2022 Organic Production and IPM Guide for Strawberries NYSIPM Publication No. 226 2022 Orga nic Production and I PM G uide for Straw berries Coordinating Editors Juliet Carroll* (Cornell University, New York State IPM Program) Marvin Pritts* (Cornell University, Horticulture Section) Contributors and Resources Kerik Cox* (Cornell University, Plant Pathology and Plant Microbe-Biology Section) Greg Loeb* (Cornell University, Department of Entomology) Lynn Sosnoskie* (Cornell University, Horticulture Section) Mary Kirkwyland* (Cornell University, New York State IPM Program) Michael Helms* (Cornell Cooperative Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (CCE-PSEP)) Courtney Weber (Cornell University, Horticulture Section) Paul Curtis (Cornell University, Department of Natural Resources) Laura McDermott (Cornell Cooperative Extension, Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program) Elizabeth Bihn (Cornell University, Department of Food Science) Andrew Landers (Cornell University, Department of Entomology) Amara Dunn (Cornell University, New York State IPM Program) *Pesticide Information and Regulatory Compliance Special Appreciation Format based on the Pest Management Guidelines for Berry Crops https://cropandpestguides.cce.cornell.edu/, editor Marvin Pritts; and on the Production and IPM Guide for Organic Grapes, coordinating editors Tim Weigle and Juliet Carroll. Funded in part by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The guidelines in this bulletin reflect the current authors’ best effort to interpret a complex body of scientific research, and to translate this into practical management options. Following the guidance provided in this bulletin does not assure compliance with any applicable law, rule, regulation or standard, or the achievement of particular discharge levels from agricultural land. Every effort has been made to provide correct, complete, and up-to-date pest management information for New York State at the time this publication was released for printing (March 2022). Changes in pesticide registrations, regulations, and guidelines occurring after publication are available in county Cornell Cooperative Extension offices or from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (CCE-PSEP) (psep.cce.cornell.edu). Trade names used herein are for convenience only. No endorsement of products is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products implied. This guide is not a substitute for pesticide labeling. Always read the product label before applying any pesticide. This guide is published by the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, which is funded through Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and USDA-NIFA. Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities. NYS IPM Publication number 226, March 2022. https://nysipm.cornell.edu/. How to cite this publication: Carroll, J. and Pritts, M.P., eds. (2022). Production and IPM Guide for Organic Strawberries. New York State Integrated Pest Management Program. Ithaca, NY. 69 pages. PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table of Contents INTRODUCTION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 1. GENERAL ORGANIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ----------------------------------------------------------- 3 1.1 Organic Certification -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 1.2 Organic System Plan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 2. SOIL HEALTH ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 3. SITE SELECTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 3.1 Organic Certification Site Requirements ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 3.2 Soil and Air Drainage and Soil Depth -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 3.3 Soil Testing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 3.4 Previous Cropping History ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5 3.5 Irrigation Water --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 4. COVER CROPS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 4.1 Goals and Timing for Cover Crops ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6 4.2 Legumes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 5. VARIETY SELECTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7 6. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 6.1 Soil and Leaf Analysis ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9 6.2 Soil pH ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 6.3 Managing Nutrients --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 6.4 Preparing a Nitrogen Budget ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 7. ORGANIC STRAWBERRY IPM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 7.1 Developing a Strawberry IPM Strategy ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 7.3 Principles of Insect and Disease Management ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15 7.4 Disease of Primary Concern --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 7.5 Other diseases of note ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31 7.6 Insects and Mites of Primary Concern ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 33 7.7 Minor and Sporadic Insect and Mite Pests ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 42 7.8 Slug Management (various species) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52 7.9 Wildlife Management ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 53 7.10 Considerations During Harvest and Renovation -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54 8. FOOD SAFETY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 55 9. SMALL-SCALE SPRAYER TECHNOLOGY ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 56 9.1 Spraying Small Strawberry Plantings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 56 9.2 Selecting a Small Sprayer for the Small, Organic Strawberry Planting ------------------------------------------ 58 10. PESTICIDES MENTIONED IN THIS PUBLICATION --------------------------------------------------- 59 10.1 Pesticide use in Organic Strawberry Production ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63 10.2 Biopesticides ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63 10.3 Pesticide Regulatory Considerations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 64 10.4 Optimizing Pesticide Effectiveness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 64 11. REFERENCES AND RESOURCES --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 65 12. GLOSSARY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 68 2 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES INTRODUCTION This guide for organic strawberry production is an outline of cultural and pest management practices and includes topics that have an impact on improving plant health and reducing pest problems. The guide is divided into sections, but the interrelated quality of organic cropping systems makes each section relevant to the others. Two basic types of strawberries are produced in the Northeast. June-bearing strawberries are grown as perennials in matted rows on bare ground. This is the most common type of strawberry in the Northeast. This type is moderately amenable to organic production since the time from flowering to fruiting is only about 30 days. The greatest challenge, by far, is weeds, particularly in the planting year. Studies have shown that sustained weed pressure in the planting year can negatively affect yield in subsequent years. A second type of strawberry is the day neutral, usually grown as an annual on plastic-covered beds. Because this type produces fruit over many months, it is vulnerable to fruit rots and insect pests over an extended period. Day neutral strawberries require a high, continuous supply of nitrogen throughout the growing season. Achieving this rate of supply is difficult with organic fertilizer sources that are slower to release and generally lower in N content. This later-fruiting type is susceptible to spotted winged drosophila whereas June-bearing strawberries mostly avoid infestation by this pest. Often this type is grown under low tunnels to extend the season as much as possible. Organic strawberry production systems generally share five common characteristics, described in the Strawberry Production Guide for the Northeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada, NRAES-88: 1. Several years elapse between successive strawberry crops. That is, practice 3- to 5-year-long crop rotations. 2. The production cycle is short, only one or two fruiting years, to avoid the establishment of perennial weeds and depletion of nitrogen reserves. 3. The labor requirements are high because of the need for hand-weeding and frequent light cultivation. 4. Yields tend to be lower in older plantings because weeds and pests tend to build up over time. 5. There is variability in yield due to weather and variable pest pressure. This guide attempts to compile the most current information available on variety selection, nutrient management and pest management, but does not go into detail on aspects of production that are common to all growers such as production methods, irrigation, application technologies, marketing and budgeting. Refer to the Strawberry Production Guide For the Northeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada (NRAES-88) for general information and the Low Tunnel Strawberry Production Guide for day neutrals. More research on growing perennial crops organically is needed, especially in the area of pest management. This guide attempts to compile the most current information available, but acknowledges that effective means of organic control are not available for some pests. This guide uses the term Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which, like organic production, emphasizes the use of cultural practices to minimize pest outbreaks. With the limited pest control products available in many organic production systems, IPM techniques such as keeping accurate pest history records, selecting the proper site, and preventing pest outbreaks through use of sanitation, variety selection and biological controls are essential to producing a high quality crop. All website addresses and links are listed in Section 11, References and Resources. A glossary of terms used in this guide is included at the end in section 12. 1. GENERAL ORGANIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 1.1 Organic Certification The United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) is the federal regulatory program that develops and enforces uniform national standards for organically produced agricultural products sold in the United States. The USDA AMS NOP website contains valuable resources for organic operations, including an electronic copy of the NOP Handbook, Guidance & Instructions for Accredited Certifying Agents & Certified Operations. Who needs to be certified? • Operations or portions of operations that produce or handle agricultural products that are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as "100 percent organic," "organic," or "made with organic ingredients" or food group(s). • Farming operations that gross more than $5,000 per year in organic products and want to use the organic label must be certified by a USDA NOP accredited certifying agency. The choice of certifier may be dictated by the processor or by the target market. A list of accredited certifiers operating in New York can be found on the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Organic Foods and Farming web page. See more certification details in this guide under Section 3.1, Organic Certification Site Requirements. Who does NOT need to be certified? • Producers and handling (processing) operations that sell less than $5,000 a year in organic agricultural products do not need to be certified. Although exempt from certification, these producers and handlers must abide by the national standards for organic products and may label their products as organic. 3 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES • Handlers, including final retailers, that: do not process or repackage products; only handle products with less than 70 percent organic ingredients; process or prepare, on the premises of the establishment, raw and ready-to-eat food labeled organic; choose to use the word organic only on the information panel; and handle products that are packaged or otherwise enclosed in a container prior to being received by the operation and remain in the same package. 1.2 Organic System Plan An organic system plan (OSP) is a central requirement to the certification process. The OSP describes production, handling, and record- keeping systems, and demonstrates to certifiers an understanding of organic practices for a specific crop. The process of developing the plan helps producers to anticipate potential issues and challenges, and fosters thinking of the farm as a whole system. Soil, nutrient, pest, and weed management are all interrelated on organic farms and must be managed in concert for success. Comprehensive instructions and a list of requirements for the OSP is provided in the Instruction Organic System Plans, Organic System Plan Updates, and Notification of Changes pdf document. Resources are available to help develop the OSP. Some certifying organizations, such as the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY), guide you through the process of creating an OSP as part of the application process. The National Center for Appropriate Technology, ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture, has published a Guide for Organic Crop Producers that includes a chapter on writing the organic system plan. The USDA has also published a Streamlined Organic System Plan for Crop Production. It is important to note that section 205.103 of the USDA NOP requires that applicants for certification must keep accurate post- certification records for 5 years concerning the production, harvesting, and handling of agricultural products that are to be sold as organic. These records must document that the operation is in compliance with the regulations and verify the information provided to the certifying agent. Access to these records must be provided, upon request, to authorized representatives of the USDA including the certifying agent. 