April 2025 Management, Plant Health, Production

2024 Pest & Disease Report for greenhouse growers By Heather Machovina

Pest and disease pressures vary seasonally, so GPN counts on industry feedback and support from growers, trial gardens, breeders and more to stay informed on what others are experiencing.

GPN’s Annual Pest & Disease Survey is keeping the conversation moving with an  update of the most troublesome pests and diseases of 2024, pest concerns for 2025 and ways we will continue to share useful information throughout the year.

Most of the survey respondents are growing crops in a greenhouse or controlled environment and have similar challenges with pests and diseases despite regional location. Thrips was at the top of the list for the most troublesome pests dealt with in 2024, while botrytis was the most common disease issue.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

We also asked survey respondents to tell us where they’d like more information about pest and disease issues. Here’s what some of the respondents shared: “New products, better application methods, tank mixes and biological products.”

“Cultural controls, new product development and new research into what folks are exploring for biostimulants and nutritional supplements to boost plant health.” “New chemistries and rotations that work for ornamentals and edibles.”

CONTINUING EDUCATION

GPN’s Plant Health Management Series is home to an ongoing library of webinars that dive deep into topics that highlight innovative strategies, key research findings and practical applications to help growers effectively manage common plant pests and pathogens.

There are multiple webinars highlighting the latest in thrips and botrytis research to help growers manage these issues most effectively.

Catch up on recent plant health webinars now, and register to get updates when new informative sessions are available.