Home > Lawn & Garden > Commercial Horticulture > Scouting and Biological Control of Two-spotted Spider Mite [Image: TSM adult and eggs] In recent years, IPM programs are becoming more attractive to ornamental growers. Scouting is a key component of any IPM and helps you to (1) detect when pests are first present, (2) make proper control decisions and (3) monitor whether your control practices are effective. Here are some tips on how to scout and practice IPM for the control of one of the top greenhouse pests - twospotted spider mite. Landscape Weed Control Basics & Herbicides [Image: beds] Overview of common commercial products for landscape bed weed control . Top 10 Weeds of Landscapes [Image: poa] This slide show provides information on the identification and control of the most common weeds. How To Choose a Lawn/Garden Tractor - Engines [Image: vertical shaft engine] One of the factors that most affects both the capability of a lawn/garden tractor, and the price, is the engine.  more articles... Lift Boom for Tractor 3-pt Hitch [Image: Lift boom on compact tractor] One of the handiest implements you can put on your tractor is a lift boom for the 3-point hitch. In some areas these are called boom poles or gin poles. Safety With Post Hole Diggers [Image: Post hole digger on tractor] Post hole diggers mounted on tractors and powered by the tractors’ PTO shafts are useful tools for setting posts, planting trees, and other uses, but they can cause serious injury if not used correctly. The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) is an organization whose members manufacture post hole diggers. They have developed some guidelines to help you use their products more safely. Remove That Loader Bucket! [Image: Front-end loader on compact tractor] Removing the bucket from the front-end loader on your tractor is very easy (on newer loaders) and makes your tractor much more maneuverable. You should develop the habit of removing the loader bucket whenever you use your tractor for mowing, tilling, etc. Overturn Protection for Compact Utility Tractors [Image: ROPS and seatbelt] Compact utility tractors are small diesel tractors with less than 40 horsepower. All current models come equipped with two important safety features: a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and a seatbelt. These two safety components can go a long way toward protecting you in case of an overturn - if you use them. Wear That Seat Belt! [Image: ROPS and seatbelt on compact tractor] All compact tractors currently sold have Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS), and most larger zero-turn mowers now have this safety feature also. A ROPS that is properly designed and used can prevent serious injury in most overturn accidents. One of the most important considerations in ROPS protection is to wear your seatbelt. Ornamental sweet potato options continue to expand [Image: Photo of Allen Owings] Ornamental sweet potatoes have gained considerable interest among land¬scape industry professionals and home gardeners over the past 10 years. Varieties include plants that are chartreuse-lime green (Margarita), blackish purple (Blackie) and tricolored (Pink Frost). Adjusting Rotary Cutters [Image: rotary cutter] Many people use a rotary cutter (often referred to by the copyrighted name “Bush Hog”) to cut grass and weeds, but, in too many cases, the implement is not correctly adjusted. A Simple Hand Spreader for Gardens [Image: hand garden spreader] A simple hand spreader is often the best tool for applying granular fertilizer or pesticides. Poll Takes Pulse of Home Lawn Care [Image: lawn] Consumer Reports magazine released its second annual lawn care poll in the May issue. See the results. Citrus Leaf Miner Management [Image: Damage caused by the citrus leafminer] Citrus trees that survived hurricane damage may have lost significant amounts of foliage. These trees could experience a strong flush as they start their own healing process. This is very important because new foliage will provide nutrients needed for winter survival and faster tree recovery. Producers must implement practices to protect from additional leaf loss which can be caused by the citrus leafminer. Click for more information...