2. SOIL HEALTH Healthy soil is the basis of organic farming. Decomposing plant materials incorporated before planting berries will support a diverse pool of microbes, including those that break down organic matter into plant-available nutrients as well as others that compete with plant pathogens in the soil and on the root surface. Growing cover crops to promote a healthy soil should be initiated in the one or two years prior to planting establishment. Regular additions of organic matter in the form of cover crops, mulch, compost, or manure create a soil that is biologically active, with good structure and capacity to hold nutrients and water. The minimum acceptable days-to-harvest interval for raw manure is 120 days (see National Organic Standards); buyers may require a period longer than 120 days between application and harvest however. Always maximize the time between the application of raw manure and harvest. It is important to never side dress with raw manure or use straw that has been used as animal bedding. Organic growers must attend to the connection between soil, nutrients, pests, and weeds to succeed. Berry Soil and Nutrient Management - A Guide for Educators and Growers is an excellent resource for information on managing soils for health, and includes an extensive discussion of the role of organic matter. This website also links to 12 webinars on soil and nutrient management in berry crops. Another excellent resource is Building Soils for Better Crops, 3rd edition, by Fred Magdoff and Harold Van Es, 2010, available from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education SARE website. For more information, refer to Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health: The Cornell Framework, a pdf document. 3. SITE SELECTION For organic strawberry production, the importance of proper site selection and preparation cannot be over-emphasized. June-bearing strawberries are usually grown for two to three years in organic production systems, bearing fruit in the second and third years. Day neutral strawberries are usually grown for 1 or 2 years, bearing fruit in the first and second years. These approaches maximize yields while soil nitrogen content remains at acceptable levels. Consider that an ideal site should be close to your markets, be of sufficient acreage to allow for crop rotation, have available water of acceptable quality for irrigation and frost protection, have well-drained soil, and good air drainage. Sites should not have recently been cropped to plants susceptible to Verticillium wilt. Conduct needed site improvements prior to planting. Once strawberries are planted it is very difficult to make major changes to improve soil and air drainage, or to modify soil tilth, pH, or nutrient status. Improving soil structure or eliminating soil compaction layers in an established planting rarely prove feasible given the few years the crop is in the ground. Weather plays a critical role in site selection, as well. The macroclimate, mesoclimate and microclimate of a strawberry site play important roles in variety selection and potential profitability. Of particular importance are the potential for spring frosts, winter minimum temperatures, length of the growing season, and growing season heat accumulation. More detailed information on the site selection information presented here also can be found in the Strawberry Production Guide for the Northeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada, NRAES-88. 3.1 Organic Certification Site Requirements The National Organic Program has requirements that affect site selection. Fields must not have been treated with prohibited products for three years prior to harvest of the certified organic crop. Other practices outlined in the NOP Regulations such as crop rotation, weed control practices and addition of soil amendments must also be followed during the three year transition of a field from conventional to organic production. Adequate buffer zones must exist between certified organic and conventionally grown crops to prevent drift of prohibited materials onto certified organic crops, even if the non-certified farm is not yours. The buffer zones must be either a barrier (diversion ditch or dense hedgerow) or an area of sufficient size and should be under the management control of the certified farmer. The 4 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES buffer zone needed will vary depending on equipment used on adjacent non-certified land. For example, use of high-pressure spray equipment or aerial pesticide applications in adjacent fields will increase the buffer zone size. Check with your certifier for specific buffer requirements. Buffer zone sizes commonly range from 20 to 250 ft, depending on adjacent field practices. Buffers can include windbreaks and living barriers such as a dense hedgerow. A dense hedgerow less than 50 ft wide may offer better protection from contamination than a 50-ft-wide open buffer zone. The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York also states in the USDA National Organic Program Regulations & NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC Guidance and Policy Manuals pdf document “If the buffer is planted to the same crop as the field, documentation of what is done with the non-certified buffer crop is required. If harvested, non-certified harvest records and equipment cleanout logs should be maintained.” Crops grown in the buffer zone may not be marketed as certified organic, or used for feed or bedding for certified organic livestock or dairy cattle. 3.2 Soil and Air Drainage and Soil Depth Preparations for a strawberry planting should begin at least one year in advance. Selecting a site with good air and water drainage is essential for successful organic production. A nutritionally healthy planting in a well-drained soil with exposure to air movement is least susceptible to damage from pests and frosts. Strawberries need good internal soil drainage to grow and do best on a well-drained sandy loam. Wet soils restrict root growth and respiration, resulting in weak growth and reduced yields. Coarse-textured soils have excellent soil drainage, but heavier soils, or soils with perched water tables often need drainage tiles to remove excess water and improve internal soil drainage. Drainage tile is best installed before planting. Local soil and water conservation districts and private tiling contractors can provide technical assistance in designing a drainage plan, but keep in mind that many base their designs on annual row crops. Perennial crops often require more intensive drainage than annual row crops. Planting on raised beds or on berms is useful to improve soil drainage in the rooting zone. Strawberries should not be grown on heavy clay soils. Because of the need for frequent light cultivation to manage weeds, stony and gravelly soils can also prove difficult. Air drainage is an important consideration in choosing a strawberry field site. Cold air, like water, runs downhill, and collects in low areas or areas where trees or hedgerows obstruct airflow. These ‘frost pockets’ increase the risk of both mid-winter cold injury and spring frost damage. Selecting a site with a gentle slope (3-4%) and good air drainage will reduce the risk of cold or frost injury. Good air drainage will also promote faster drying of foliage, flowers and fruit which will reduce the duration and frequency of disease infection periods. Good air drainage is essential to an organic disease management strategy. Although strawberries can be grown on a wide variety of soils, shallow soils have less water holding capacity and will limit root development, resulting in smaller plants with smaller crops. Rooting depth of 12 inches or more is considered important for adequate plant growth and cropping levels. Digging test soil pits can help you evaluate potential rooting depth and drainage issues and evaluate what measures to take to address soil management issues before planting. 3.3 Soil Testing Knowing all you can about the soil of a potential strawberry site will allow for better management decisions prior to planting. Soil testing is recommended to provide information on pH, availability of major and minor nutrients, organic matter and cation exchange capacity. A pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is suggested for most strawberry varieties. A Cornell Soil Health Test prior to planting will provide field-specific information on constraints in biological and physical processes, in addition to standard soil nutrient analysis. See Table 6.1.1 for soil and tissue testing laboratories and refer to section 6, Nutrient Management, for more information. A nematode analysis performed on representative soil samples is a wise step in the year or two prior to planting since it will allow time for using a cover crop to reduce plant parasitic nematode populations, see section 4, Cover Crops, for more information. Samples may be submitted for nematode testing to the Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY. For more information and fee schedules visit their website. The best time for collecting samples for nematode testing is during summer, when soils are moist, not dry. A minimum of 6 soil subsamples, approx. 1″ diameter and 4″ deep should be collected randomly from an area approx. ½ acre in size. Gently mix samples together, transfer about 1 pint of mixed soil to a plastic bag, and ship as soon as possible to the diagnostic lab. Refrigerate sample if it cannot be shipped immediately. 3.4 Previous Cropping History Another factor to consider when selecting a site is previous cropping history. The Verticillium wilt fungus may persist many years in soil and is devastating to strawberries under conditions favorable for disease development. If possible, avoid sites where potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, or brambles have recently been grown and, to a lesser extent, squash, cucumber, pepper, or melons. These crops serve as hosts to Verticillium wilt. Many weeds are also hosts of the Verticillium fungus, particularly nightshade, groundcherry, redroot pigweed, lambsquarters, and horsenettle. Weeds should be strictly controlled in current and future planting sites to keep Verticillium inoculum low. Rotating to non-susceptible grasses and cereals (5-8 year rotation) will reduce the amount of Verticillium inoculum in infested soil, but seldom eliminates it. Brassica crop rotations (mustards, broccoli, Brussels sprouts) are recommended where Verticillium wilt is present or has been observed in the past. Brassicas should be grown for a 2-yr period and crop residues incorporated into the soil. Practice long rotations out of strawberry and plant only resistant varieties where Verticillium wilt is a problem. 3.5 Irrigation Water An important tool for organic management is irrigation. In most situations, drip irrigation is preferred rather than overhead. With drip irrigation, plants are not wetted and field activities can occur during the irrigation interval. Nutrients can be delivered through the irrigation 5 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES system to provide more precise amounts to the plants. Also, the row middles are not irrigated with drip systems and this reduces weed pressure and conserves resources. Strawberries typically require 20 to 25 inches of rainfall during the growing season, so when this is not achieved, supplemental irrigation is required. Soil moisture tensiometers are recommended to gauge the amount of supplemental water that should be applied to maintain proper soil water status. During the hottest days of summer, one acre of strawberries can transpire 8,000 gallons of water per day. Some growers use overhead irrigation as it can also help protect flowers from spring frosts. However, wetting foliage on consecutive nights can lead to waterlogging of fields and disease development on roots, leaves and fruit. More recently, row covers are used for frost protection to avoid so much water use. The cost of drip irrigation is considerably less than overhead. Another important criterion is water quantity and quality. The irrigation water source should provide sufficient volume of water to irrigate as needed during the growing season. The irrigation system should be in place prior to planting to ensure availability of water to the new transplants (and to provide frost protection on cold nights during bloom if using overhead irrigation). The critical periods when June- bearing strawberries require sufficient water to optimize growth and yield are during fruit development through harvest and at renovation. Day neutral strawberries have similar water requirements but are likely to require more than twice the inches per season as June-bearing strawberries since they flower and fruit more or less continuously from mid-June to after the first frost in the fall. Be sure to have a water test done on irrigation water sources prior to site selection to determine its physical, chemical, and biological constituents. Irrigation water pH should be 7.0 or below, and should also have a low salt content (<2.0 ds/m; preferably <1.0 ds/m) as strawberries are a moderately salt-sensitive fruit crop. Always check with your certifier on the products used for lowering irrigation water pH. Water contaminated with sewage or manure should not be used to irrigate strawberries if it will come in contact with the berries. Fertilizers can be injected into the irrigation water and distributed by way of the drip system to the plants. This saves quite a bit of time and labor. However, organic fertilizers are typically less soluble in water than synthetic fertilizers. If fertilizers are injected that are not completely dissolved, then emitters can plug and unplugging them is difficult. Use large volume emitters so clogging is less of an issue. Most organic growers distribute nitrogen mechanically within the plant rows and use the drip system for only the most soluble fertilizers. 