Mistaken Identities in the Ornamental Plant Nursery Sheet 2

This document describes beneficial or neutral insects, fungi, and other phenomena often mistaken for pests in ornamental plant nurseries. It aims to help nursery managers and homeowners with proper identification for informed management decisions. Key examples include predaceous stink bugs, lady beetle larvae, sooty mold, nitrogen-fixing nodules, slime molds, and bird’s nest fungi. The publication emphasizes the importance of distinguishing these beneficial organisms from actual pests to avoid unnecessary treatments. Original publication date February 1997.