Blooms and Beyond - Season 1, Episode 4Episode Title:“IPM Basics: Building Your Pest Management Toolbox with Dr. Erich Schoeller”Episode DescriptionWhat if the secret to healthier plants isn’t reaching for the spray bottle, but building a smarter system? In this episode, Dr. Ping Yu sits down with Dr. Erich Schoeller, an entomologist and IPM specialist at the University of Georgia, to break down the fundamentals of Integrated Pest Management. From the IPM pyramid to parasitoid wasps, from banker plants to predatory mites, Erich walks us through the science-based strategies that can help growers reduce pesticide use while keeping pests in check.Along the way, discover how a pharmacy student became an entomologist, why tephritid fruit flies are surprisingly beautiful, and the enchanting Greek mythology behind lilacs. Whether you’re a commercial grower looking to build an IPM program or a plant enthusiast curious about the tiny creatures sharing your garden, this episode delivers practical wisdom with a side of wonder.Listen Time: ~45 minutesConsulte las Notas del ProgramaIn This EpisodeFeatured GuestDr. Erich Schoeller — Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, University of Georgia. Erich specializes in controlled environment agriculture and integrated pest management for greenhouse and nursery production. His research focuses on biological control strategies for ornamental crops.HostDr. Ping Yu — Assistant Professor and Ornamental Horticulture Extension Specialist, University of GeorgiaMain TopicsGetting to Know Dr. Schoeller (Career journey: pharmacy school → marine biology → forestry → entomologyGrowing up in rural Wisconsin surrounded by natureRunning through fields with a sweep net collecting insectsHis mom’s beautiful gardens sparking a love of plantsFavorite Insect & Plant (Favorite insect: Tephritid fruit flies — brightly colored with fascinating wing patterns, remembered from childhood apple pickingFavorite plant: Lilacs (Syringa) — his grandmother’s patio surrounded by lilacs created lasting memories of their spring fragranceThe Greek mythology of Syringa: the nymph who escaped the god Pan by transforming into a lilac shrubWhat is IPM? (IPM = Integrated Pest Management (sometimes IPPM for Integrated Pest and Pathogen Management)A science-based decision support system aimed at reducing plant protection products to levels that are economically sustainable and safe for environment and human healthA combination of tactics working together as a programDefining “Pests” (Arthropod pests: insects and mites (arachnids)Insects can vector plant pathogens — controlling pests often controls diseaseWeeds are pests too — they compete for resources AND harbor insectsSimply put: anything unwanted causing economic damage to your cropWhy Adopt IPM? (Pros:Reduces reliance on synthetic broad-spectrum insecticidesProtects soil health and beneficial microorganismsSlows pesticide resistance developmentSafer for environment and human healthThe Resistance Problem:Insects reproduce rapidly (10-12 generations per year in warm climates)Hundreds of thousands of individuals = rapid evolution of resistanceOver-reliance on single active ingredients breeds resistanceManaging Resistance:Rotate products with different modes of action (check IRAC categories)Use maximum label rates to reduce surviving populationsDon’t repeatedly use the same active ingredientThe IPM Pyramid (Layer 1 — Prevention (Base):Crop rotation — don’t keep the same crop in the same greenhouse year-roundResistant varieties — plant breeders develop varieties less susceptible to pest damagePrevention is the best medicine — saves money by avoiding problemsLayer 2 — Detection:Active scouting — walking through crops, thorough inspection, taking notesPassive scouting — sticky traps that attract and catch flying insectsDocument where and when problems occur for predictabilityLayer 3 — Control:Cultural/Mechanical control — sanitation, pruning, proper clothing, glovesBiological control — using living organisms to control pestsChemical control — the last resort (biorational → targeted → broad spectrum)Banker Plants vs. Trap Crops (Banker Plants (Biological Control):Non-crop plants placed in or adjacent to the cropSupport natural enemies/biological control agentsHelp predators, parasitoids, and beneficial organisms thriveTrap Crops (Cultural Control):Plants more attractive to pests than your actual cropPests prefer the trap crop, leaving your main crop aloneExample: Sweet alyssum attracts thrips away from impatiensCan spray or destroy trap crop to eliminate concentrated pestsChallenges of Ornamental IPM (Low tolerance for damage — ornamentals are sold for aesthetics; any visible pest damage reduces valueCrop diversity — hundreds of different plants in a small space, each with different pest susceptibilitiesComplexity — many pests requiring many tactics in limited areaClosed environments — in greenhouses, natural enemies can’t migrate when prey is depleted; populations collapseCons of IPM:Can cost ~20% more than traditional chemical controlTechnically complex and requires ongoing educationMore frequent monitoring requiredTakes longer to work than broad-spectrum insecticidesBiocontrol Examples (For Sweet Potato Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci):Parasitoid wasps: Encarsia formosa (developed in 1920s), Eretmocerus speciesPredatory beetles: Delphastus catalinae (family Coccinellidae)Predatory bugs: Orius insidiosusCommercial suppliers often provide mixes for best coverageFor Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis):Predatory bugs: Orius insidiosusPredatory mites: Amblyseius swirskiiNo effective parasitoids available for thripsGeneralist vs. Specialist Biocontrol:Swirskii and Orius are generalists — feed on