G
Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide & Silicon Dioxide	Diatect Multipurpose Insecticide II	F
Pyrethrins, Rotenone & Other Cube Resins	Pyrellin EC	F, G	Apply in intervals of 7 days or less.
Refined Petroleum Distillate	Saf-T-Side Spray Oil	F	Bedding plants; Do not use in combination with or immediately before or after spraying with fungicides such as oxythioquinox or any product containing sulfur. Also do not use with carbaryl (Sevin) or dimethoate. Do not use with any product whose label recommends the use of no oils. Do not use in combination with NPK foliar fertilizer applications.
Refined Petroleum Distillate	Ultra-Fine Oil	F, G	Caution: Spray no more than four consecutive sprays. The frequency of consecutive sprays should not exceed once every 2 weeks. Early morning applications are recommended. Do not tank mix with insecticide or miticide whose label indicates that it should not be used with oil. Do not use with chlorothalonil, dimethoate, methiocarb, oxythioquinox, propargite, and any product containing sulfur. This list is not exhaustive; therefore, for products not included in this list, consult label for compatibility information.
Spinosad	Conserve SC	F, G	When used in greenhouse or areas of commercial production in nurseries (including plant propagation beds): Do not apply more than 10 times in a 12-month period per crop regardless of the pest being treated. Because generations of a specific pest may overlap, rotate control products and never apply more than three consecutive applications of Conserve SC or products containing the same a.i. or products with the same mode of action. Except for greenhouses and structures that can be altered to be closed or open, do not reapply within less than 7 days.
¹ “F” indicates field production. Lath house and shade house production normally are considered components of field production. “G” indicates greenhouse production. ² Notes are taken from product labels and restrict use to the condition indicated (nursery, potted plants, beet armyworm, exposed thrips, etc.), limit numbers or patterns of applications, provide phytotoxicity precautions, etc. ³ Liriomyza trifolii Leafminers have become resistant to organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides. Infrequent use may be effective but repeated use may be ineffective, depending on the history of the target population.

Table 6.

Shore Fly (Diptera: Ephydridae) control measures available for commercial gerbera production in Florida.

Common Name	Trade Name/ Formulation	Production Site¹	Notes from Label²
Azadirachtin	Ornazin 3% EC Azatin XL	F, G
Beauveria bassiana	Naturalis L	F, G
Chlorpyrifos	Duraguard ME	F, G	Nursery (F); Flowering potted plants & hanging baskets, cut flowers & bedding plants; Direct spray to some open blooms may cause petal drop.
Chlorpyrifos & Cyfluthrin	Duraplex TR	G	Potted flowering, hanging baskets, cut flowers & bedding plants
Cyromazine	Citation	G	Will not control adult stage. Do not make more than six applications to one crop.
Diazinon	KnoxOut NL	F	Larvae, Nursery
Diflubenzuron	Adept	F, G	Shade house (F); Do not make more than four applications per crop. Do not reuse potting media that has been treated with Adept. Do not apply to plants grown on capillary water mats.
Fenoxycarb	Precision	F, G	Container & shade house grown (F); Will not control the adult stage. Do not exceed a maximum of 30 applications per year for greenhouse use.
Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids	M-Pede	F, G	Tank mixes with chlorothalonil should be avoided. Potential for injury increases on plants stressed by heat, humidity, drought, or insect, mite or disease pressure.
Pyriproxyfen	Distance	F, G	Apply Distance or Pyrigro no more than two times per cropping cycle or no more than two times per 6 months.
Steinernema carpocapsae	Millenium	F, G	Nursery (F)
¹“F” indicates field production. Lath house and shade house production normally are considered components of field production. “G” indicates greenhouse production. ²Notes are taken from product labels and restrict use to the condition indicated (nursery, potted plants, beet armyworm, exposed thrips, etc.), limit numbers or patterns of applications, provide phytotoxicity precautions, etc.

Table 7.

Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) control measures available for commercial gerbera production in Florida.