4. COVER CROPS Cover crops are grown for their valuable effect on soil properties, such as organic matter, and, in strawberries, on their preplant ability to eliminate or suppress weeds, provide nutrients to the plants, and reduce nematode populations. They can also improve water infiltration into the soil, maintain populations of beneficial fungi, and may help control insects and diseases. To be effective, cover crops should be treated as any other valuable crop on the farm, with their cultural requirements carefully considered and met, including nutrient requirements; susceptibility, tolerance, or antagonism to root pathogens and other pests; life cycle; and mowing/incorporation methods. See Table 4.1.1 for more information on specific cover crops. 4.1 Goals and Timing for Cover Crops Cover crops play an important role in a strawberry planting, especially during the years prior to planting through improvement of soil organic matter, breaking up of compaction layers, erosion control, and suppression or elimination of weeds. Goals should be established for choosing a cover crop; for example, the crop can add nitrogen, smother weeds, or reduce nematode populations. The cover crop might best achieve some of these goals if it is in place for an entire growing season and incorporated into the soil prior to plant establishment. Cover crops planted in late summer will suppress annual weed growth, improve soil texture, provide organic matter, and may increase soil nitrogen. The cover crop can be incorporated in late fall or in early spring before planting. Certain cover crops are considered biofumigants (marigold, sudangrass, brassicas) because they will either suppress or resist nematode populations, weeds or pathogens when chopped and incorporated into the soil. Cover crops with biofumigant properties should be considered where reduction of nematode populations is needed. See Table 4.1.1. In addition to producing large amounts of biomass that out-compete other plant species, some cover crops (annual rye, ryegrass) can inhibit weed growth through allelopathy, the chemical inhibition of one plant species by another. Rye provides allelopathic suppression of weeds when used as a cover crop, and when crop residues are retained as mulch. Rye residues retained on the soil surface release chemicals that inhibit germination and seedling growth of many grass and broadleaf weed species. Retention of residue on the soil surface can be accomplished by mowing before seed head formation. Rotating several short-season crops is possible after the strawberries have been harvested and prior to the next strawberry planting. For example, after harvest is complete in July, a crop of kale or buckwheat can be planted and harvested, followed by a winter rye crop, followed by a summer sweet corn crop, followed by rye again, then strawberries in the spring. Such rotations help reduce pathogens, insects and nematodes from the previous strawberry crop and add organic matter to the soil. See Cornell’s online cover crop decision tool to match goals, season, and cover crop. Although written for vegetable growers it has comprehensive information on various cover crops. Another resource for determining the best cover crop for your situation is the Northeast Cover Crop Handbook, by Marianne Sarrantonio. Cover crops such as grasses with low nitrogen content should be plowed under in the fall to allow time for decomposition prior to planting strawberries. Legumes which contain more nitrogen and decompose more quickly can be plowed under within a month of planting. Research has shown that planting strawberries after strawberries is detrimental to growth, as is planting into undecomposed straw residue 6 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 4.1.1. Cover Crops for Strawberries: Cultural Requirements and Crop Benefits Planting Soil Type Seeding Species Dates Life Cycle Preference (Lb/A) Comments Alfalfa 1 Early April- Perennial Well- 14 +May be difficult to incorporate if allowed to late May drained, overwinter high pH (6.0-7.0) Brassicas April Annual / biennial Loam to clay 5-12 +Good dual purpose cover & forage e.g. OR +Establishes quickly in cool weather mustards, late Aug.- +Mow or incorporate before seed formation rapeseed early Sept. +Biofumigant properties Buckwheat Late spring- Summer annual Most 35-134 +Rapid grower (warm season) early summer +Good catch or smother crop +Good short-term soil improver for poor soils +Mow or incorporate before seed formation +Will winter kill Cereal Rye August-early Winter annual Sandy to 60-200 +Most cold-tolerant cover crop October clay loams +Excellent allelopathic weed control +Good catch crop, rapid germination & growth +Mow or incorporate before seed formation +Temporary nitrogen (N) tie-up when turned under Marigold Late May-June Annual Most 5-10 +Will winter kill +Biofumigant properties Oats Mid-April Summer annual Silt & clay 60-100 +Incorporate in late June when planted in the spring OR loams +Rapid growth late Aug.-mid +Ideal quick cover crop Sept. +When planted in late summer, will winter kill Sorghum- Late Spring- Summer annual NI 50-90 +Tremendous biomass producers in hot weather Sudangrass Summer +Good catch or smother crop +Biofumigant properties Sweet Early April- Annual / biennial Most 12-20 +Good dual purpose cover & forage Clover 1 mid May OR +Does not need added nitrogen early August +May need to be mowed prior to incorporating +Mow or incorporate before seed formation Vetch 1 August Annual / biennial Most 30-40 +Does not need added nitrogen +Mow or incorporate before seed formation Wheat Early-mid Winter annual Most 80-100 +Mow or incorporate before seed formation Sept. Adapted from M. Sarrantonio. 1994. Northeast Cover Crop Handbook; the Mid-Atlantic Berry Guide for Commercial Growers. 2013-14. Penn State Univ; the Pest Management Guidelines for Berry Crops. 2009. Cornell Univ.; and Strawberry Production Guide for the Northeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada, NRAES-88 . M. Pritts and D. Handley, eds. 1998. 1 Legumes may benefit from inoculation of seed with nitrogen-fixing bacteria when planted in a field for the first time. Check with your certifier for allowable sources of inoculum. 4.2 Legumes Legumes are looked to as a potential nitrogen source. Legumes may benefit from inoculation of seed with nitrogen-fixing bacteria when planted in a field for the first time. Check with your certifier for allowable sources of inoculum. Legumes such as red clover and hairy vetch will often benefit from having a nurse crop planted simultaneously, usually a small cereal grain such as wheat or rye. These nurse crops establish faster than legumes and provide soil stability and reduce weed pressure during establishment, and provide support for the newly growing legumes before winter. To receive the full nitrogen benefit from planting legumes, they need to be incorporated into the soil just as they start to bloom, which is usually in late spring. (Source: Bjorkman, T. Cover Crop Guide for NY Growers website.) 5. VARIETY SELECTION Key considerations in variety selection include the market destination and whether June-bearing or day neutrals will be grown. Consider whether the strawberries will be shipped and, if so, choose varieties with good shelf life and shipping quality. Flavor varies considerably among varietiesand may be inversely related to shipping quality. Flavor may fluctuate depending on soil type, plant nutrition, and irrigation. Determine whether flavor or shipping quality are most important to your market and choose varieties accordingly. In organic strawberry production, the variety’s relative resistance or susceptibility to diseases is vital because of the limited number of organic fungicides that are available for disease management. June-bearing varieties considered to have the best potential for organic production in New York State include: Earliglow (early season), Galleta (early/midseason), Jewel (midseason), Darselect (midseason), Flavorfest (mid/late season), Allstar (mid/late season), Clancy (late season), Malwina (very late season). 7 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Day neutral strawberry varieties considered to have the best potential for organic production in New York include Albion and Seascape. Varieties vary widely in their susceptibility to fungal diseases and some may be less susceptible to insects. Jewel shows excellent fruit disease resistance but poor root disease resistance so raised beds are highly recommended. Darselect exhibits high root disease tolerance but may get powdery mildew in high fog, misty or low tunnel (high humidity) situations. If susceptible varieties are planted, the importance of site, sanitation and cultural practices will increase in accordance to the variety’s susceptibility. Matching the variety to specific growing location can mean the difference between success and failure. Production practices such as raised beds, drip irrigation, low tunnels and plasticulture production may alleviate some pest pressure. Table 5.1 lists the relative disease susceptibility of many of the strawberry varieties grown in the Northeast. This is not an inclusive list and does not represent all varieties that are, or have been, grown organically in New York State. Growers must also consider where they obtain their planting stock. According to language in the USDA-NOP regulation §205.204: • The producer must use organically grown seeds, annual seedlings, and planting stock. • Seed and planting stock treated with substances that appear on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production may be used when an organically produced or untreated variety is not commercially available. • Planting stock used to produce a perennial crop may be sold as organically produced planting stock after it has been maintained under a system of organic management for at least 1 year. • Seeds, annual seedlings, and planting stock treated with prohibited substances may be used to produce an organic crop when the application of the substance is a requirement of Federal or State phytosanitary regulations. With the limited availability of organically certified strawberry stock, growers will likely be able to justify the use of non-organic stock to their certifying agency. Table 5.1. Relative disease susceptibility among some strawberry varieties1 Disease susceptibility a Variety LSc LSp LB RSb PM VW AT Albion U I U R I R S Allstar T-R T-R S R-VR T-R I-T-R VS Annapolis S S U T-R S S U Brunswick T R T R R R T Cabot T R T R T-S T-S T Cavendish R R U R U T-R U Chandler U S S S R U VS Clancy T T T R R R R Darselect S S S I S U U Dickens T R T R R R R Earliglow R I-R S I-R S-I I-T-R S Evie 2 U R U T S T U Honeoye T-R S-T-R U S S-I S U Jewel R R U S R S R Keepsake I-R S-R U S S S U L’Amour T T T T R R R Malwina U S R T R T U Mayflower U T R T R U U Monterey R R R S R S S Ozark Beauty U R U S U S U Portola S U S S R U S San Andreas U R U S S U S Seascape U T U T R U S Sonata S R S U S U T Sparkle S-I S-R U S-R R I-S U Tribute T T U R-VR R T-R U AC Valley Sunset T-S R T-S T S T T AC Wendy T S U I T S U Yambu R S R U R S U Key: VS = very susceptible, S = susceptible, I = intermediate, T = tolerant, R = resistant, VR = very resistant, U =unknown. Where multiple letter designations are given, ratings varied at different research sites. 1The relative ratings in this chart apply to an average growing season. Under conditions favorable for disease development, any given variety may be more severely affected. a. LSc=Leaf Scorch, LSp=Leaf Spot, LB=Leaf Blight, RS=Red Stele, BRR=Black Root Rot, PM=Powdery Mildew, VW=Verticillium Wilt, AT=Anthracnose. b. Varieties are not resistant to all races of the red stele pathogen. 8 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES 6. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT To produce a healthy crop, soluble nutrients must be available from the soil in amounts that meet the minimum requirements for the whole plant. The challenge in organic systems is balancing soil fertility to supply required plant nutrients at a time and at sufficient levels to support healthy plant growth. Restrictions in any one of the needed nutrients will slow growth and can reduce crop quality and yields. In strawberry plantings, the key considerations when managing nutrition organically include preplant soil pH and nutrient adjustments; nutrition in established plantings; and understanding carbon to nitrogen ratios to deliver appropriate amounts of nitrogen to the crop. Organic growers often speak of feeding the soil rather than feeding the plant. A more accurate statement is that organic growers focus their fertility program on feeding soil microorganisms rather than the plant. Soil microbes decompose organic matter to release nutrients and convert organic matter to more stable forms such as humus. This breakdown of soil organic matter occurs throughout the growing season, depending on soil temperatures, water availability and soil quality. The released nutrients are then held on soil particles or humus making them available to crops or cover crops for plant growth. Amending soils with compost, cover crops, or crop residues also provides a food source for soil microorganisms and when turned into the soil, starts the nutrient cycle again. One goal of the grower is to heighten resource use efficiency (land, water, nutrients) to optimize plant growth and fruit yield. Plant size and yield can be influenced by water and nutrient supply (i.e. adequate water is needed for adequate nutrient uptake). Weak plants with few, small leaves will intercept insufficient sunlight to produce adequate yields in the current season or to develop flower buds for the next season. Conversely, over-stimulated plants with abundant large, dark green leaves have low water use efficiency, are more prone to winter injury, diseases and insect feeding, and produce fewer, softer fruit. Organic strawberry plantings should strive to balance soil nutrient availability—via. irrigation, organic matter content, soil pH, and microbial activity—with plant growth and production goals. Nutrient demand for June-bearing strawberries is greatest during leaf and fruit development in spring when reserve nutrients carried over from the previous year have been depleted and the plant is actively growing. Conversely, day neutral strawberries have a relatively consistent nutrient demand throughout the course of the season. Supplying 5 – 7 lbs/week of actual nitrogen is optimal for day neutrals, and this is usually accomplished by fertigation. However, fertigation with organic N in this volume is difficult as organic N is not very soluble. Refer also to the 14 part Berry Soil and Nutrient Management In-depth Webinar Series along with Berry Soil and Nutrient Management - A Guide for Educators and Growers. 