Crop Update

Strawberries

Some renovated fields have been slow to re-establish in the hot, dry conditions- although we received some rain this week make sure renovated fields receive enough water to encourage new growth after mowing. Don’t forget to check for aphids in renovated fields- check new leaves and plan to apply an insecticide if aphid pressure is increasing (about 15 aphids on 60 young leaves).

Walk new and renovated fields now watching for cyclamen mite damage (small, crinkled, toughened leaves and stunted plants). A miticide can be applied now if needed, or mark areas or fields where control will be needed early next spring. Cyclamen mite can be very difficult to identify in the early spring and the mites often aren’t identified until damage has occurred. It is best to control cyclamen mite before bloom if possible. Marking which fields are infested or have a history of cyclamen mite will help plan for early control measures in the spring. Pay close attention to fields where row covers will be used this winter.

Mid-August is a good time to apply more fertilizer- 25-30 kg/ha of nitrogen in both new and renovated fields.

New fields:

• Insect pressure remains fairly low but watch for aphids. Strawberry aphids vector viruses and need to be controlled approximately every 3-4 weeks through the season.     
• Leaf disease pressure is also fairly low, however powdery mildew can be found in some fields. Choose a product that will control both powdery mildew and other leaf diseases present in the field.

Day-neutrals:

• Volumes are increasing and quality remains high. Harvest fruit every 2 days if possible.
• Insect pressure remains low but watch for tarnished plant bugs regularly.
• With some long-anticipated rain arriving this week we may begin to see more botrytis and anthracnose showing up. Make sure to use the most effective fungicides for anthracnose control when there is a high risk of infection.
  • Do not rely on group 11s along for anthracnose control- anthracnose resistance to group 11s is present in Ontario.
  • Remove diseased fruit from plants and if possible, remove from field 
  • Work in older fields, and/or diseased fields last  
  • Sanitize between fields (eg. equipment, tools, hands) 
• As always, the Strawberry Disease Decision Support System is available to time fungicide applications for botrytis and anthracnose.

Raspberries

Fall-bearing raspberry harvest is beginning and the crop is looking excellent. Make sure raspberries are getting enough water as fruit continues to ripen. SWD management will be the priority for fall-bearing raspberries for the rest of the season. Maintain regular insecticide applications and re-apply after a rain. Keep fall-bearing fields as clean as possible as harvest begins.

Mid-September to early-October is a good time to apply Altacor for raspberry crown borer, to target hatching eggs. Monitor for eggs now to time applications. Make sure to get good coverage.  A second application can be made in mid to late- October.  Spring applications are another option for control; these applications target the larvae before they move into the crown. Note that Diazinon is no longer available for use on raspberries, so Altacor is your only option for raspberry crown borer. Read more here: Raspberry crown borer management- your fall to-do list.

Lontrol XC herbicide label has been expanded to include the control or suppression of labelled weeds on raspberry and blackberry. Read more here: Lontrel XC ® Herbicide Label registered vis Minor Use Program.

Blueberries

Growers are moving on to later varieties including Elliot.  Maintain regular insecticide coverage for SWD control, and encourage clean picking.  

Upcoming events

Register now for these exciting events coming up for berry growers!

• September 3– Strawberry High Tunnel Grower Day, 1-4 pm, EZ Grow Farms. Email research@ontarioberries.com to register.  
• September 4– BGO’s Annual Twilight Meeting, 4-8 pm, Howe Family Farms. Dinner is free for BGO members, and $35 for non-members. Email info@ontarioberries.com to register.

Cleanfarms

Got unwanted pesticides is your storage? Get rid of it for free!

Berry Grower News

Looking for berry-related articles posted on onfruit.ca or in The Grower? These are now available in one convenient location on the onfruit.ca blog under the ‘Berries’ tab> Berry Grower News. Find articles on pest management, recent projects, minor use updates, and berry production. Recent articles include Fall Herbicide Applications for Blueberries and Raspberries and Cyclamen Mite Management.