Common Name	Trade Name/ Formulation	Production Site¹	Notes from Label²
Abamectin	Avid 0.15EC	F, G	Twospotted spider mite
Acephate	1300 Orthene TR	G
Beauveria bassiana	Naturalis L	F, G
Bifenazate	Floramite	F, G	Do not make more than two applications per crop per year. Do not apply more than 16 oz. per acre per year. Apply only one application of Floramite before rotating to products of an alternative chemical class and use at least two alternative products between treatments of Floramite.
Bifenazate	Floramite SC	F, G	Twospotted spider mite; Do not use in successive applications. Apply only one application before rotating to products of an alternative chemical class. Use at least two alternative products between treatments of Floramite SC. Do not make more than two applications per crop per year. Do not apply more than 32 fl. oz. per acre per year.
Bifenthrin	Attain TR Talstar Flowable Talstar GH	G
	Talstar N	F, G	Shade house & nursery (F)
	Talstar Nursery Flowable	F, G	Shade house & nursery (F); Do not apply more than 0.2 lbs. a.i. per acre per year for outdoor applications.
Chlorfenapyr	Pylon	G	Do not apply more than three applications (not more than 41 fl. oz. of product or 0.64 lbs. of a.i.) during a crop cycle. Do not apply more than two times consecutively and do not apply to consecutive crops in a greenhouse structure.
Chlorpyrifos & Cyfluthrin³	Duraplex TR	G
Clarified Hydrophobic Extract of Neem Oil	Triact 70	F, G
Clofentezine	Ovation SC	F, G	Twospotted spider mite; nursery stock, shade house & container grown (F); Recommended application frequency is once per crop cycle in greenhouse, saran house, and shade house culture, and once per each crop cycle occurring within a year for outdoor ornamentals.
Deltamethrin³	Deltagard GC 5 SC	F	Nursery; suppression
Dicofol	Kelthane 50WSP	F	Applicators must be in enclosed cabs or cockpits. Nursery; twospotted spider mite; Resistance management: As a general rule, rotate use with miticides with different modes of action and limit the number of applications to an average of one per season. Do not make more than two applications per crop or season. If two applications are made in a single growing season, no application should be made during the following year.
Dicofol	Kelthane Turf & Ornamental	F	Applicators must be in enclosed cabs or cockpits. Nursery; twospotted spider mite; Resistance management: as a general rule, rotate use with miticides with different modes of action and limit the number of applications to one crop or season. In no case should more than two applications be made to a crop or in a single growing season.
Etoxazol	Tetrasan 5 WDG	F, G	Shade house (F)
Fenbutatin-Oxide	Vendex 50WP	F, G	Twospotted spider mite
Fenpropathrin³	Tame 2.4 EC	F, G	Nursery & shade house (F); twospotted spider mite; Do not use less than a 7 day retreatment interval.
Fenpyroximate	Akari 5SC	G	Do not apply more than 48 fl. oz. per crop cycle or per growing season, whichever is longer. Make no more than two applications per growing season or crop cycle, whichever is longer.
Hexythiazox	Hexygon Ovicide/Miticide	F, G	Nursery (F); twospotted spider mite; Make only one application per crop cycle or once per year.
Hexythiazox	Hexygon DF	F, G	Nursery (F); twospotted spider mite; Do not use Plyac or household detergents in tank mix combinations with Hexygon DF. Apply only once per crop cycle.
Lambda-Cyhalothrin³	Scimitar GC	F, G	Nursery & Shade house (F); Do not apply more than 0.36 lbs. a.i. (52.4 fl. oz. of concentrate) per acre per year.
Methiocarb	Mesurol 75-W	F, G	Nursery (F); Do not apply with oil.
Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids	Insecticidal Soap 49.52 CF	F, G	Caution: Do not use on new transplants, newly rooted cuttings, or plants stressed by drought or with tender new foliage present.
Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids	M-Pede	F, G	Tank mixes with chlorothalonil should be avoided. Potential for injury increases on plants stressed by heat, humidity, drought, or insect, mite or disease pressure.
Propargite	Ornamite	F	Nursery; Do not use in mixtures containing oil.
Pyrethrins & Piperonyl Butoxide	1100 Pyrethrum TR	G
Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide & Silicon Dioxide	Diatect Multipurpose Insecticide II	F
Pyrethrins, Rotenone & Other Cube Resins	Pyrellin EC	F, G	Apply in intervals of 7 days or less.
Pyridaben	Sanmite 75W	F, G	Twospotted spider mite; Do not exceed 21.34 ounces per acre per year.
Refined Petroleum Distillate	Saf-T-Side Spray Oil	F	Bedding plants; Do not use in combination with or immediately before or after spraying with fungicides such as oxythioquinox or any product containing sulfur. Also do not use with carbaryl (Sevin) or dimethoate. Do not use with any product whose label recommends the use of no oils. Do not use in combination with NPK foliar fertilizer applications.
Refined Petroleum Distillate	Ultra-Fine Oil	F, G	Caution: Spray no more than four consecutive sprays. The frequency of consecutive sprays should not exceed once every 2 weeks. Early morning applications are recommended. Do not tank mix with insecticide or miticide whose label indicates that it should not be used with oil. Do not use with chlorothalonil, dimethoate, methiocarb, oxythioquinox, propargite, and any product containing sulfur. This list is not exhaustive; therefore, for products not included in this list, consult label for compatibility information.
Spinosad	Conserve SC	F, G	When used in greenhouse or nursery, do not apply more than 10 times in a 12-month period per crop regardless of the pest being treated. Because generations of a specific pest may overlap, rotate control products and never apply more than three consecutive applications of Conserve SC or products containing the same a.i. or products with the same mode of action. Except for greenhouses and structures that can be altered to be closed or open, do not reapply within less than 7 days.
Tau-Fluvalinate³	Mavrik Aquaflow	F, G
¹ “F” indicates field production. Lath house and shade house production normally are considered components of field production. “G” indicates greenhouse production. ² Notes are taken from product labels and restrict use to the condition indicated (nursery, potted plants, beet armyworm, exposed thrips, etc.), limit numbers or patterns of applications, provide phytotoxicity precautions, etc. ³ Some spider mite populations have become resistant to pyrethroid insecticides. Infrequent use may be effective but repeated use may be ineffective, depending on the history of the target population.

