In this bulletin:
- Crop & weather update
- Anthracnose management suggestions
- Funding Opportunities- Workplace Protection Program
Strawberries:
As strawberry buds continue to emerge and open check for frost damage from the May 9th weekend. We are seeing damage in buds that were emerging from the crown in early varieties where there was no frost protection. There may be some compensation and later flowers may not be damaged. Buds from later varieties that had not emerged at the time of the frost events should be healthy as well.
Where irrigation or multiple row covers were used for frost protection the strawberries look good. Strawberries that were row-covered this spring are in bloom. There is a big difference in fields where a spring row cover was used compared to the un-covered field, where there has been slow growth to this point. With temperatures in the mid to high 20s in the forecast we will likely see strawberries start to move more quickly.
Where row covers were used keep an eye on insect activity, where more mites and aphids have been seen.
Tarnished plant bug (TPB) & clipper weevil: As the weather warms up and bloom begins monitor for tarnished plant bug and clipper weevil. Beleaf during bloom will suppress TPB and control aphids.
Aphids: If you are not monitoring for aphids a spray is likely needed before bloom. This is important to reduce virus transmission to new and healthy fields. Beleaf can be applied during bloom and will suppress TPB. Assail will also control TPB. Malathion, Mako, Decis, Matador and Rimon do not control aphids in strawberries.
Botrytis: if there is time include 1-2 Bravo applications before bloom. During bloom include broad-spectrum group M fungicides for both botrytis and anthracnose.
Anthracnose: We have developed suggestions for anthracnose management in strawberries. These suggestions were developed to address the presence of anthracnose resistance to group 11 fungicides in Ontario and the limited products available to growers. This includes the recent changes to the captan label for strawberry growers, including a 6-day REI and a maximum of 6 applications. The suggestions are attached here Anthracnose Management Suggestions 2020– thanks to everyone who provided input into these suggestions. Take a look at these now to plan for the rest of the season. Fungicides during June-bearing bloom are often effective at controlling anthracnose. Additional sprays are only needed after bloom if warm, wet weather continue after bloom.
Raspberries:
Raspberry fruit buds can be seen in some areas, and development should move quickly with the warm temperatures coming. Flower buds are susceptible to raspberry fruitworm and strawberry clipper weevil. Scout for these insects with a tapping tray or dish.
Diazinon 500 E is registered for control of Raspberry crown borer for one application only, when new canes reach 10 cm.
Blueberries:
Blueberries are looking good and are at tight cluster to pink bud. There have not been many reports of frost damage.
Disease: bloom is an important time for disease control. Use fungicides from different groups to control cane diseases such as phomopsis and anthracnose twig blight. Bravo can be used until petal fall.
Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program
Funding through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership was announced on May 14th to help producers address new and immediate health and safety issues directly related to COVID-19 impacts. Available cost share: 70% up to a maximum of $7500 per project. There are two project categories: Occupation Health and Safety Measures, and Enhancing Healthy Workforce Access and Accommodation. More information can be found on this website: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cap/capproducers.htm
The Agri-Food Open for E-Business program is still open. For more information visit here: Agri-Food Open for E-Business (URL: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cap/ebusiness.htm )
The Addressing Labour Supply and Training program is still open. For more information visit here: Addressing Labour Supply and Training Challenges (URL: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cap/labour_supply_training.htm)
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