2018 Strawberry Season Update #3 - Aphid Flight

In this week's aphid trapping and monitoring we found our first winged strawberry aphids. This aphid species is the primary vector of the strawberry viruses (strawberry mild yellow edge virus and strawberry mottle virus) found in Nova Scotia. During the strawberry aphid flight period strawberry fields are at their highest risk of becoming infected with viruses, as winged strawberry aphids can travel long distances carrying viruses to previously uninfected fields. Because of this it is crucial to continue to monitor and scout for winged and wingless strawberry aphids in your fields. 

Winged strawberry aphid.

It is also important to continue to manage for strawberry aphids during this period. Since we are in the middle of harvest there are limited products available for fruiting fields but there are a few tools with short (0 day or 1 day) pre-harvest intervals. For information on control options please see Perennia's Strawberry Management Guide 2018.

Spotted Wing Drosophila Update #3

The Annapolis Valley and western Nova Scotia have reported positive captures (low levels) in fields, field borders and hedge rows over the past month.

Last week, Peter Burgess, Perennia's Wild Blueberry Specialist reported their first positive capture in Central NS in a hedgerow.  "We had our first positive capture in Central NS in a hedgerow.  We found 1 male fly, in one of our traps. The trap is not in a wild blueberry field.  This capture is expected based on what we have seen in previous years.  We expect to see sporadic, low level captures over the next couple of weeks. Historically, we have not seen SWD populations increase rapidly until we get into September, and based on what we are seeing, this is what we are expecting this year, for central and Northern NS.  Growers with later harvest fields should consider monitoring those later fields."

In case you haven't seen it, I also wanted to let you know Perennia has updated our webpage www.perennia.ca

It has a brand new look and even a page dedicated specifically to Caneberry Production. When you have the opportunity please check it out!

New Tools in the Toolbox for 2016!

After a day like today I am sure everyone is itching to get on the fields.  Before you head out be sure to check out some of the new products available to control pests in caneberries.

Movento® 240 SC (Group 23 Insecticide) for control of Aphids in caneberry, including blackberry, raspberry (red and black), wild raspberry as well as cultivars, varieties and/or hybrids of these crops.
Cueva® Commercial (Group M1 Fungicide) for control of Bacterial blight on raspberry and blackberry.
Kasumin® 2L (Group 24 Bactericide) Fire Blight in caneberry, including blackberry, raspberry (red and black), wild raspberry as well as cultivars, varieties and/or hybrids of these crops.

PMRA Information Note Regarding Pesticide Use in High Tunnels – Please refer to the link for complete information.  “Pesticides currently registered in Canada have not been specifically assessed for use in high tunnels. While the PMRA is developing a regulatory position, the application of pesticide products registered to manage specific pests on crops grown in field and/or greenhouses will be permitted for use in high tunnels, unless stated otherwise on the label.”

Updated 2016 Perennia Pest Management Guides available April 2016!!!
Raspberry Insect & Disease Management Schedule 2016 
Guide to Weed Management in Raspberry 2016

New Tools in the Toolbox!

As things thaw and everyone gets into the fields I thought it would be a good time to update you on a few products that have been registered for strawberries since the 2015 season.

Cueva® Commercial (Group M1 Fungicide) for control of Powdery Mildew on strawberry.  

Assail® 70WP Insecticide (Group 4 Insecticide) for control of Aphids, Leaf hoppers, and Tarnished Plant Bugs on strawberry. 

Kenja™ 400SC Fungicide (Group 7 Insecticide) for control of Botrytis Grey Mold on strawberry.

Beleaf™ 50SG Insecticide (Group 9C Insecticide) for control of Aphids and suppression of Lygus bugs in both field and greenhouse strawberry.

PMRA Information Note Regarding Pesticide Use in High Tunnels – Please refer to the link for complete information.  “Pesticides currently registered in Canada have not been specifically assessed for use in high tunnels. While the PMRA is developing a regulatory position, the application of pesticide products registered to manage specific pests on crops grown in field and/or greenhouses will be permitted for use in high tunnels, unless stated otherwise on the label.”

Updated 2016 Perennia Pest Management Guides available April 2016!!!

Strawberry Insect & Disease Management Schedule 2016

Guide to Weed Management in Strawberry 2016

New Fact Sheet on Common Groundsel Management in Strawberries