Table 8.

Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) control measures available for commercial gerbera production in Florida.

Common Name	Trade Name/ Formulation	Production Site¹	Notes from Label²
Acephate	1300 Orthene TR	G
Azadirachtin	Ornazin 3% EC Azatin SL	F, G
Azinphos-Methyl	Guthion Solupak	F	Nursery stock
Beauveria bassiana	Botanigard 22WP	F, G	Nursery & shade house (F)
	Botanigard ES	F, G	Nursery (F)
	Naturalis L	F, G
Bifenthrin	Attain TR Talstar GH Prescription Talstar Flowable	G
	Talstar N	F, G	Shade House & Nursery (F)
	Talstar Nursery Flowable	F, G	Shade House & Nursery (F); Do not apply more than 0.2 lbs. a.i. per acre per year for outdoor applications.
Carbaryl	Sevin SL	F	Exposed thrips
Chlorpyrifos	Duraguard ME	F, G	Nursery (F); Flowering potted plants & hanging baskets, cut flowers & bedding plants; Direct spray to some open blooms may cause petal drop.
Chlorpyrifos	Dursban 50W	F	Exposed thrips; Nursery
Chlorpyrifos & Cyfluthrin	Duraplex	G
Cyfluthrin	Decathlon 20 WP	F, G
Diazinon	Diazinon 50W Diazinon AG 500 (Micro Flo)	F
Diazinon	KnoxOut NL	F	Nursery
Dimethoate	5 lb. Dimethoate Systemic Dimethoate 4EC	F	Do not use in mixtures containing oil.
Dimethoate	Dimethoate 267, 400, 4E	F	Do not use on any ornamental stock plants grown as a source of propagation material, such as cuttings. Do not use in mixtures containing oil.
Disulfoton	Di-Syston 15%	F
Fenoxycarb	Preclude TR	G
Fenoxycarb	Precision	F, G	Container & shade house grown (F); Will not control the adult stage. Do not exceed a maximum of 30 applications per year for greenhouse use.
Fenpropathrin	Tame 2.4EC	F, G	Nursery & Shade house (F); Do not use less than a 7 day retreatment interval.
Imidacloprid	Marathon 1% Granular	F, G	Suppression; Nursery (F); For outdoor ornamentals grown in beds, applications cannot exceed a total of 40 lbs. (0.4 lbs. active ingredient) per acre per year. On plants with a production cycle of less than 1 year, application is not to exceed a frequency of more than once each 16 weeks for a particular plant.
	Marathon 60WP	F, G	Suppression; Nursery (F); Soil treatment only; For outdoor ornamentals grown in beds applications cannot exceed a total of 10.7 oz. (0.4 lbs. active ingredient) per acre per year. On plants with a production cycle of less than 1 year, application is not to exceed a frequency of more than once each 16 weeks for a particular plant.
	Marathon II	F, G	Thrips are suppressed on foliage only, not in buds or flowers. On outdoor ornamentals do not apply more than 1.6 pt. (0.4 lbs. a.i.) per acre per year.
Lambda-Cyhalothrin	Scimitar GC	F, G	Nursery & Shade house (F); Do not apply more than 0.36 lbs. a.i. (52.4 fl. oz. of concentrate) per acre per year.
Malathion	Atrapa 5E Gowan Malathion 8F Malathion 5EC Prozap 57EC	F
Methiocarb	Mesurol 75-W	F, G	Western flower thrips; Nursery & mature ornamental plantings (F); Do not apply with oil.
Novaluron	Pedestal	F, G	Container grown (F, G); Shade house & nursery (F); Use only one application before rotation with other classes of insecticides with different modes of action. Use at least two alternative products between applications. Do not: apply more than once every 30 days, make more than two applications per crop year, apply in successive applications, apply more than 52 fl. oz. per acre per year per crop, use more than once within each generation cycle.
