WATCH THE VIDEO PRESENTATION Pests and diseases can wipe out a cut flower crop fast—but the biggest mistake growers make is waiting too long to notice them. Ball's cut flower specialist Dave Dowling breaks down the pests and diseases that hit cut flower farms hardest, and the scouting habits that can save an entire season before damage becomes irreversible. Dave spent more than two decades growing cut flowers before moving to the supply side, and he brings that field-tested perspective to everything from low-cost startup advice to the realities of selling top-quality stems. If you're thinking about adding cuts to your operation, or you've already planted them and want to protect your investment, this conversation gives you the practical playbook. Some of what Dave covers in this 30-minute discussion includes: How to spot aphids, thrips, Japanese beetles, lily leaf beetles, tarnished plant bugs, spider mites and cabbage moths before they take over Why certain crops like gladiolas, dahlias, zinnias, lilies, peonies, ranunculus and chrysanthemums are especially vulnerable What actually works for control, from neem and horticultural oils to beneficial insects, Bt and labeled chemical options The difference between prevention and rescue, especially when dealing with powdery mildew, Botrytis, root rots and viruses Why crop rotation, airflow, drainage and relentless scouting matter more than most growers realize Dave also breaks down the hidden traps that catch new growers off guard, like introducing beneficial insects too late, using Japanese beetle traps in the wrong place or overlooking early damage that won't show up until weeks later—when blooms are ruined and the crop is lost. Dave explains how small decisions at the start of the season can determine whether you harvest a clean, salable crop or lose your crop and your profits. This is essential listening for greenhouse growers, cut flower farmers and anyone expanding into a new product line without wanting to learn the hard way. If you grow cut flowers for profit, the advice in this episode can help you protect your crop, your customers and your bottom line. WATCH THE VIDEO PRESENTATION Resources Ball Seed Cut Flowers Greenhouse Tech Team Facebook Group
