These include bedding plants, foliage, potted plants, and cut flowers.
Growers are concerned about producing a high quality crop while maintaining environmental quality.
In 1993, a Poinsettia IPM Program began emphasizing grower education. Training focuses on the identification and biology of key insects and diseases, scouting techniques, and pest management decision making. Growers are encouraged to use pesticides with lower toxicity, to use alternatives to traditional pesticides, and to use cultural and environmental controls for disease management whenever possible. Weekly sessions are held at a participating grower's greenhouses from August to December with training continuing for up to two growing seasons. This intensive training provides participants with the knowledge, skills, methods, experience, and confidence they need to maintain an effective IPM program.