May 14, 2018
Strawberries: day-neutral strawberries are in bloom, and the first green fruit can be found in fields that were row-covered. Fruit buds are extending from the crown in June bearing strawberries. Planting is ongoing across the province.
Two-spotted spider mite: Overwintering two-spotted spider mites (TSSM) are noticeable in some June bearing and day-neutral strawberry fields. Overwintering TSSM adults can be found on overwintering leaves, where they lay their eggs. Once new growth appears and the eggs hatch TSSM will spread throughout the plant to new growth. If miticides are necessary refer to Publication 360, Guide to Fruit Protection for a list of available miticides. Apply the miticides in a high-volume spray to ensure thorough coverage of the underside of leaves, where TSSM can often be found. Scan the underside of leaves and use a hand lens to find TSSM.
Cyclamen mite: cyclamen mite damage may become more visible as plants begin to grow and buds extend from the crown. Look for distorted, shrunken leaves and stunted growth. If cyclamen mite has been a problem in the past, your options for control at this time are Vegol Crop Oil and Agri-Mek SC. Cyclamen mites can be protected in the crown so a high volume spray is necessary to ensure thorough coverage. Avoid using pyrethroid insecticides (group 3) where cyclamen mite is a problem, as these products are hard on natural predators that help manage cyclamen mite.
Blueberries: are at bud burst in southern Ontario, bud swell in eastern Ontario.
Mummy berry: Blueberries can be infected with mummy berry shoot blight at the bud burst stage. Control for mummy berry beginning at bud swell through early bloom if there is a history of mummy berry on your farm. Mummy berry infections occur after 6 hours of rain or more depending on temperature.
Use fungicides from different groups to control cane diseases such as phomopsis and anthracnose twig blight. Once bloom arrives, use fungicides that control both anthracnose and botrytis.
Scale: Check for scale insects on branches. Use black sticky tape to identify when crawlers are active.
Raspberries: primocanes are 4-6 inches tall in southern Ontario, and well into bud break. In eastern Ontario raspberries are at the bud break stage. Once fruit buds are present in raspberries look for raspberry fruitworm and strawberry clipper weevil. Diazinon 500 E is registered for control of Raspberry crown borer for one application only, when new canes reach 10 cm.
Herbicides: For spring herbicide options check out the ONfruit post on different raspberry herbicide options.
Haskaps: haskaps are in bloom in southern and eastern Ontario.
Twitter: Follow me on twitter @PateErica and our ONfruit blog for regular updates and berry information.
0 comments on “2018’s first Berry Bulletin”