6.1 Soil and Leaf Analysis Regular soil and leaf analysis helps monitor nutrient levels. Choose a reputable nutrient testing lab (see Table 6.1.1) and use it consistently to avoid discrepancies caused by different extraction methods. It is recommended that annual leaf testing be incorporated into a fertility management program with biennial soil testing to assist in determining the plants’ nutrient status and to make sure that what is in the soil is making it into the plants in the proper amounts. It is recommended that soil and leaf tests be completed in each block. Leaf testing is especially crucial in getting the information needed to make management decisions in problem areas of the planting and should be used on a more frequent basis, if needed. Table 6.1.1. Nutrient Testing Laboratories Compost/ Testing Laboratory Web url Soil Leaf Manure Forage Analytical Lab and Maine Soil anlab.umesci.maine.edu/ x x x Testing Service Cornell Soil Health Lab (Cornell soilhealth.cals.cornell.edu/ x Recommendations) Dairy One (Cornell http://dairyone.com/analytical- x x x x Recommendations) services/agronomy-services/about-agro-one/ Penn State Agricultural Analytical https://agsci.psu.edu/aasl x x x Services Laboratory University of Massachusetts Soil http://www.umass.edu/soiltest/ x x and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory Amherst Waypoint Analytical https://www.waypointanalytical.com/AGServices x x x x Table 6.1.2 gives the target values for strawberry leaf nutrients sampled in late July or early August in the Northeast. Regular soil testing helps monitor nutrient levels, in particular phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The source of these nutrients depends on soil type and historic soil management. Some soils are naturally high in P and K, or have a history of manure applications that have resulted in elevated levels. Additional plant available nutrients are supplied by decomposed soil organic matter or through specific soluble nutrient amendments applied during the growing season in organically managed systems. Many types of organic fertilizers are available to supplement the nutrients supplied by the soil. ALWAYS check with your certifier before using any product to be sure it is approved. 9 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 6.1.2. Deficient, sufficient, and excessive nutrient concentrations in strawberry leaves. Target values (ppm, unless otherwise noted) Nutrient Symbol Deficient Below Sufficient Excess Above Nitrogen N 1.90% 2.00-2.80% 4.00% Phosphorus P 0.20% 0.25-0.40% 0.50% Potassium K 1.30% 1.50-2.50% 3.50% Calcium Ca 0.50% 0.70-1.70% 2.00% Magnesium Mg 0.25% 0.30-0.50% 0.80% Sulfur S 0.35% 0.40-0.60% 0.80% Boron B 23 30-70 90 Iron Fe 40 60-250 350 Manganese Mn 35 50-200 350 Copper Cu 3 6-20 30 Zinc Zn 10 20-50 80 Adapted from: Pritts (1998) Soil and Nutrient Management. Chap. 7 In: Strawberry Production Guide for the Northeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada, NRAES-88. M. Pritts and D. Handley (eds.). 1998. Note: ppm is parts per million. % by dry weight of strawberry leaf 6.2 Soil pH Maintaining a soil pH range of 6.0 to 6.5 is recommended for strawberries. Use the soil test results to determine the appropriate amount of lime (raise pH) or sulfur (lower pH) to apply. The lime or sulfur requirement will depend on soil texture, current pH, and organic matter content. Follow the recommendations of the soil test and apply and incorporate sufficient lime or sulfur prior to planting. It typically takes one year for the applied lime or sulfur to raise or lower the soil pH, respectively. The slightly acid soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is required to help avoid micronutrient deficiencies. Prilled sulfur formulations are preferred for soil application because they are easier to work with, provide better coverage, and are cheaper than powdered sulfur. Prilled sulfur takes about one year or more to oxidize and reduce soil pH; powdered sulfur takes 6 to 9 months. Likewise, finely ground lime is more difficult to work with, but it will raise the soil pH faster than coarse particles. 6.3 Managing Nutrients Follow the recommendations of the soil test when adding nutrients to prepare a site for planting. Pay particular attention to the soil test results for potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and boron. If interpreting your own soil tests, it is important to know the phosphorus extraction method used by your analytical lab in order to get a proper recommendation. When preplant recommendations are followed, additional potassium and phosphorus likely will not be required unless the soil is very sandy. However, potassium (K) demand by strawberry plants is relatively high, so make certain there is sufficient available potassium in the soil preplant. Boron is frequently low in fruit plantings throughout the Northeast. Note: Boron testing is not included in most standard soil test packages and should be selected as added test for strawberry soils. Refer to CALCULATING THE AMOUNT OF PESTICIDE TO USE and Tables 9.1.1, 9.1.2, and 9.1.3 in Section 9.1 for converting amounts per acre to amounts needed for smaller areas and for measuring and mixing small amounts. In established plantings, base fertilizer amounts on leaf analysis. In the event that potassium is required, a reasonable amount of potassium to apply, preferably in the fall, is up to 100 lb/acre. See table 6.3.1 for organic sources of potassium. Pay attention to the K/Mg ratio and if it is above 4, then additional magnesium should be applied with the potassium fertilizer to prevent inducing a magnesium deficiency: the K/Mg ratio should be less than 5. Table 6.3.1. Available Potassium in Organic Fertilizers Pounds of Fertilizer/Acre to Provide given Pounds of K2O per acre: Sources 20 40 60 80 100 Sul-Po-Mag 22% K O also contains 11% Mg 90 180 270 360 450 2 Wood ash (dry, fine, grey) 5% K2O, also raises pH 400 800 1200 1600 2000 Alfalfa meal1 2% K2O, also contains 2.5% N and 2% P 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 Greensand or Granite dust 1% K O (x 4)2 8000 16000 24000 32000 40000 2 Potassium sulfate 50% K O 40 80 120 160 200 2 1Only non-GMO sources of alfalfa may be used. Check with your certifier. 2Application rates for some materials are multiplied to adjust for their slow to very slow release rates. Should be broadcast and incorporated prior to planting. 10 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Magnesium (Mg) deficiency in strawberry is quite common. Factors that influence magnesium availability include soil pH and excess potassium. In established plantings that are low to deficient in magnesium, typical recommendations would be for 10-40 lb/acre actual magnesium, but follow recommendations of the leaf analysis. Boron (B) is frequently low in fruit plantings throughout the Northeast. If boron is required, then apply no more than 2 lb/acre actual boron in any one year. The best time to apply boron is after leaves are mowed at renovation. Check with your certifier for information on allowable sources of magnesium and boron. Phosphorus (P) demand by strawberry is relatively low, and phosphorus is usually not required in established plantings. Table 6.3.2 lists some organic fertilizer sources of P. Table 6.3.2. Available Phosphorous in Organic Fertilizers Pounds of Fertilizer/Acre to Provide given Pounds of P2O5 Per Acre Sources 20 40 60 80 100 Bone meal 15% P2O5 130 270 400 530 670 Rock Phosphate 30% total P2O5 (x4)1 270 530 800 1100 1300 Fish meal 6% P2O5 (also contains 9% N) 330 670 1000 1330 1670 1 Application rates for some materials are multiplied to adjust for their slow to very slow release rates. Should be broadcast and incorporated prior to planting. 6.4 Preparing a Nitrogen Budget The carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio in compost can provide a guide for nitrogen release into the soil solution. When a decomposing material has a low C/N ratio (a lot of nitrogen) microbes release the excess nitrogen into the soil solution. When a material undergoing decomposition has an initially high C/N ratio (very little nitrogen), microbes will use whatever nitrogen is available for their own growth, leaving little for plants. This can result in temporary nitrogen deficiency. Once the decomposition process begins to slow and those microbes die off, they will release their nitrogen back into the soil where it will become available to plants. The rule of thumb is that if the C/N ratio is less than 20 or the material’s nitrogen content is greater than 2.5%, then there will be enough nitrogen available for both decomposer microbes and plants. If the C/N ratio is above 20, then nitrogen will likely be immobilized until sufficient decomposition has taken place. One reason for applying nitrogen fertilizer at renovation is to help overcome the temporary nitrogen deficiency that will occur when the straw (with a high C/N ratio) is worked into the soil. Table 6.4.1. Estimated Nutrient Content of Common Animal Manures N P2O5 K2O N11 N22 P2O5 K2O N AVAILABLE NUTRIENTS LB/TON IN FIRST UTRIENT CONTENT LB/TON SEASON Dairy (with bedding) 9 4 10 6 2 3 9 Horse (with bedding) 14 4 14 6 3 3 13 Poultry (with litter) 56 45 34 45 16 36 31 Compost (from dairy manure) 12 12 26 3 2 10 23 Composted poultry manure 17 39 23 6 5 31 21 Pelleted poultry manure3 80 104 48 40 40 83 43 Swine (no bedding) 10 9 8 8 3 7 7 N /1000 . AVAILABLE NUTRIENTS LB/1000 GAL FIRST UTRIENT CONTENT LB GAL SEASON Swine finishing (liquid) 50 55 25 25* 20+ 44 23 Dairy (liquid) 28 13 25 14* 11+ 10 23 1-N1 is the total N available for plant uptake when manure is incorporated within 12 hours of application. 2-N2 is the total N available for plant uptake when manure is incorporated after 7 days. 3 –Pelletized poultry manure compost. Available in New York from Kreher’s. * injected, + incorporated. Adapted from Nutrient management for fruit and vegetable crop production: Using manure and compost as nutrient sources for vegetable crops by Carl Rosen and Peter Bierman and The Penn State Agronomy Guide. 2021-2022. To create a robust organic fertility management plan, develop a plan for estimating the amount of nutrients that will be released from soil organic matter, cover crops, compost, and manure. A strategy for doing this is outlined in section 6.3. As these practices are integrated into field and farm management, the goal is to support diverse microbial communities that will help release nutrients from the organic matter additions. To assess overall impact of these practices on soil health, consider selecting a few target or problem fields for soil health monitoring over time via the Cornell Standard Soil Health Analysis Package. This suite of eight tests complements a standard soil chemical nutrient analysis by focusing on biological and physical soil health indicators. While the test results will provide feedback on how 11 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES the soil sample compares to other New York soils, the real power is in the baseline readings for comparison in the future after implementing new soil health management strategies. Management of N, and ensuring adequate supply at the times of crop need, requires some planning. Prepare a nitrogen budget for organic production to estimate the amount of N released by various organic amendments as well as native soil organic matter. Examples of manures and their nutrient content are shown in Table 6.4.1. Compost and manure should be tested for nutrient content at an analytical lab, and cover crops can be tested at a forage testing lab (Table 6.1.1). Knowing nutrient content values will help evaluate if the budget plan is providing appropriate amounts of N during the season by comparing them to the nitrogen guidelines for strawberries (Table 6.4.2) Table 6.4.2. Annual Nitrogen Using the values from your soil test, estimate that 20 lbs. of nitrogen will be released from Guidelines for June-bearing each percent organic matter in the soil. From the test of total N in any manure applied, Strawberries. estimate that 50% is available in the first year, and then 50% of the remaining is released in Planting Amount each of the next two years. So, for an application rate of 100 lbs. of N as manure, 50 lbs. Age Actual N Time of Year would be available the first year, 25 lbs. the second, and 12.5 lbs. the third. Remember to (years) (lbs/Acre) to Apply a check with your certifier on the days-to-harvest interval when using raw manure and allow 0 30 early June 30 early Septa a minimum of 120 days between application and harvesting. To prevent run-off, do not 1+ 70 at renovation apply raw manure to bare ground in established strawberry plantings. 