Permethrin	Ambush	F	Citrus thrips; field grown nursery stock
	Ambush 25W	F	Citrus thrips; field grown nursery stock; Do not apply more than 2.0 lbs. a.i. per acre per season. Application to blooming plants may cause browning of petals.
	Astro	F, G	Citrus thrips; Field & container grown nursery stock (F); Do not apply more than 2.0 lb. a.i. per acre per year.
	Pounce 25WP Pounce 3.2EC Pounce WSB Perm-Up	F	Citrus thrips; Nursery stock
Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids	Insecticidal Soap 49.52 CF	F, G	Caution: Do not use on new transplants, newly rooted cuttings, or plants stressed by drought or with tender new foliage present.
Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids	M-Pede	F, G	Exposed thrips; Tank mixes with chlorothalonil should be avoided. Potential for injury increases on plants stressed by heat, humidity, drought, or insect, mite or disease pressure.
Pyrethrins & Piperonyl Butoxide	1100 Pyrethrum	G
Pyrethrins & Piperonyl Butoxide	Pyreth-It Pyrenone Crop Spray	F, G
Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide & Silicon Dioxide	Diatect Multipurpose Insecticide II	F
Pyrethrins, Rotenone & Other Cube Resins	Pyrellin EC	F, G	Apply in intervals of 7 days or less.
Refined Petroleum Distillate	Saf-T-Side Spray Oil	F	Bedding plants; Do not use in combination with or immediately before or after spraying with fungicides such as oxythioquinox or any product containing sulfur. Also do not use with carbaryl (Sevin) or dimethoate. Do not use with any product whose label recommends the use of no oils. Do not use in combination with NPK foliar fertilizer applications.
Refined Petroleum Distillate	Ultra-Fine Oil	F, G	Caution: Spray no more than four consecutive sprays. The frequency of consecutive sprays should not exceed once every 2 weeks. Early morning applications are recommended. Do not tank mix with insecticide or miticide whose label indicates that it should not be used with oil. Do not use with chlorothalonil, dimethoate, methiocarb, oxythioquinox, propargite, and any product containing sulfur. This list is not exhaustive; therefore, for products not included in this list, consult label for compatibility information.
Spinosad	Conserve SC	F, G	Exposed thrips; When used in greenhouse or areas of commercial production in nurseries (including plant propagation beds): Do not apply more than 10 times in a 12-month period per crop regardless of the pest being treated. Because generations of a specific pest may overlap, rotate control products and never apply more than three consecutive applications of Conserve SC or products containing the same a.i. or products with the same mode of action. Except for greenhouses and structures that can be altered to be closed or open, do not reapply within less than 7 days.
Tau-Fluvalinate	Mavrik Aquaflow	F, G
¹“F” indicates field production. Lath house and shade house production normally are considered components of field production. “G” indicates greenhouse production. ²Notes are taken from product labels and restrict use to the condition indicated (nursery, potted plants, beet armyworm, exposed thrips, etc.), limit numbers or patterns of applications, provide phytotoxicity precautions, etc.

