August 27 Berry Bulletin

In this bulletin

• Crop Update
• Strawberry
• Raspberry
• Blueberry

Crop Update

The 2026 berry season continues to progress favourably across Ontario. Adequate moisture throughout much of the summer has supported strong plant growth, good fruit quality, and encouraging yield potential in many regions. As harvest winds down in blueberries and June-bearing strawberries, growers are focusing on maintaining plant health, managing key pests and diseases, and preparing fields for winter.

Strawberries

June – Bearing

Most growers have completed renovation and fields are actively regrowing following a season with generally adequate to excessive rainfall. Renewed growth has been good in most renovated fields, and soil moisture conditions have remained favourable through much of August. Continue monitoring fields to ensure vigorous crown development heading into the fall.

Aphid populations are increasing in some renovated fields, particularly where recent mowing and fertilizer applications have encouraged lush new growth. Scout young expanding leaves regularly and pay special attention to fields with a history of virus issues. A commonly used threshold is approximately 15 aphids per 60 young leaves. Aphids remain an important concern because they can transmit several strawberry viruses, including strawberry mottle, crinkle, and vein banding viruses. Additional information on aphid identification and management is available through OMAFA’s Managing Strawberry Aphids on Your Farm resource and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub. [ontario.ca], [cropprotec….gov.on.ca]

Potato leafhopper injury has been observed in some new plantings and susceptible varieties. Symptoms include cupped leaves, yellowing along leaf margins, and reduced plant vigour. Powdery mildew has also been reported in a few new plantings, especially on susceptible cultivars.

Cyclamen mites remain at low levels overall, although isolated infestations have been noted. Continue scouting young plantings and mark fields where control may be required early next spring. Renovation remains one of the most effective periods for managing cyclamen mite populations. Consult the Ontario Crop Protection Hub for current registered products and application recommendations. [cropprotec….gov.on.ca], [onfruit.ca]

Late August through early September is an important period for building plant vigour before winter. Maintain adequate soil moisture and continue fertility programs where needed to encourage strong crown and root development. Evaluate renovated fields for vigour and nutrient status, as some fields may benefit from additional nitrogen where post-renovation growth has been inadequate.4Rs for Nitrogen Management in Berry Crops – ONfruit

Day-Neutral Strawberries

Day-neutral strawberries continue to perform very well across the province. Growers report abundant flowering, strong fruit set, good berry size, and excellent fruit colour. Cooler night temperatures have helped maintain fruit quality and support continued production.

Remarkably little anthracnose has been reported despite periods of heavy rainfall and prolonged leaf wetness. Preventative fungicide programs appear to have provided good suppression in many fields. Continue monitoring closely, particularly where standing water, hail injury, or extended wet periods have occurred.

Thrips pressure was noticeable earlier in the season in some areas; however, beneficial Orius populations have been helping suppress thrips numbers in many fields. Tarnished plant bug pressure remains low and has not been a significant concern this season.

Harvest volumes continue to increase and growers should maintain frequent picking schedules to preserve fruit quality and reduce opportunities for disease development.

Anthracnose management

Although anthracnose levels have remained relatively low, recent rainfall events highlight the importance of continued monitoring.

Growers should:

• Remove diseased fruit where practical.
• Avoid working in fields when foliage is wet.
• Maintain fungicide programs when disease risk is elevated.
• Work in clean fields before entering fields with a disease history.
• Sanitize equipment and harvest containers between fields.
• Rotate fungicide groups to reduce the risk of resistance development. Additional fungicide options and resistance management information can be found through the Ontario Crop Protection Hub. [cropprotec….gov.on.ca]

Raspberries

Summer Raspberries

Harvest is now complete across most production areas. Several growers have reported cane dieback, cane blight, cane Botrytis, and leaf spotting diseases this season. In some fields, fruiting canes experienced extensive dieback during or shortly after harvest.

Post-harvest scouting is important for identifying disease issues and planning management programs for next season. Remove dead canes promptly and note blocks where disease pressure was especially severe.

Fall Raspberries

The outlook for fall-bearing raspberries remains positive. Primocanes are generally healthy and vigorous, benefiting from favourable moisture conditions throughout much of the summer. Crop development has been slightly delayed in some locations, but fruit quality and yield potential remain encouraging.

Low levels of aphids, Japanese beetles, potato leafhoppers, and cyclamen mites have been observed in some plantings but are currently causing limited concern.

Blueberries

Blueberry harvest is finishing across Ontario, with most growers completing harvest of later varieties such as ‘Elliott’. Growers generally report satisfactory yields and good fruit quality despite weather challenges experienced earlier in the season.

SWD has been detected in some plantings but pressure remains relatively low where management programs and harvest sanitation have been maintained.

Anthracnose fruit rot has been confirmed at several monitoring locations this season. Continue evaluating disease incidence in late-season varieties and record problem fields for future management planning.

Localized frost injury from earlier in the season continues to be visible in some plantings, although overall crop performance has generally remained satisfactory.

Insects & Diseases

Aphids

• Increasing in some renovated strawberry fields.
• Present at low levels in some raspberry plantings.
• Continue monitoring young leaves, particularly in fields with a history of virus issues.
• Aphid control is especially important in new strawberry plantings to reduce virus spread.

Anthracnose

• Surprisingly low levels in day-neutral strawberries despite frequent rainfall.
• Anthracnose fruit rot has been identified at several blueberry monitoring locations.
• Continued scouting is recommended following wet weather events.

Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD)

• Present in blueberries and raspberries.
• Regular harvest, sanitation, and insecticide programs remain critical.
• Review pre-harvest intervals and resistance management guidelines when selecting products. [cropprotec….gov.on.ca]

Cane Diseases

• Cane blight, cane Botrytis, and cane dieback have been reported in several raspberry plantings.
• Post-harvest assessment is recommended to guide future management.
• Remove and destroy infected canes to reduce overwintering inoculum.

Thrips

• Earlier pressure was reported in strawberries.
• Beneficial Orius populations have provided effective biological control in many fields.

Management Priorities

As harvest continues and attention shifts toward preparing fields for winter, growers should focus on:

1. Promoting strong growth and crown development in renovated and new strawberry plantings.
2. Monitoring aphid populations and managing fields that exceed treatment thresholds.
3. Maintaining SWD management programs in fall-bearing raspberries.
4. Continuing disease scouting following periods of heavy rainfall.
5. Evaluating new plantings for vigour, pest issues, and winter readiness.
6. Managing weeds that have flourished under this season’s favourable moisture conditions.
7. Consulting the Ontario Crop Protection Hub for current pesticide registrations, efficacy information, resistance management recommendations, and product labels before making crop protection decisions.[ontario.ca]

Overall, growers are reporting a favourable late-season outlook. Day-neutral strawberry production remains strong, blueberry harvest has generally concluded successfully, and the fall raspberry crop is shaping up well across much of the province.

Upcoming events

Mark your calendars for these exciting events coming up for berry growers!

September 15,2026: BGO Twilight Meeting, Willowtree Farm