The Horticulture Industry IPM Symposium
The North Carolina Arboretum recently hosted its 2nd professional conference for the green industry. The Horticulture Industry IPM Symposium offered programs on scouting for insect pests and new diseases in the landscape, integrated pest management in conifers and using beneficial insects in both greenhouse and landscape application. The attendance doubled in size from 2011 and drew a variety of green industry professionals including landscape, garden, greenhouse, small farm, national park service, university and garden center sector representatives.
Partners in the conference were The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and Biobest International.
Pesticide credits were offered and attendees had an opportunity to view and identify beneficial insects under microscopes. Participants released beneficial insects and inspected monitoring pheromone traps in the landscape. 
The Arboretum has been using beneficial insects in its production greenhouses since June 2010, and has all but eliminated the need for using harmful pesticides for control. Beneficial insects are used on specimen plants in the bonsai collection and in selected garden areas. Sustainability is an important component of The North Carolina Arboretum’s daily operation and using beneficial insects as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach has proven to be stable and effective. Please join us in thanking Community Partner Biobest International.