Table 9.

Whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) control measures available for commercial gerbera production in Florida.

Common Name	Trade Name/ Formulation	Production Site¹	Notes from Label²
Acephate³	1300 Orthene TR	G
Azadirachtin	Ornazin 3% EC Azatin XL	F, G
Beauveria bassiana	Botanigard 22WP	F, G	Nursery & Shade house (F)
	Botanigard ES	F, G	Nursery (F)
	Naturalis L	F, G
Bifenthrin	Attain TR Talstar GH Prescription Talstar Flowable	G
	Talstar N	F, G	Shade house & Nursery (F)
	Talstar Nursery Flowable	F, G	Shade house & Nursery (F); Do not apply more than 0.2 lbs. a.i. per acre per year for outdoor applications.
Chlorpyrifos & Cyfluthrin	Duraplex	G
Clarified Hydrophobic Extract of Neem Oil	Triact 70	F, G	Most effective when applied early to mid-morning or late afternoon.
Cyfluthrin	Decathlon 20 WP	F, G
Diflubenzuron	Adept	F, G	Suppression; Shade house (F); Do not make more than four applications per crop. Do not reuse potting media that has been treated with Adept. Do not apply to plants grown on capillary water mats.
Dimethoate	5 lb. Dimethoate Systemic Dimethoate 4EC	F	Do not use in mixtures containing oil.
Dimethoate	Dimethoate 267, 400, 4E	F	Do not use on any ornamental stock plants grown as a source of propagation material, such as cuttings. Do not use in mixtures containing oil.
Disulfoton	Di-Syston 15%	F
Endosulfan	Endosulfan 50WP Phaser 3EC Phaser 50WSB Thiodan 3EC	F, G	Do not exceed a maximum of 3 lbs. a.i. per acre per year.
Fenoxycarb	Precision	F, G	Silverleaf [alias sweetpotato] and greenhouse whitefly; Container & shade house grown (F); Will not control the adult stage. Do not exceed a maximum of 30 applications per year for greenhouse use.
Fenoxycarb	Preclude TR	G
Fenpropathrin	Tame 2.4EC	F, G	Silverleaf whitefly and sweetpotato whitefly (includes all instars and transitional stages [pupae]); Nursery & Shade house (F); Do not use less than a 7 day retreatment interval.
Imidacloprid	Marathon 1% Granular	F, G	Nursery (F); For outdoor ornamentals grown in beds, applications cannot exceed a total of 40 lbs. (0.4 lbs. active ingredient) per acre per year. On plants with a production cycle of less than 1 year, application is not to exceed a frequency of more than once each 16 weeks for a particular plant.
	Marathon 60WP	F, G	Nursery (F); Soil treatment only; For outdoor ornamentals grown in beds applications cannot exceed a total of 10.7 oz. (0.4 lbs. active ingredient) per acre per year. On plants with a production cycle of less than 1 year, application is not to exceed a frequency of more than once each 16 weeks for a particular plant.
	Marathon II	F, G	On outdoor ornamentals do not apply more than 1.6 pt. (0.4 lbs. a.i.) per acre per year.
Lambda-Cyhalothrin	Scimitar GC	F, G	Nursery & Shade house (F); Do not apply more than 0.36 lbs. a.i. (52.4 fl. oz. of concentrate) per acre per year.
Novaluron	Pedestal	F, G	Container grown (F, G); Shade house & nursery (F); Use only one application before rotation with other classes of insecticides with different modes of action. Use at least two alternative products between applications. Do not: apply more than once every 30 days, make more than two applications per crop year, apply in successive applications, apply more than 52 fl. oz. per acre per year per crop, use more than once within each generation cycle.
Permethrin	Ambush	F	Field grown nursery stock
	Ambush 25W	F	Field grown nursery stock; Do not apply more than 2.0 lbs. a.i. per acre per season. Application to blooming plants may cause browning of petals.
	Astro	F, G	Field & container grown nursery stock (F); Do not apply more than 2.0 lb. a.i. per acre per year.
	Pounce 25WP Pounce 3.2EC Pounce WSB Perm-Up	F	Nursery stock
Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids	Insecticidal Soap 49.52 CF	F, G	Caution: Do not use on new transplants, newly rooted cuttings, or plants stressed by drought or with tender new foliage present.
Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids	M-Pede	F, G	Tank mixes with chlorothalonil should be avoided. Potential for injury increases on plants stressed by heat, humidity, drought, or insect, mite or disease pressure.
Pymetrozine	Endeavor	F, G	Do not apply more than 10 oz. per acre per application. For outdoor use, do not apply more than 48 oz. per acre per year. For indoor use, do not apply more than 100 oz. per acre per year.
Pyrethrins & Piperonyl Butoxide	1100 Pyrethrum	G
Pyrethrins & Piperonyl Butoxide	Pyreth-It Pyrenone Crop Spray	F, G
Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide & Silicon Dioxide	Diatect Multipurpose Insecticide II	F
Pyrethrins, Rotenone & Other Cube Resins	Pyrellin EC	F, G	Apply in intervals of 7 days or less.
Pyridaben	Sanmite 75W	F, G	Maximum seasonal use rate: Do not exceed 21.34 ounces per acre per year.
Pyriproxyfen	Distance	F, G	Apply Distance or Pyrigro no more than two times per cropping cycle or no more than two times per 6 months.
Pyriproxyfen	Pyrigro	F, G	Shade house & garden centers (F); Apply Distance or Pyrigro no more than two times per cropping cycle or no more than two times per 6 months.
Refined Petroleum Distillate	Saf-T-Side Spray Oil	F	Bedding plants; Do not use in combination with or immediately before or after spraying with fungicides such as oxythioquinox or any product containing sulfur. Also do not use with carbaryl (Sevin) or dimethoate. Do not use with any product whose label recommends the use of no oils. Do not use in combination with NPK foliar fertilizer applications.
Refined Petroleum Distillate	Ultra-Fine Oil	F, G	Caution: Spray no more than four consecutive sprays. The frequency of consecutive sprays should not exceed once every 2 weeks. Early morning applications are recommended. Do not tank mix with insecticide or miticide whose label indicates that it should not be used with oil. Do not use with chlorothalonil, dimethoate, methiocarb, oxythioquinox, propargite, and any product containing sulfur. This list is not exhaustive; therefore, for products not included in this list, consult label for compatibility information.
S-Kinoprene	Enstar II	G	Slight to moderate injury has occurred on some blooms under certain conditions, suggest application be made in pre-bloom stage.
Tau-Fluvalinate	Mavrik Aquaflow	F, G
¹ “F” indicates field production. Lath house and shade house production normally are considered components of field production. “G” indicates greenhouse production. ² Notes are taken from product labels and restrict use to the condition indicated (nursery, potted plants, beet armyworm, exposed thrips, etc.), limit numbers or patterns of applications, provide phytotoxicity precautions, etc. ³ The combination of acephate with a pyrethroid, such as fenpropathrin, has resulted in synergistic effects on whitefly mortality.

Footnotes

This document is ENY-303, one of a series of the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: September 1995. Revised: March 2003. Please visit the EDIS Website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

James F. Price, associate professor, Curtis Nagle, biologist and Elzie McCord, Jr., adjunct professor, University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Bradenton, FL 34203.

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication does not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition. Use pesticides safely. Read and follow directions on the manufacturer's label.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer, Interim Dean.

Insect and Mite Management Suggestions for Commercial Gerbera Production1

Tables

Footnotes

Insect and Mite Management Suggestions for Commercial Gerbera Production¹