July 31 Berry Bulletin

Strawberries

In new fields growers are working on training runners and managing weeds. Renovation tasks are ongoing including herbicide and miticide applications. Make sure renovated fields are in good condition by mid-August. The goal of renovation is to have health plants by mid-August when flowers buds are initiated for next year, which is quickly approaching!

New plantings: Powdery mildew and leaf diseases are present in new plantings, and a fungicide may be needed. Choose a product that will control both powdery mildew and other leaf diseases if present in the field.

Aphids can be found building up in new fields and on the new growth in renovated fields- insecticides are needed every 3-4 weeks to control aphids and manage viruses through the season.

Day-neutrals: Day-neutral volumes in field and table tops are increasing.

Disease pressure is the focus in day-neutrals, as powdery mildew and anthracnose can be found. Use products that will control anthracnose, powdery mildew, and botrytis. the strawberry disease decision support system is available to help choose and time applications. Alternate fungicides from different groups for powdery mildew control. Remember to not rely on group 11s alone for anthracnose control- there is anthracnose resistance to group 11s in Ontario. 

Monitor regularly for tarnished plant bug, potato leaf hopper, and two-spotted spider mite. Maintain regular clean harvests in day-neutrals to manage SWD, and cool fruit as soon as possible after harvest. Cormoran and Malathion will control TPB, leafhoppers and SWD.

Blueberries

blueberry harvest continues with a good crop. Growers should be spraying for SWD regularly, and watch for Japanese beetles and scale – both crawlers and damage. As always, maintain regular insecticide applications through harvest for SWD control, and encourage clean picking.

Raspberries

Summer-fruiting raspberry harvest is slowing down. Consider a postharvest insecticide for SWD control in summer-fruiting raspberries if there are fall bearing raspberries or blueberries on your farm. Keep fields picked as clean as possible and focus on SWD management – maintain regular insecticide coverage for SWD, and pick every 2 days if possible. Re-apply after ½ inch of rain. The most rainfast SWD products for raspberries include Exirel, group 5s (Delegate, Entrust, Success), and group 3s.

NASGA Summer Tour

The North American Strawberry Growers Association Tour is scheduled for August 13-15 in Massachusetts. Check the NASGA website for more information and to register.