I Have No Fogging Clue! Using Ultra Low Volume Sprays in the Greenhouse

Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with Deneweth's Garden Center and industry collaborators, is hosting a one-day educational workshop focused on greenhouse fogging and ultra-low volume (ULV) application technologies. Designed for commercial greenhouse growers, managers, staff and technical advisors the program will provide practical information on application methods, worker safety, and the use of biorational pest and disease management products.

Sessions will cover the fundamentals of fogging and ULV technologies; proper respirator selection, fit testing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements; and strategies for successfully integrating biorational products into greenhouse pest management programs. Participants will receive research-based guidance from MSU Extension specialists, industry experts, and occupational health professionals.

A highlight of the workshop will be a greenhouse demonstration comparing ULV and conventional spray applications. Using dyed water applications documented in advance, attendees will observe differences in coverage and application performance. Additional presentations will discuss the effectiveness of applying biorational products through fogging and electrostatic sprayers, as well as important considerations related to re-entry intervals, greenhouse air exchanges, and worker safety following applications.

The event will also provide valuable opportunities for networking with industry suppliers and service providers. Lunch and exhibitor tables will allow participants to connect with representatives from leading horticultural companies and learn about current products and technologies.

Eligible participants are expected to receive six Michigan Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) recertification credits. This workshop will combine university expertise, industry knowledge, and hands-on learning to help greenhouse professionals improve application efficiency, protect workers, and make informed management decisions.

Event Agenda

9am: check-in & refreshments

9:30am: “Spraying and Fogging in Enclosed Spaces” Ben Phillips, MSU Extension Educator, will give a generaloverview of different types of fogging/misting/ULV applications typically used in greenhouses.

10:30am: "Respirator Types and Requirements: General worker safety and product specific protections" - Ed Parsons,Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Michigan State University, will go over medical fitness, fittesting, training, and program requirements related to using respirators in the greenhouse, plus some considerationsspecific to certain types of products available for use.

11:30am: “What are Biorational products? How they work, use considerations, and implementation strategies” MichaelBrownbridge, PhD, Senior Technical Services Manager at Bioworks will go over what you should keep in mind withswitching from conventional chemistries to biorational products.

12:30pm: Lunch & networking time (various industry partners will be available to speak with attendees)

1:30pm: Greenhouse walk-through and presentation, seeing the difference between ULV application and sprayapplication led by Jason Grimmett, Eastern US Technical Representative for Dramm.

2:30pm: “Effective application techniques for Biorationals- what we know about efficacy now”—Michael Brownbridge,Bioworks, will touch on what applications are most appropriate for various products, plus use considerations whenusing low volume application methods with biorationals.

3:30-4:30pm: “Understanding re-entry intervals when spraying in enclosed spaces: All about air exchanges and makingsure workers are safe” Antonio Escober, WPS specialist with MDARD will go over what you need to know to ensureworkers are protected when making applications in the greenhouse.

Contact Caitlin Splawski, MSU Extension Greenhouse & Floriculture Educator, for more information. splawski@msu.edu