thrips, whiteflies, spider mitesBut no “magic bullet” controls everythingSpecialists often more effective for specific pestsStill need different solutions for mealybugs, scales, fungus gnatsFour Keys to IPM Success (Education — Know what your options are and how they work; train your employees tooKnow Your Risks — Identify entry points for pests and susceptible crop locations; focus monitoring on high-risk areasDiligence — Scout weekly or bi-weekly; consistent detection prevents small problems becoming big onesPatience — IPM takes longer than chemical pesticides; give it time to workFuture Research Directions (LED lighting effects on pest behavior (quality, spectrum, intensity)Nanobubble technology and higher oxygen environmentsEntomopathogenic nematodes in enhanced oxygen conditionsPest management in vertical farms and hydroponic systemsKey Quotes“IPM is basically a science-based decision support system, which essentially aims to reduce the use of plant protection products to levels that are economically sustainable and that are safe for the environment and human health.” — Dr. Erich Schoeller“They often say prevention is the best medicine, right? It helps you deal with problems before they even arise, which will ultimately save you money.” — Dr. Erich Schoeller“If they don’t know what they’re looking for and don’t know how to properly document the problems, your whole IPM pyramid is going to basically collapse.” — Dr. Erich Schoeller“We might not have a natural enemy that controls everything, but we do have natural enemies that control one thing and they do it very well.” — Dr. Erich Schoeller“It’s not just for the IPM to work, basically for a lot of things in life. You kind of have to wait and see if this works.” — Dr. Ping YuEducational HighlightsWhat is IRAC?The Insecticide Resistance Action Committee categorizes pesticides by their mode of action — how they kill or affect pest physiology. When rotating products, choose different IRAC groups to slow resistance development. Check pesticide labels or the IRAC website for mode of action codes.Types of Biological Control Agents| Type | How It Works | Examples ||——|–––––––|–––––|| Predators | Hunt and eat pests directly | Orius bugs, Delphastus beetles, predatory mites || Parasitoids | Lay eggs inside pests; larvae consume host from within | Encarsia formosa, Eretmocerus wasps || Entomopathogenic fungi | Infect and kill pests through fungal disease | Beauveria bassiana || Entomopathogenic nematodes | Microscopic worms that infect soil-dwelling pests | Applied through irrigation or drenching |The Lilac LegendThe scientific name for lilac, Syringa, comes from Greek mythology. The nymph Syringa transformed herself into a lilac shrub to escape the pursuing god Pan. Finding only the shrub, Pan fashioned its hollow stems into the first pan pipes (also called a syrinx). Lilacs are among the first to bloom in spring, symbolizing new life, the arrival of spring, and first love — especially in European traditions.Resources & LinksAFE IPM ResourcesSustainabloom IPM Industry Guide: sustainabloom.org/industry-guide/ipmAFE Thrips & Botrytis Resource Library: endowment.org/resource/tb — Guidance on building IPM programs plus resources for thrips and botrytis managementAFE Grow Pro Webinar Series (IPM & Biocontrol): YouTube PlaylistAFE Thrips & Botrytis Webinars: YouTube PlaylistAmerican Floral Endowment: endowment.orgConnect with Dr. SchoellerLab Website: schoellerlab.caes.uga.eduLinkedIn: Erich SchoellerUGA Entomology Faculty Profile: Department of Entomology, University of GeorgiaShow LinksWebsite: bnbpod.comShow Notes: bnbpod.comBook RecommendationLilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly — A novel mentioned by Dr. Yu featuring lilacs in its settingAbout Blooms and BeyondBlooms and Beyond is a podcast that covers plant history, culture, and management through the lens of science. Whether you’re a commercial grower looking for management solutions, a student exploring horticulture careers, or someone who just loves plants and their stories, you’ll find something here for you. Hosted by Dr. Ping Yu from the University of Georgia, each episode features interviews with experts who bring enchanting stories, pioneering research, and practical wisdom from the world of horticulture.Your Takeaway: When you walk away from each episode, commercial professionals should have at least one piece of advice to help with production, and plant enthusiasts should have one cool fact to share about plants. Because that’s how we spread plant power to a larger audience and make the environment a little bit better.CreditsHost: Dr. Ping YuGuest: Dr. Erich Schoeller, University of Georgia Department of EntomologyProducer: Rich Braman, UGA Center for Urban AgricultureSupport: American Floral Endowment Educational GrantThis episode is made possible through an educational grant from the American Floral Endowment, whose research priorities helped shape the topics that are featured. To learn more about AFE and access their research and educational resources, visit endowment.org.Episode Release Date: December 21, 2025Episode Length: “Till next time, stay healthy and go plants!” 🌱🌿Quick Reference: IPM Pyramid ▲ /│\ / │ \ / │ \ CHEMICAL CONTROL / │ \ (Last Resort) /────┼────\ / │ \ / │ \ BIOLOGICAL CONTROL / │ \ (Living Organisms) /────────┼────────\ / │ \ / │ \ CULTURAL/MECHANICAL / │ \(Sanitation, Pruning) /────────────┼────────────\ / │ \ / │ \ DETECTION / │ \ (Scouting & Monitoring) /────────────────┼────────────────\ / │ \ / │ \ PREVENTION/___________________│___________________\(Rotation, Resistant Varieties) Start at the base — work your way up only as needed!🌻 Every plant has a story. Every pest has a natural enemy. And every grower has the power to build a smarter system. 🌿