Dave Weisser passes along an important lesson, learned through experience! You remember how we were all pleased for Sinte Gleska University that the greenhouse project became operational last year. Bedding plants were grown to supply gardeners in the area. When some tomato plants were left over, they remained in the greenhouse, only to be infested with spider mites. After the mites problem was under control, some of these older plants were planted in new beds – to save money and jump-start production. They didn’t grow well and had to be replaced by young seedlings.
The young plants became infected with Tomato Spotted Wilt virus, according to the test results from SDSU, likely spread by sucking insects (such as the spider mites) or by handling. All those plants had to be destroyed.
David indicates there are two important lessons regarding greenhouse operation. First, a little neglect can lead to big problems, and more importantly, cutting corners may jeopardize the whole greenhouse. He acknowledged “We should have used new plants and tossed the old ones.” David summarizes, “People think that a small greenhouse is simple and easy. However, a small greenhouse for the tribal college may have to grow a bit of everything, and every species has different insect and disease issues, different schedules, and different soil, water, temperature, and nutritional preferences. Small greenhouses may use less production labor than a large greenhouse, but the management issues are just as complex.” |