30 early Septb a Be sure plants are growing well prior to application. Estimate that between 10% and 25% of the N contained in compost will be available the b Adjust amount based on leaf analysis. first year. It is important to test each new mix of compost for actual amounts of the different nutrients available. Compost maturity will influence how much N is available. If the material is immature, more of the N may be available to the crop in the first year. A word of caution: Using compost to provide for a crop’s nutrient needs is not generally a financially viable strategy. The total volume, trucking, and application can be very expensive for the units of N available to the crop. Most stable composts should be considered as soil conditioners, improving soil health, microbial diversity, tilth, and nutrient retaining capacity. Add together the various N values from these different organic sources to estimate the N supplying potential of the soil. There is no guarantee that these amounts will actually be available in the season, since soil temperatures, water, and crop physiology all impact the release and uptake of these soil nutrients. If early in the organic transition, a grower may consider increasing the N budget supply by 25%, to help reduce some of the risk of N being limiting to the crop. Remember that with a long-term approach to organic soil fertility, the N mineralization rates of the soil will increase. This means that more N will be available from organic amendments because of increased soil microbial activity and diversity. Feeding these organisms different types of organic matter is essential to help build this type of diverse biological community and ensure long-term organic soil and crop productivity. The annual nitrogen guidelines for June-bearing strawberries are outlined in Table 6.4.2. Use leaf analysis for determination of nutrient status in established plantings, and adjust nitrogen fertilization accordingly (see section 6.1). The primary challenge in organic systems is synchronizing nutrient release from organic sources, particularly nitrogen, with crop requirements. In cool soils, microorganisms are less active, and nutrient release may be too slow to meet the crop needs. Once the soil warms, nutrient release may exceed crop needs. In a long-term organic nutrient management approach, most of the required crop nutrients would be in place as organic matter before the growing season starts. Nutrients needed by the crop in the early season can be supplemented by highly soluble organic amendments such as poultry manure composts or organically approved bagged fertilizer products (see Tables 6.4.1 and 6.4.3). These products can be expensive, so are most efficiently used if applied in a 1 foot band over the plant row, splitting applications between May and early June. Be aware that spring applications of nitrogen can greatly increase the risk of gray mold fruit rot infections. Table 6.4.3. Available Nitrogen in Organic Fertilizers Pounds of Fertilizer/Acre to Provide given Pounds of N per Acre Sources 20 40 60 80 100 Blood meal 13% N 150 310 460 620 770 Soy meal 6% N (x 1.5)a, also contains 2% P and 3% K2O 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 Fish meal 9% N, also contains 6% P2O5 220 440 670 890 1100 Alfalfa meal 2.5% N also contains 2% P and 2% K O 800 1600 2400 3200 4000 2 Feather meal 15% N (x 1.5)a 200 400 600 800 1000 a Application rates for some materials are multiplied to adjust for their slow to very slow release rates. Day neutral strawberries generally require 3 lb actual nitrogen per week during active spring growth. This rate should be increased to 5 lb actual N per week when fruiting begins. During the fruiting period, plants may require additional potassium; alternate a nitrogen fertilizer every other week with a nitrogen fertilizer product that supplies both N and K. Table 6.4.3 lists some commonly available fertilizers, their nutrient content, and the amount needed to provide different amounts of available nitrogen, adapted by Vern Grubinger from the University of Maine Analytical Lab and Maine Soil Testing Service. 12 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES 7. ORGANIC STRAWBERRY IPM Organic production of strawberries is challenging in New York State given the abundant rainfall during the growing season leading to increased pressure from diseases, insects and weeds. However, growers in New York and the eastern United States, through proper variety and site selection, strict attention to cultural practices and sanitation, and increased attention paid to scouting plantings on a weekly basis to catch pest outbreaks early, have succeeded in producing quality organic strawberries. In contrast, a failure to appreciate the risk of disease, insect and weed development, and failure to devise and implement a season-long (and multiyear) management strategy, can lead to serious crop and even plant losses in particular years. Successful IPM is essential to the sustainable production of organic strawberries. 7.1 Developing a Strawberry IPM Strategy 1. Examine your strawberry operation closely. Break it down into specific plantings, or “strawberry blocks.” 2. Produce a map of each planting (or block) to record weeds, pest outbreaks, nutrient deficiencies, drainage problems, missing plants, and any other abnormalities you find. 3. Develop a record-keeping system for each planting or block. 4. Develop a scouting plan for each block and record results. 5. Monitor and record weather factors and understand basic weather patterns of the area. 6. Keep accurate records of spray applications, tools, or tactics used to manage pests. 7. Properly maintain your spray equipment, calibrate the sprayer, select appropriate nozzles, and reduce spray drift. Consult the national Pesticide Environmental Stewardship website for more information or the Strawberry Production Guide for the Northeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada, NRAES-88. 8. Develop a thorough knowledge of the strawberry pests you are likely to encounter during the year. This includes basic pest biology, symptoms or damage, whether they are a primary or secondary pest, scouting thresholds, and the best time to implement management practices. 9. Choose a pest management strategy for the planting (or block) that is based on all of the information you’ve gathered. Use the options that make the most sense for your operation. 10. Continue your pest management education. Other resources available online, include: New York State Integrated Pest Management: Fruits website: nysipm.cornell.edu/fruits/ Cornell Fruit Resources: www.fruit.cornell.edu Cornell Cooperative Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program: psep.cce.cornell.edu Pesticide Environmental Stewardship. Center for Integrated Pest Management. https://pesticidestewardship.org/ Elements of IPM for Strawberries in New York State: https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/42722 Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA): newa.cornell.edu Berry Diagnostic Tool: https://blogs.cornell.edu/berrytool/strawberries/ 7.2 Weed Management Weed management is a major challenge for strawberry growers. Weeds are part of the strawberry planting ecosystem where they can interfere with planting operations; provide alternate hosts for pests; and compete for water and nutrients. Excessive weed growth within the strawberry canopy can also alter the microclimate around plants by interfering with sunlight penetration and air movement, leading to higher disease pressure. Managing weeds requires that the positive aspects of weed growth and any ecosystem services they provide are balanced with their negative effects in the planting. Table 7.2.1 outlines weed management practices in strawberry plantings. Table 7.2.1. Weed management without herbicides in a strawberry planting. Year Month Non-herbicidal options Planting year 1 April - May Till to prepare for planting. May Cultivate. Mid-June after planting Cultivate. Mid-July Cultivate. Mid-August Cultivate. October Cultivate. Late November Mulch for winter protection. Fruiting years March - April Remove mulch. Early May Hand weed only. Late July after harvest Mow leaves, narrow rows with a tiller. September Cultivate. November Mulch for winter protection. 1Critical time for reducing weeds In organic production, site preparation for 2-3 years prior to planting can help eliminate weeds through cover cropping and cultivation, and will provide lasting benefits in weed control for the short-term perennial production cycle of strawberries. Excellent preplant preparation to eliminate perennial weeds is essential. This can be achieved with repeated cultivation or using “green manure” cover crops that are plowed under prior to planting. For more information on cover crops see section 4. Keep in mind that excessive cultivation can lead to undesirable 13 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES consequences such as soil erosion, reduced soil organic matter, and breakdown in soil structure resulting in compaction and reduced permeability, so use it sparingly and not when soils are wet. Minimizing weed competition during plant establishment is critical to achieve optimal plant growth and yields. Once plants are set, regular hand weeding, hoeing, and cultivation (and mulching in some circumstances) are required throughout the first year, but studies have shown that early weed competition is more detrimental than late-season weed pressure. Do not let weeds go to seed, and keep the surrounding area mowed to prevent weed seeds from migrating into the planting site. If a first year planting is healthy, dense, and weed free prior to winter, weed problems will be much less in subsequent years. Some growers are planting in late May or early June at a higher density to avoid early weed pressure, mulching around plants, then not relying on runners to fill in rows. Managing weeds within the row may be one of the most difficult tasks in the production of organic strawberries. Inorganic mulches like plastic can only be used in organic production if they are removed from the soil, annually. Organic mulches also can be used as tools for weed management. The best mulch for strawberries is rye or wheat straw. Mulch matted row plantings with straw for winter protection, then rake the straw into the alleyways for additional weed suppression. Straw mulch may serve as a major source of weed seed; be sure to inspect straw before purchase. Use of straw mulch between the rows for suppression of weed growth is also an excellent method of water conservation and increasing the soil organic matter. According to USDA NOP standards in sections 205.601 and 205.206, the following mulches can be used as weed barriers in organic production: • Fully biodegradable materials such as wood chips, leaves, or straw • Newspaper or other recycled paper, without glossy or colored inks • Plastic mulch and covers provided they are pulled up at the end of the growing/harvest season and that they are petroleum-based but not polyvinyl chloride (PVC) • Biodegradable biobased mulch film as defined in USDA NOP section 205.2 and produced without organisms or feedstock derived from excluded methods. Mulch film meeting these requirements is not currently commercially available. Although agricultural plastic should be recycled if recycling is available, most agricultural plastics in New York state, especially difficult to clean plastic films used as weed barriers, are currently going to the landfill. China’s market demand for the plastic ended in 2018, and alternative disposal solutions are not yet widely available. See the Agricultural Plastics Recycling in New York State Case Study pdf document for a summary of agricultural plastic recycling successes and challenges, with a 2019 update at the end. Burning or on‐farm burying of agricultural plastic is prohibited according to the USDA National Organic Program Regulations & NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC Guidance and Policy Manuals pdf document. For a discussion about the reasoning behind the NOP rules that allow organic growers to use plastic but not biodegradable mulch at this time, see the Allowed Mulches on Organic Farms and the Future of Biodegradable Mulch pdf document. There are a number of mechanical, thermal and animal measures that can be used to limit the effects of weeds under the plant row. Mechanical and thermal options include fixed hoes, rotary cultivators, flamers, steamers, and hot water applicators. The mechanical brush hoe, in particular, showed promise for use in matted row strawberry production. Just two well-timed passes provided excellent seasonal weed control. The brushes moved runners back into the row, allowing cultivation to occur later in the season compared with other implements. The resulting layer of dust created by the brush hoe "mulched" the field and suppressed weed seed germination. Animal weeders have also been used with some success in organic plantings across the United States. The use of weeder geese, guinea fowl, and sheep have some effectiveness, but due to food safety concerns regarding microbial contamination of food crops from manure, they should only be used after harvest in fall or during the planting (non-bearing) year. These animals do not like to eat all weed species so some clean-up of weeds is required after their use. Organic Herbicide Considerations: An organic herbicide strategy can be a useful part of a robust and diversified weed management program. If relied on alone, organic herbicides may require frequent re-applications for sustained weed control. Organic herbicides do not prevent weed seeds from germinating, rather they burn back to the ground small, established weeds. If these weeds have perennial roots, they will regrow. Best results are obtained in situations where small, annual weeds have germinated around the crop, rather than situations where perennial weeds are established. Because organic herbicides are non-selective, post emergent, contact herbicides, they also have the potential to damage the crop plants (leaves, green stems, flowers, fruit, etc.) if the spray contacts the crop. This is particularly true for strawberry plants. Therefore, using a hooded sprayer may help to prevent crop contact and associated injury. Direct the herbicide spray to the row middles to avoid the strawberry plants. High spray volumes are required to get sufficient spray coverage for good weed control. Note that you may need to use up to 100 gallons of solution per sprayed acre to ensure sufficient herbicide coverage. Consult the pesticide label for specifics on how to apply the product, paying particular attention to the weeds controlled, the product’s solubility in water, the need for agitation to ensure thorough mixing, and the need for spray adjuvants. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing weeds and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. 14 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.2.2. Organic Herbicides Labeled for Management of Weeds in Strawberry Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments AVENGER AG OPTIMA 7-10% v/v. See label 7 4 ? BURNDOWN (d-limonene) for details. Axxe (ammonium nonanoate) 6-15% v/v. See label - 4 ? for details. Ecoblend Weed and Grass 32-64 oz/gal water - - ? Burndown (soybean oil) Ecoblend Weed Control Pro 5-32 oz/gal water - - ? (soybean oil, citric acid) Finalsan Herbicidal Soap 5.0-16.7% v/v. See - 24 ? (ammoniated soap of fatty label for details. acids.) Fireworxx Herbicide (capric 3-9% v/v. See label - 24 ? acid, caprylic acid) for details. Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar 15-30 gal/acre 2 48 ? Weed Killer (acetic acid) Harris 20% Vinegar Weed Killer 44-88 fl oz/1000 sq ft 2 48 ? (acetic acid) HomePlate Non-Selective 3-9% v/v. See label - 24 ? Herbicide (capric acid, caprylic for details. acid) Suppress Herbicide EC (capric 3-9% v/v. See label - 24 ? acid, caprylic acid) for details. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.3 Principles of Insect and Disease Management While strawberry production may be severely limited by insect pests and plant diseases, an understanding of the factors involved in their development can ensure effective management. The development of disease and insect damage is highly dependent on characteristics and conditions of the crop (host), the pathogen/pest population, and the environment. These factors all must be conducive before disease development and/or considerable insect damage will occur. Characteristics of the host that influence disease and pest susceptibility include the host’s vigor, physiology, and variety (genetics). Aggressiveness or virulence, abundance, and physiology are characteristics of the pest or pathogen populations that influence their ability to cause disease or damage. At the same time, abiotic environmental conditions such as temperature, moisture, light, and soil chemistry can affect both the host and pest and may promote or prevent disease. Moreover, the presence, abundance and activity of natural enemies can play an important role in determining pest status. The most successful disease pathogens and insect pests have coevolved with their hosts over many years to incite disease and damage at the most opportune times. To successfully minimize disease and pest damage, the relevant aspects of the host, pathogen/pest, and environment must all be managed within specific timeframes. Although insect pests and plant disease pathogens are vastly different in their biology, they often have enough similarity in life history strategies to allow successful management under a single set of underlying principles. These principles include avoidance/exclusion, eradication, and protection. They are defined below. Avoidance/exclusion This principle focuses on preventing pathogen introduction and minimizing factors that favor the establishment of pests and pathogens. Several practices that exclude or limit pathogen and pest presence include the following: • Select sites with good soil drainage. Install tile in plantings with less than optimal drainage and/or incorporate raised beds or berms to further promote soil drainage. • Choose sites with good air drainage. Promote air circulation by selecting an open site, removing dead or senescent plant material and reducing weeds; these practices allow fruit and leaves in berry plantings to dry more quickly. • Plant only disease free and insect free planting stock. • Prevent rain-splash dispersal of soil particles by applying a thick layer of mulch under and around plants. • Practice weed management as weeds can be hosts for strawberry pathogens and arthropod (insect and mite) pests. • Avoid planting strawberries in proximity to other crops or habitats that harbor large pathogen and/or pest populations. • Plant strawberries under covered production to avoid outside sources of disease inoculum. 15 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Eradication This principle is concerned with the destruction of pathogen/pest populations. These practices include: • Sanitation of plantings by removal of infected/infested plant material including overripe fruit, leaf litter, and plants to eradicate pathogen and pest populations. Destruction of this material is accomplished through burning, chipping, burying, and composting. • Several biological control alternatives are available for insect suppression for strawberry crops including products based on formulated Bacillus thuringiensis and insectary-reared predatory mites. Currently, there are few consistently reliable biological control products that have been developed for managing strawberry diseases, although there are numerous biopesticides that are available and effective in low disease pressure situations. • Chemical application of fungicides, insecticides, and miticides may reduce pathogen and pest populations below damage thresholds, but will rarely eradicate them. Protection This principle is founded on protection of plants from pathogen infection and pest damage. Practices that protect plants by minimizing factors favoring infection and damage include the following: • Plant strawberry varieties that are disease resistant or less susceptible to diseases of concern. • Consider the use of protected production structures, such as low tunnels, to protect against rainfall, which is the primary factor driving infection and spread of disease. • Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization as many pathogens, insects and mites thrive on succulent tissues. • Keep fruit from contacting soil by use of mulch under and around the plants. • Harvest fruit promptly and cool it to protect from fruit rots and insect infestations on overripe fruit. • Applications of fungicides, insecticides, or miticides may protect susceptible tissues from disease and insect damage. 7.4 Disease of Primary Concern Several important diseases that occur in the temperate climate of the northeastern U.S. are described below to help growers manage them with appropriate organic practices. 7.4.1 LEAF BLIGHT (Phomopsis obscurans) Leaf lesions begin as small, circular to irregular, reddish, or purplish spots. As they expand, lesion centers become necrotic and turn light brown with a dark purple halo. Older lesions along major leaf veins develop into large V-shaped lesions that eventually kill the leaf. Heavy leaf infections can inhibit the production of flower buds for the following year, predispose a plant to winter injury, and provide inoculum for infection of the fruit caps. Fruit may also be infected in some instances. Leaf Blight Management Options Scouting/thresholds None established. Variety susceptibility There are no reports of cultivar resistance to leaf blight but Jewel shows low infection rates. Cultural management Destroying infected leaves at renovation (e.g., mowing and burying) will reduce the amount of carry-over inoculum. Promoting air circulation (plant spacing and weed control) will reduce foliage drying time and limit infection periods. Chemical treatment An early season fungicide application is advisable when carry-over inoculum from the previous year is high or conditions are favorable for disease development. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.4.1 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Leaf Blight Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Badge X2 (copper hydroxide, 1-2.5 lb/acre 0 48 1 copper oxychloride) Champ WG (copper hydroxide) 2-3 lb/acre - 48 1 May cause crop injury under some conditions. ChampION++ (copper .75-1.25 lb/ac 0 48 ? hydroxide) 16 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.4.1 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Leaf Blight Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments CS 2005 (copper sulfate 19.2-25.6 oz/acre - 48 1 pentahydrate) Cueva Fungicide Concentrate 0.5-2 gal/acre UDH 4 1 (copper octanoate) Cuproxat FL (basic copper 1.25-2 pt/acre 0 48 ? sulfate) Dart Fungicide EC (capric acid, 0.2-0.35 % W/W UDH 24 ? caprylic acid) ET-F Algicide/ Bactericide/ 19.2-25.6 fl oz/acre - 48 1 Fungicide (copper sulfate pentahydrate) Kalmor (copper hydroxide) 0.75-1.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 Kentan DF (copper hydroxide) 1-3 lb/acre - 48 1 Kocide 2000-O (copper 1.5-2.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 hydroxide) Kocide 3000-O (copper 0.75-1.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 hydroxide) Mastercop (copper sulfate 0.5-1 pt/acre UDH 48 1 pentahydrate) Milstop (potassium bicarbonate) 2-5 lb/acre 0 1 ? Do not mix with other pesticides or fertilizers. Not compatible with alkaline solutions. Nu-Cop 50 WP (copper 2-3 lb/acre 1 24 1 Use higher rate when conditions favor hydroxide) disease. Discontinue use if signs of phytotoxicity appear. Copper may cause blue spotting on fruit. Nu-Cop 50DF (copper 1-3 lb/acre 1 48 1 Use higher rate when conditions favor hydroxide) disease. Discontinue use if signs of phytotoxicity appear. Copper may cause blue spotting on fruit. Nu-Cop HB (copper hydroxide) 1-1.5 lb/acre - 48 1 Discontinue use if signs of phytotoxicity appear. OSO 5% SC Fungicide (polyoxin 6.5-13 fl oz/acre 0 4 1 D zinc salt ) Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 1 gal/100 gal water 0 Until ? See label for specific use directions. At- peroxyacetic acid) foliar/soil Dry planting foliar spray or soil application. Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 1 gal/100 gal water 0 Until ? See label for specific use directions. Existing peroxyacetic acid) curative Dry plantings. Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 32-64 fl oz/100 gal 0 Until ? See label for specific use directions. Existing peroxyacetic acid) water preventative Dry plantings. Oxidate 5.0 (hydrogen 1:256 dilution 0 Until ? See label for specific use directions. At- peroxide, peroxyacetic acid) Dry planting foliar spray or soil application. PERpose Plus (hydrogen 1 fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or peroxide) Initial/curative Dry preventative, use directions. PERpose Plus (hydrogen 0.25-0.33 fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or peroxide) Weekly/preventative Dry preventative, use directions. foliar spray Trilogy (neem oil) 1% solution UDH 4 ? Maximum labeled use of 2 gal/acre/application. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 17 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES 7.4.2 LEAF SCORCH (Diplocarpon earliana) Dark purple leaf spots about one eighth to one quarter inch in diameter appear scattered over the upper leaf surfaces or petioles. These spots differ from those of leaf spot in that they are purple throughout (no light centers). Numerous infections can cause a leaf to appear red or light purple and eventually to dry up and appear scorched. Heavy leaf infections can inhibit the production of flower buds for the following year, predispose a plant to winter injury, and provide inoculum for infection of the fruit caps. Leaf Scorch Management Options Scouting/thresholds None established. Variety susceptibility Resistance and tolerance has been reported for several varieties. However, reports from different states often conflict; hence resistance/tolerance may be variable and/or region dependent. A consensus of reports suggests that ‘Allstar’, ‘Jewel’, ‘Cavendish’, and ‘Earliglow’ have some resistance. ‘Tristar’ and ‘Tribute’ are susceptible but tolerant of infection. Cultural management Destroying infected leaves at renovation (e.g., mowing and burying) will reduce the amount of carry-over inoculum. Promoting air circulation (plant spacing and weed control) will reduce foliage drying time and limit infection periods. Chemical treatment An early season fungicide application is advisable primarily when carry-over inoculum from the previous year is high or conditions are favorable for disease development. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.4.2 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Leaf Scorch Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Badge X2 (copper hydroxide, 1.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 copper oxychloride) ChampION++ (copper .75-1.25 lb/ac 0 48 ? hydroxide) CS 2005 (copper sulfate 19.2-25.6 oz/acre - 48 1 pentahydrate) Cueva Fungicide Concentrate 0.5-2 gal/acre UDH 4 1 (copper octanoate) ET-F Algicide/ Bactericide/ 19.2-25.6 fl oz/acre - 48 1 Fungicide (copper sulfate pentahydrate) Kalmor (copper hydroxide) 0.75-1.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 Kentan DF (copper hydroxide) 1-3 lb/acre - 48 1 Kocide 2000-O (copper 1.5-2.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 hydroxide) Kocide 3000-O (copper 0.75-1.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 hydroxide) Mastercop (copper sulfate 0.5-1 pt/acre UDH 48 1 pentahydrate) Serifel (Bacillus 4-16 oz/acre 0 4 ? amyloliquefaciens str. MBI 600) *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 18 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES 7.4.3 LEAF SPOT (Mycosphaerella fragariae) Initial lesions on leaves begin as small, irregularly shaped purple spots. Mature lesions become approximately one eighth to one quarter inch in diameter; remain relatively round, and the centers of lesions turn from a purplish brown to grayish white. The pathogen primarily infects young, expanding leaves and petioles, and occasionally fruit (black seed). Heavy leaf infections can inhibit the production of flower buds for the following year, predispose a plant to winter injury, and provide inoculum for infection of the fruit caps. Leaf Spot Management Options Scouting/thresholds None established. Variety susceptibility Resistance and tolerance has been reported for several varieties. However, reports from different states are often in conflict with one another; hence resistance/tolerance may be variable and/or region dependent. A consensus of reports suggests that ‘Jewel’ and ‘Cavendish’ have some resistance. ‘Tristar’ and ‘Tribute’ are susceptible but tolerant of infection. Cultural management Destroying infected leaves at renovation (e.g., mowing and burying) will reduce the amount of carry-over inoculum. Promoting air circulation (plant spacing and weed control) will decrease foliage drying time and limit infection periods. Chemical treatment An early season fungicide application is advisable when carry-over inoculum from the previous year is high or conditions are favorable for disease development. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.4.3 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Leaf Spot Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Badge X2 (copper hydroxide, 1.