September 10 Berry Bulletin

In this bulletin

• Crop Update
• Strawberry
• Raspberry
• Blueberry

Crop Update

Warm and humid conditions continue across much of Ontario’s berry-growing regions, with recent daytime temperatures reaching nearly 24°C. Several regions experienced heavy rainfall and localized severe weather, including hail, high winds, and tornado activity. Reports received from growers indicate very limited crop impacts. Growers in Woodstock reported approximately ½ inch of rainfall with no hail or crop damage, while Norfolk growers reported heavy rainfall but no significant berry crop damage. Near Dorchester, some hail occurred with only minor bruising observed on unripe fruit and no structural damage reported.

The recent rainfall was generally welcomed and has helped maintain soil moisture and support late-season crop development. Berry crops continue to perform well across much of the province, with strong yields, good fruit quality, and positive grower sentiment. Weed pressure remains one of the most common concerns this season, with unusually vigorous weed growth reported in many berry plantings

Strawberries

June – Bearing

Most renovated fields continue to look good and are maintaining strong growth heading into fall. Adequate moisture has promoted healthy crown development and regrowth in most plantings.

New strawberry plantings are establishing exceptionally well this season, with growers reporting vigorous growth and excellent stand establishment. A small amount of aphid activity has been observed in some fields. Continue scouting young expanding leaves, particularly in new plantings and fields with a history of virus issues.

Some growers have reported variety-specific concerns, including reduced vigour and plant losses in isolated plantings. Magnum plantings in particular have been reported as stunted in some locations.

Cyclamen Mites

Cyclamen mite damage is being observed in certain fields. Symptoms may include:

• Stunted plants
• Crinkled or distorted leaves
• Reduced runner growth
• Poor fruit development

Fields with a history of cyclamen mite pressure should continue to be monitored closely this fall and again early next spring. https://onfruit.ca/cyclamen-mite-management/

Foliar Diseases

Several foliar diseases are becoming more visible in strawberry fields, including:

• Leaf scorch
• Common leaf spot
• Powdery mildew

While disease levels remain generally low to moderate, maintaining healthy foliage through fall is critical for winter survival and next year’s yield potential.

Day-Neutral Strawberries

Day-neutral strawberries continue to perform well across Ontario.

Growers report:

• Improving fruit quality
• Good berry size and colour
• Continued flowering and fruit set
• Strong customer demand

Anthracnose is being observed in some fields and appears slightly more noticeable than earlier in the season. However, most growers report that disease pressure remains under control with regular scouting and preventative fungicide programs.

Large populations of beneficial Orius are being observed in some plantings and are helping suppress thrips populations naturally.

Leaf spot has been observed in some day-neutral fields but is generally not causing significant concern.

Management Priorities

• Monitor cyclamen mites, anthracnose, aphids, leaf spot, leaf scorch, and powdery mildew.
• Promote strong crown and root development in renovated and newly planted fields.
• Continue evaluating new plantings for vigour and winter readiness.
• Monitor fields with variety-specific concerns and note problem areas.

Raspberries

Summer Raspberries

Harvest is complete in most regions. Growers continue to remove spent floricanes and complete post-harvest cleanup. Proper sanitation remains one of the most important practices for reducing disease pressure and improving air movement within plantings.

Some fields are also producing a healthy flush of new primocanes that will contribute to next year’s crop.

Low levels of potato leafhopper activity have been reported in some plantings.

Fall Raspberries

The fall raspberry crop continues to exceed expectations in many regions.

Growers are reporting:

• Excellent yields
• Strong fruit quality
• Healthy plant growth
• Positive pick-your-own attendance
• Good customer satisfaction

Recent rainfall has supported crop development and maintained fruit quality through harvest.

Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD)

Low levels of SWD continue to be detected in some regions.

SWD remains active and growers should continue:

• Regular monitoring
• Frequent harvest
• Removal of overripe fruit
• Good field sanitation
• Maintaining control programs remains important as harvest continues.

Management Priorities

• Maintain SWD monitoring and management programs.
• Continue post-harvest sanitation and floricane removal.
• Monitor primocane health and late-season leafhopper activity.

Blueberries

Blueberry harvest has largely concluded across Ontario.

Most growers report few significant insect or disease concerns at this time.

Several blueberry fields have produced a noticeable amount of new vegetative growth following harvest. After carrying a good crop this season, some plants appear somewhat tired but are generally recovering well.

The greatest challenge being reported in blueberries continues to be weed pressure. Excessive weed growth has become a significant issue in some plantings due to favourable moisture conditions throughout the season.

This is an excellent time to:

• Assess weed management programs
• Identify problem areas
• Evaluate plant vigour
• Record disease issues for future planning

Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD)

• Low levels continue to be detected in raspberries.
• Maintain harvest sanitation and monitoring programs throughout the remainder of the season.

Weed Pressure

• Significant weed pressure is being reported across berry crops.
• Many growers report unusually large weeds this season.
• Develop fall management plans where needed to reduce competition next year.

Useful Resources

• Ontario Crop Protection Hub: https://cropprotectionhub.omafra.gov.on.ca/ Current pesticide registrations, efficacy information, resistance management recommendations, and product labels.
• Ontario Berry Production resources: https://www.ontario.ca/page/berries Production guides, pest management information, crop establishment resources, and variety information.
• Ontario Crop IPM: https://cropipm.omafra.gov.on.ca/ Identification, monitoring, and management information for insects, diseases, and weeds.

Research & Industry Updates

• Berry Maps monitoring will continue through October.
• Researchers from the University of Guelph have recently connected with OMAFA and the Alliance program regarding future berry-related research opportunities.

Upcoming events

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

September 15,2026: BGO Twilight Meeting, Willowtree Farm