August 23, 2018
Strawberries: Renovated fields are looking good. In new June-bearing fields make sure to continue to train runners. June-bearing varieties are setting fruit buds at this point. Weed pressure is increasing in renovated and new plantings.
Insects: Check for cyclamen mites and damage in the new growth following renovation. If you did not apply agri-mek after mowing you may want to apply a miticide now. Agri-mek is limited to 2 applications per season. Beneficial mites or Vegol Crop oil could help if more management is needed at this time. Aphids need to continue to be monitored and managed, especially in new plantings.
Day neutral strawberry volumes are increasing. Plants are producing runners which need to be cut. SWD damage has been seen in day-neutrals. Once harvest is over in a block clean up left over fruit so SWD cannot build up and infest adjacent, producing blocks. Use products that have activity on both SWD and tarnished plant bug, such as Malathion. Assail for tarnished plant bug will also have some activity on SWD larvae.
Disease: Powdery mildew can be seen in day neutral fields with mildew found on berries. Use products from different families for powdery mildew control. There is a list of products available on pages 195-196 of Publication 360, Fruit Crop Protection Guide, which is now available on-line: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub360/p360toc.htm
Weeds: Labour day is next weekend, which is an important time for weed control. In new plantings apply an herbicide to control winter annuals when rows are filled in. If rows are not filled in with runners continue to cultivate and hold off on an herbicide. If you are using Sinbar use a very low rate, and rain or irrigation is needed after application for both Sinbar and Devrinol. Refer to OMAFRA’s Weed Management Specialist Kristen Obeid’s recent article on using Sinbar for rates and timing: https://onfruit.ca/2018/08/02/using-sinbar-80-wdg-pcp-30082-in-strawberries/
Blueberries: Harvest is slowing down across the province; many growers are done harvest but a few late varieties are on-going. SWD management is becoming challenging with rainy weather and increasing SWD pressure. Reapply after ½ inch of rain. Remember that cooling fruit immediately, picking as often as possible, and keeping the field clean can make a big difference in managing SWD.
Raspberries:
Fall-bearing raspberries are being harvested. SWD is present and control needs to be maintained for the rest of the raspberry season.
Cane diseases are present on raspberry primocanes and growers can start applying their post-harvest fungicides. Tanos 50 DF can be applied for anthracnose, spur blight and cane botrytis.
Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD):.
- SWD will be present for the rest of the season.
- Damage has not been as severe this year compared to 2017, but pressure will continue to increase until temperatures fall.
- Protect all ripe fruit at this time.
- If severe infestation occurs, strip ripening fruit from infested blocks of raspberries and day-neutral strawberries, spray and start again.
- The moderate, rainy weather we’ve been having are ideal conditions for SWD.
- Spray every 5-7 days, and re-apply after a ½ inch rain.
- For all berry crops pick fruit early, clean and often. Cool fruit as quickly as possible after harvest.
- Destroy dropped fruit from PYO if possible.
This link will take you to an infosheet with the 2018 SWD registrations: https://onfruit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/registration-for-swd-june-2018.pdf , or check out Ontario.ca/spottedwing, including two emergency use registrations (Mako & Malathion 85 E).
Events:
September 18, 2018: Mark your calendars for the Berry Growers of Ontario’s annual Summer Tour at Willowtree Farms in Port Perry.
If you would like to subscribe to The Ontario Berry Grower newsletter send me an e-mail at Erica.pate@ontario.ca.
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