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 copper oxychloride) Basic Copper 53 (basic copper 2-2.8 lb/acre UDH 48 1 Copper may cause blue spotting on fruit. sulfate) Champ WG (copper hydroxide) 2-3 lb/acre - 48 1 May cause crop injury under some conditions. ChampION++ (copper .75-1.25 lb/ac 0 48 ? hydroxide) CS 2005 (copper sulfate 19.2-25.6 oz/acre - 48 1 pentahydrate) Cueva Fungicide Concentrate 0.5-2 gal/acre UDH 4 1 (copper octanoate) Cuproxat FL (basic copper 1.25-2 pt/acre 0 48 1 sulfate) ET-F Algicide/ Bactericide/ 19.2-25.6 fl oz/acre - 48 1 Fungicide (copper sulfate pentahydrate) Kalmor (copper hydroxide) 0.75-1.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 Kentan DF (copper hydroxide) 1-3 lb/acre - 48 1 Kocide 2000-O (copper 1.5-2.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 hydroxide) Kocide 3000-O (copper 0.75-1.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 hydroxide) LALSTOP G46 WG (Gliocladium See label 0 4 ? Rate used depends on volume catenulatum str J1446) applied per acre. See label. 19 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.4.3 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Leaf Spot Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Mastercop (copper sulfate 0.5-1 pt/acre UDH 48 1 pentahydrate) Nordox 75 WG (cuprous oxide) 3-5 lb/acre 12 - 1 Begin application when plants are established and then on a weekly basis. Nu-Cop 50 WP (copper 2-3 lb/acre 1 24 1 Use higher rate when conditions favor hydroxide) disease. Discontinue use if signs of phytotoxicity appear. Copper may cause blue spotting on fruit. Nu-Cop 50DF (copper 1-3 lb/acre 1 48 1 Use higher rate when conditions favor hydroxide) disease. Discontinue use if signs of phytotoxicity appear. Copper may cause blue spotting on fruit. Nu-Cop HB (copper hydroxide) 1-1.5 lb/acre - 48 1 Discontinue use if signs of phytotoxicity appear. PERpose Plus (hydrogen 1 fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or peroxide) Initial/curative Dry preventative, use directions. PERpose Plus (hydrogen 0.25-0.33fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or peroxide) Weekly/preventative Dry preventative, use directions. Prestop WG (Gliocladium 0.33 oz/5 gal water - 4 ? catenulatum str J1446) foliar spray Serifel (Bacillus 4-16 oz/acre 0 4 1 amyloliquefaciens str. MBI 600) Trilogy (neem oil) 1% solution UDH 4 ? Maximum labeled use of 2 gal/acre/application. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI - restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.4.4 POWDERY MILDEW (Podosphaera aphanis syn. Sphaerotheca macularis) The edges of infected leaves roll up, sometimes revealing a white, powdery layer of mycelium and spores on the lower leaf surfaces. Purple to reddish blotches also occur frequently on the lower leaf surfaces. Symptoms are usually not evident until middle or late summer. Numerous pepper-like black flecks (overwintering spore-producing structures – cleistothecia) may appear on infected leaf surfaces in fall. Powdery Mildew Management Options Scouting/thresholds None established. Variety susceptibility Varieties such as ‘Chandler’, ‘Clancy’, ‘L’Amour’, ‘Jewel’, ‘Tribute’ and ‘Tristar’ rarely if ever show infection. Few varieties show infection in open field conditions until after harvest with the exception of ‘Darselect’ in high fog or mist locations. Leaf infections after renovation of ‘Earliglow’, ‘Darselect’, ‘Annapolis’, ‘Wendy’, ‘Flavorfest’, and ‘Valley Sunset’ are common but usually do not cause economic damage. Cultural management Manage weeds and regulate planting density to promote good air circulation. Avoid excessive nitrogen and sites with poor air drainage. This disease may be more problematic in covered production where air circulation is reduced. High and low tunnel production can exacerbate powdery mildew problems. Chemical treatment See table below. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. 20 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.4.4 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Powdery Mildew Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Acoidal (sulfur) 5-10 lb/acre - 24 1 Begin applications when disease first appears. Repeat as necessary. Do not use on sulfur sensitive varieties. Actinovate AG (Streptomyces 3-12 oz/acre 0 4 2 Label recommends use of a Lydicus WYEC 108) spreader/sticker prior to onset of disease. Re-apply at 7-14 day intervals depending on disease pressure and environmental conditions. Auron DF (sulfur) 5-10 lb/acre - 24 1 Not recommended within 2 weeks of an oil application nor if temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees during or within 3 days following application. Carb-o-nator (potassium 2.5-5 lb/100 gal 0 4 1 bicarbonate) water Cinnerate (cinnamon oil) 13-32 fl oz/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Conduct phytotoxicity test water prior application. Cueva Fungicide Concentrate 0.5-2 gal/acre UDH 4 1 (copper octanoate) Damoil (mineral oil) 0.75-1.5 gal/100 gal - 4 2 water Dart Fungicide EC (capric acid, 0.2-0.35 % W/W UDH 24 ? caprylic acid) Defend DF (sulfur) 5-10 lb/acre - 24 1 Begin applications when disease first appears. Repeat as necessary. Do not use on sulfur sensitive varieties. Double Nickel 55 (Bacillus 0.25-3 lb/acre 0 4 1 Suppression only. amyloliquefaciens str. D747) Double Nickel LC (Bacillus 0.5-6 qt/acre 0 4 1 Suppression only. amyloliquefaciens str. D747) Drexel Suffa (sulfur) 0.6-1.6 gal/acre UDH 24 1+ Do not apply when temperatures exceed or are likely to exceed 90°F. Do not use sulfur with oil or within 14 days of an oil spray. EcoSwing Botanical Fungicide 1.5-2 pts/acre 0 4 1 (extract of Swinglea glutinosa) Ecoworks EC (cold pressed 1-4 pt/acre 0 4 ? neem oil) Glacial Spray Fluid (mineral oil) 0.75 gal/ 100 gal UDH 4 ? See label for specific application volumes and equipment. Golden Pest Spray Oil (soybean 0.5-1 gal/100 gal - 4 ? oil) water JMS Stylet-Oil (mineral oil) 3 qt/100 gal water 0 4 1 A high volume of water is needed for thorough coverage. Many common pesticides are phytotoxic when applied with or close to oil sprays (e.g., sulfur). Check label for restrictions. Kaligreen (potassium 2.5-3 lb/acre 1 4 1 Do not mix with highly acidic products or bicarbonate) nutrients. KOPA Insecticidal Soap 2 gal/100 gal water 1/2 12 ? See label for specific application (potassium salts of fatty acids) volumes. LALSTOP G46 WG (Gliocladium See label 0 4 ? Rate used depends on volume catenulatum str J1446) applied per acre. See label. 21 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.4.4 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Powdery Mildew Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments LifeGard LC (Bacillus mycoides 1 gal/100 gal water 0 4 ? isolate J) LifeGard WG (Bacillus mycoides 1-4.5 oz/acre 0 4 1 isolate J*) Microthiol Disperss (sulfur) 5-10 lb/acre - 24 1 Not recommended within 2 weeks of an oil application nor if temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees within 3 days following the application. Mildew Cure (garlic oil, 1 gal/100 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Conduct phytotoxicity test cottonseed oil, corn oil) prior application. Milstop (potassium bicarbonate) 2-5 lb/acre 0 1 1 Do not mix with other pesticides or fertilizers. Not compatible with alkaline solutions. M-Pede (insecticidal soap) 1-2% vol/vol solution 0 12 ? Curative control. Nuke Em (citric acid) 1 fl oz/32 fl oz water. 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Use the normal strength Normal strength. mix first. See label for stronger dilutions if needed. OSO 5% SC Fungicide (polyoxin 6.5 - 13 fl oz/acre 0 4 1 D zinc salt ) Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 1 gal/100 gal water 0 Until 1 See label for specific use directions. Existing peroxyacetic acid) curative Dry plantings. Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 32-64 fl oz/100 gal 0 Until 1 See label for specific use directions. Existing peroxyacetic acid) water preventative Dry plantings. Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 64 fl oz- 1 gal/100 gal 0 Until 1 Pre-plant dip. peroxyacetic acid) water dip Dry Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 1 gal/100 gal water 0 Until 1 See label for specific use directions. At- peroxyacetic acid) foliar/soil Dry planting foliar spray or soil application. Oxidate 5.0 (hydrogen 1:500-1:256 rate dip 0 Until ? Pre-plant dip. peroxide, peroxyacetic acid) Dry Oxidate 5.0 (hydrogen 1:256 dilution 0 Until ? See label for specific use directions. At- peroxide, peroxyacetic acid) Dry planting foliar spray or soil application. Oxidate 5.0 (hydrogen 1:256 dilution, 0 Until ? See label for specific use directions. Existing peroxide, peroxyacetic acid) curative Dry plantings. PerCarb (sodium carbonate 1-3 lb/100 gal water 0 Until ? See label for specific application volumes. peroxyhydrate) Dry PERpose Plus (hydrogen 1 fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or peroxide) Initial/curative Dry preventative, use directions. PERpose Plus (hydrogen 0.25-0.33 fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or peroxide) Weekly/preventative Dry preventative, use directions. ProBlad Verde (Banda de 18.1-45.7 fl oz/acre 1 4 1 Requires 2-4 hours drying time on plant Lupinus albus doce (BLAD)) foliage for the active ingredient to be fixed into the plant tissue before rain or irrigation occurs. PureSpray Green (white 0.75-1.5 gal/100 gal UDH 4 ? Spray at no less than 400 PSI using ceramic mineral oil) water nozzles. Use 100-200 gal/acre to ensure thorough coverage. Regalia (Reynoutria 1-4 qt/acre 0 4 1 Initiate at first sign of disease then every 7- sachalinensis) 10 days. Regalia CG (Reynoutria 1-4 qt/acre foliar 0 4 1 sachalinensis) spray 22 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.4.4 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Powdery Mildew Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Romeo (Saccharomyces 0.45-0.68 lb/acre 0 4 ? cerevisiae) Serenade ASO (Bacillus subtilis 2-4 qt/acre 0 4 1 str QST 713) Serenade Opti (Bacillus subtilis 14-20 oz/acre 0 4 1 str QST 713) Serifel (Bacillus 4-16 oz/acre 0 4 1 amyloliquefaciens str. MBI 600) Sil-Matrix (potassium silicate) 0.5-1% solution 0 4 1 Mix 2-4 qts in 100 gallons of water and apply at 20 gallons finished spray/acre. Sil-Matrix LC (potassium 1-4 qt/100 gal water UDH 4 1 Mix 1-4 qts in 100 gallons of water and silicate) apply at 50-250 gallons finished spray/acre. Solawit 80DF (sulfur) 5-10 lb/acre - 24 1+ Do not apply if temperatures during or within 3 days after application are expected to exceed 90°F. Do not use within 2 weeks of an oil spray except for dormant, delayed dormant or post-harvest applications. Sporan EC2 (rosemary oil, 1-3 pt/acre 0 - ? clove oil, peppermint oil, thyme oil) SuffOil-X (mineral oil) 1-2 gal/100 gal water UDH 4 1 Do not mix with sulfur products. /acre Taegro 2 (Bacillus subtilis var. 2.6-5.2 oz/acre - 4 1 Suppression only. amyloliquefaciens str. FZB2) TerraNeem EC (cold pressed 1-1.5% solution 0 4 ? See label for specific application volumes. neem oil) Do not apply sulfur or sulfur-containing products within 14 days of treatment. Thiolux (sulfur) 5-10 lb/acre - 24 1 Not recommended within 2 weeks of an oil application nor if temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees during or within 3 days following application. Timorex Act (tea tree oil) 13-35 fl oz/acre 2 4 ? Triathlon BA (Bacillus 0.5-6 qt/acre 0 4 1 amyloliquefaciens str. D747) Trilogy (neem oil) 1% solution UDH 4 ? Maximum labeled use of 2 gal/acre/application. TriTek (mineral oil) 1-2 gal/100 gal water UDH 4 ? Apply as needed. Ultra-Pure Oil (mineral oil) 0.75 gal/100 gal UDH 4 1 Do not apply micronized sulfur within 10 water/acre days of an oil application and do not apply oil within 14 days of an application of wettable or dusting sulfur. Do not use this material if it does not emulsify. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.4.5 GRAY MOLD/BOTRYTIS FRUIT ROT (Botrytis cinerea) Botrytis fruit rot usually begins as a small lesion at the blossom end or where a berry is touching another infected berry. The infected portion is firm and brown while the berry is still green, but it expands and softens as the fruit ripens. A powdery gray mass of spores covers infected berries if the weather remains humid and/or air circulation is poor. IPM fact sheet on Gray Mold (Botrytis Fruit Rot). 23 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Gray Mold (Botrytis Fruit Rot) Management Options Scouting/thresholds None established. Variety susceptibility No known resistant varieties. Less severely impacted varieties are ‘Earliglow’, ‘Jewel’ and ‘Clancy’. ‘Allstar’ and ‘Sable’ are very susceptible. Cultural management Disease control is greatly aided by managing weeds and by using other practices that promote good air circulation and rapid drying of the fruit such as regulating plant density. Use of protected production structures, such as low tunnels, reduces gray mold occurrence by limiting fruit wetness. Spring applications of nitrogen can dramatically increase the potential for infection. Prompt harvest of ripe fruit helps reduce disease development and spread. It may be beneficial to employ an hourly picker to remove only overripe and diseased fruit to prevent infection of clean fruit by other pickers. Overripe fruit should not be consumed. Cull piles should be buried or otherwise physically removed from fields during harvest. Chemical treatment Protection of blossoms is critical in gray mold management. Research in New York has consistently shown that excellent gray mold control can be obtained with just two fungicide sprays applied at early bloom and 10 days later. Continued protection of fruit prior to harvest may be necessary during prolonged periods of wet, foggy, or humid weather. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.4.5 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Gray Mold / Botrytis Fruit Rot Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Actinovate AG (Streptomyces 3-12 oz/acre 0 4 2 Label recommends use of a Lydicus WYEC 108) spreader/sticker prior to onset of disease. Re-apply at 7-14 day intervals depending on disease pressure and environmental conditions. BotryStop (Ulocladium 2-4 lb/acre - 4 ? oudemansii (U3 Strain)) Carb-o-nator (potassium 2.5-5 lb/100 gal 0 4 ? bicarbonate) water Cinnerate (cinnamon oil) 13-32 fl oz/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Conduct phytotoxicity test water prior application. Companion Biological Fungicide 1/2 - 1 1/2 lb/acre 0 4 ? (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) Companion Maxx Biological 32-96 fl oz/acre 0 4 1 Fungicide (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ENV503) Cueva Fungicide Concentrate 0.5-2 gal/acre UDH 4 1 (copper octanoate) Dart Fungicide EC (capric acid, 0.2-0.35 % W/W UDH 24 ? caprylic acid) Double Nickel 55 (Bacillus 0.25-3 lb/acre 0 4 1 Suppression only. amyloliquefaciens str. D747) Double Nickel LC (Bacillus 0.5-6 qt/acre 0 4 1 Suppression only. amyloliquefaciens str. D747) Ecoworks EC (cold pressed 1-4 pt/acre 0 4 ? neem oil) Howler (Pseudomonas 5-15 lb/acre 0 4 ? chloroaphis strain AFS009) 24 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.4.5 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Gray Mold / Botrytis Fruit Rot Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments JMS Stylet-Oil (mineral oil) 3 qt/100 gal water 0 4 1 A high volume of water is needed for thorough coverage. Many common pesticides are phytotoxic when applied with or close to oil sprays (e.g., sulfur). Check label for restrictions. LALSTOP G46 WG (Gliocladium See label 0 4 ? Rate used depends on volume catenulatum str J1446) applied per acre. See label. Milstop (potassium bicarbonate) 2-5 lb/acre 0 1 1 Do not mix with other pesticides or fertilizers. Not compatible with alkaline solutions. OSO 5% SC Fungicide (polyoxin 6.5 - 13 fl oz/acre 0 4 1 D zinc salt ) Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 1 gal/100 gal water 0 Until 1 See label for specific use directions. At- peroxyacetic acid) foliar/soil Dry planting foliar spray or soil application. Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 40 fl oz- 1 gal/100 gal 0 Until 1 Foliar application for existing plantings. See peroxyacetic acid) water Dry label for additional instructions. Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 64 fl oz/100 gal water 0 Until ? Pre-plant dip. peroxyacetic acid) Dry Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 1/2-2.5 gal/acre in 0 Until 1 See label for specific use directions. Setting peroxyacetic acid) furrow Dry water application. Oxidate 5.0 (hydrogen 1:500-1:256 rate dip 0 Until ? Pre-plant dip. peroxide, peroxyacetic acid) Dry Oxidate 5.0 (hydrogen 1:100-1:1,000 0 Until ? See label for specific use directions. Setting peroxide, peroxyacetic acid) dilution rate in furrow Dry water application. Oxidate 5.0 (hydrogen 1:256 dilution 0 Until ? See label for specific use directions. At- peroxide, peroxyacetic acid) Dry planting foliar spray or soil application. Oxidate 5.0 (hydrogen 1:800-1:256 dilution 0 Until ? Foliar application for existing plantings. See peroxide, peroxyacetic acid) Dry label for additional instructions. PerCarb (sodium carbonate 1-3 lb/100 gal water 0 Until ? See label for specific application volumes. peroxyhydrate) Dry PERpose Plus (hydrogen 1 fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or peroxide) Initial/curative Dry preventative, use directions. PERpose Plus (hydrogen 0.25-0.33 fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or peroxide) Weekly/preventative Dry preventative, use directions. Prestop WG (Gliocladium 0.33 oz/5 gal water - 4 ? catenulatum str J1446) ProBlad Verde (Banda de 18.1-5.7 fl oz/acre 1 4 ? Requires 2-4 hours drying time on plant Lupinus albus doce (BLAD)) foliage for the active ingredient to be fixed into the plant tissue before rain or irrigation occurs. Promax (thyme oil) up to 1 gal/ac 0 - ? PureSpray Green (white 0.75-1.5 gal/100 gal UDH 4 ? Spray at no less than 400 PSI using ceramic mineral oil) water nozzles. Use 100-200 gal/acre to ensure thorough coverage. Regalia (Reynoutria 1-4 qt/acre 0 4 1 Initiate at first sign of disease then every 7- sachalinensis) 10 days. Regalia CG (Reynoutria 1-4 qt/acre foliar 0 4 1 sachalinensis) spray Romeo (Saccharomyces 0.45-0.68 lb/acre 0 4 ? cerevisiae) 25 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.4.5 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Gray Mold / Botrytis Fruit Rot Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Serenade ASO (Bacillus subtilis 2-4 qt/acre 0 4 1 str QST 713) Serenade MAX (Bacillus subtilis 1-3 lb/acre 0 4 1 Begin application at or before flowering str QST 713) repeat every 7-10 days. Serenade Opti (Bacillus subtilis 14-20 oz/acre 0 4 1 str QST 713) Serifel (Bacillus 4-16 oz/acre 0 4 1 amyloliquefaciens str. MBI 600) Sporan EC2 (rosemary oil, 1-3 pt/acre 0 - ? clove oil, peppermint oil, thyme oil) Stargus (Bacillus 1-4 qt/100 gal water 0 4 1 amyloliquefaciens str. F727) Taegro 2 (Bacillus subtilis var. 2.6-5.2 oz/acre - 4 1 Suppression only. amyloliquefaciens str. FZB2) TerraNeem EC (cold pressed 1-1.5% solution 0 4 ? See label for specific application volumes. neem oil) Do not apply sulfur or sulfur-containing products within 14 days of treatment. Timorex Act (tea tree oil) 13-35 fl oz/acre 2 4 1 Triathlon BA (Bacillus 0.5-6 qt/acre 0 4 1 amyloliquefaciens str. D747) Trilogy (neem oil) 1% solution UDH 4 ? Maximum labeled use of 2 gal/acre/application. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.4.6 ANTHRACNOSE (Colletotrichum acutatum) One or more circular spots occur on the fruit. Spots originally are tan or light brown but become darker and sunken. Sunken spots are usually about one eighth to one quarter inch in diameter and may be covered with pink slimy spore masses during wet or very humid periods. The disease may occur on both green and ripe fruit, but is most common on ripe fruit following periods of warm, wet weather. In New York, anthracnose occurs only sporadically and is a more common problem on day-neutral varieties in the summer than it is on June- bearing varieties. However, the disease can be serious on June-bearing varieties if warm, wet weather conditions occur between fruit set and harvest. Anthracnose Management Options Scouting/thresholds None established. Variety susceptibility No known resistant varieties. ‘Jewel’ shows little infection in field conditions. Cultural management Provide good air circulation by controlling weeds and reducing planting density. Use of protected production structures, such as low tunnels, reduces anthracnose occurrence by limiting fruit wetness. The anthracnose fungus is spread throughout a planting by splashing raindrops or sprinkler irrigation. Straw mulch may reduce the rate of disease spread relative to bare ground (less rain splash), whereas black plastic (high elasticity) promotes rain splash, and in turn, disease spread. Chemical treatment Fungicides will not stop an epidemic once it has begun. Therefore, it is important to monitor fields for the presence of anthracnose, particularly if the weather has been warm and wet, and quickly begin a control program once the disease is detected. If the field has a history of anthracnose, a protective fungicide schedule is advisable. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal 26 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.4.6 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Anthracnose Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Carb-o-nator 2.5-5 lb/100 gal 0 4 ? (potassium water bicarbonate) Cueva Fungicide 0.5-2 gal/acre UDH 4 1 Concentrate (copper octanoate) Dart Fungicide EC 0.2-0.35 % W/W UDH 24 ? (capric acid, caprylic acid) Double Nickel 55 0.25-3 lb/acre 0 4 1 (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens str. D747) Double Nickel LC 0.5-6 qt/acre 0 4 1 (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens str. D747) Ecoworks EC (cold 1-4 pt/acre 0 4 ? pressed neem oil) Howler (Pseudomonas 5-15 lb/acre 0 4 ? chloroaphis strain AFS009) LALSTOP G46 WG See label 0 4 ? Rate used depends on volume applied per acre. See (Gliocladium label. catenulatum str J1446) Milstop (potassium 2-5 lb/acre 0 1 ? Do not mix with other pesticides or fertilizers. Not bicarbonate) compatible with alkaline solutions. OSO 5% SC Fungicide 6.5 - 13 fl oz/acre 0 4 1 (polyoxin D zinc salt ) PerCarb (sodium 1-3 lb/100 gal water 0 Until ? carbonate Dry peroxyhydrate) PERpose Plus 1 fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or preventative, use (hydrogen peroxide) Initial/curative Dry directions. PERpose Plus 0.25-0.33 fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or preventative, use (hydrogen peroxide) Weekly/preventative Dry directions. Prestop WG 0.33 oz/5 gal water - 4 ? (Gliocladium foliar spray catenulatum str J1446) ProBlad Verde (Banda 18.1-45.7 fl oz/acre 1 4 ? Requires 2-4 hours drying time on plant foliage for the de Lupinus albus doce active ingredient to be fixed into the plant tissue before (BLAD)) rain or irrigation occurs. Promax (thyme oil) up to 1 gal/ac 0 - ? Regalia (Reynoutria 1-4 qt/acre 0 4 1 Provides suppression only. Apply preventatively and sachalinensis) repeat on a 7-day interval or as needed. Regalia CG 1-4 qt/acre foliar 0 4 1 See label for specific information. Suppression only. (Reynoutria spray sachalinensis) 27 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.4.6 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Anthracnose Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Serenade ASO 2-4 qt/acre 0 4 1 (Bacillus subtilis str QST 713) Serenade MAX 1-3 lb/acre 0 4 1 Apply on a 7-10 schedule following disease onset. (Bacillus subtilis str QST 713) Serenade Opti 14-20 oz/acre 0 4 1 (Bacillus subtilis str QST 713) Serifel (Bacillus 4-16 oz/acre 0 4 1 amyloliquefaciens str. MBI 600) Sporan EC2 1-3 pt/acre 0 - ? (rosemary oil, clove oil, peppermint oil, thyme oil) Stargus (Bacillus 1-4 qt/100 gal water 0 4 ? amyloliquefaciens str. F727) TerraNeem EC (cold 1-1.5% solution 0 4 ? See label for specific application volumes. Do not apply pressed neem oil) sulfur or sulfur-containing products within 14 days of treatment. Timorex Act (tea tree 13-35 fl oz/acre 2 4 ? oil) Triathlon BA (Bacillus 0.5-6 qt/acre 0 4 1 amyloliquefaciens str. D747) Trilogy (neem oil) 1% solution UDH 4 ? Maximum labeled use of 2 gal/acre/application. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI - restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.4.7 LEATHER ROT (Phytophthora cactorum) Infected areas on immature fruit are brown, whereas those on maturing fruit appear bleached out. On all fruit, the infected areas are tough, leathery, and discolored on the inside as well as the outside of the fruit. Diseased fruits have a pungent smell and bitter taste. Leather rot is most severe during periods of abundant warm rains during the fruiting period and in flooded soils. The cultural practices listed in the table below are the most effective control procedures. IPM fact sheet Leather Rot. Leather Rot Management Options Scouting/thresholds None established. Variety susceptibility No known resistant varieties. Cultural management Plant only on a well-drained site or provide supplemental drainage. Growing strawberries on raised beds will also reduce disease severity. Minimize soil flooding through site selection; by avoiding planting in ruts; and by preventing or reducing soil compaction. Provide an extra layer of straw mulch between rows throughout the fruiting season. The mulch provides a physical barrier between the soilborne pathogen and the susceptible fruit. Chemical treatment See below. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal 28 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.4.7 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Leather Rot Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Actinovate AG (Streptomyces 3-12 oz/acre 0 4 ? Label recommends use of a Lydicus WYEC 108) spreader/sticker prior to onset of disease. Re-apply at 7-14 day intervals depending on disease pressure and environmental conditions. Bio-Tam 2.0 (trichoderma 2.5-3 lb/acre - 4 ? Ground banded application. asperellum str ICC 012, Trichoderma gamsii str ICC 080) Bio-Tam 2.0 (trichoderma 0.25-2 lb/gal water - 4 ? Bare root dip. asperellum str ICC 012, Trichoderma gamsii str ICC 080) Bio-Tam 2.0 (trichoderma 1.5-3 oz/1000 row - 4 ? In-furrow application. asperellum str ICC 012, feet Trichoderma gamsii str ICC 080) Minuet (Bacillus subtilis str QST 12-24 oz/acre soil 0 4 1 713) treatment OSO 5% SC Fungicide 6.5-13 fl oz/acre 0 4 1 (polyoxin D zinc salt ) PERpose Plus (hydrogen 1 fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or peroxide) Initial/curative Dry preventative, use directions. PERpose Plus (hydrogen 0.25-0.33 fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or peroxide) Weekly/preventative Dry preventative, use directions. Prestop WG (Gliocladium 0.033-0.33 oz/ 2.5 - 4 ? catenulatum str J1446) gal water soil drench RootShield Granules 2.5 – 6.0 lb/1/2 ac - 4 ? (Trichoderma harzianum) in-furrow RootShield PLUS+ Granules 2.5-6 lb/half acre - 4 ? (Trichoderma harzianum, in-furrow Trichoderma virens) RootShield PLUS+ WP 0.25-1.5 lb/20 gal 0 4 ? (Trichoderma harzianum Rifai water dip T-22, Trichoderma virens str G- 41) RootShield PLUS+ WP 16-32 oz/acre in- 0 4 ? (Trichoderma harzianum Rifai furrow T-22, Trichoderma virens str G- 41) RootShield WP (Trichoderma 0.5-2.5 lb/5 gal or - 4 1 harzianum) dip into dry powder dip Serenade ASO (Bacillus subtilis 2-4 qt/acre soil 0 4 ? str QST 713) treatment TerraClean 5.0 (hydrogen 25 fl oz/200 gal 0 0 ? See label for rate information for specific dioxide, peroxyacetic acid) water/1,000 sq ft soil treatments. Existing plantings. soil treated soil drench Timorex Act (tea tree oil) 13-35 fl oz/acre 2 4 ? 29 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.4.7 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Leather Rot Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Zonix (Rhamnolipid 0.5-0.8 fl oz/ gal - 4 ? Prepare enough solution based on plant Biosurfactant) water density and soil conditions to ensure thorough coverage *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.4.8 RED STELE (Phytophthora fragariae) Red stele is caused by a soilborne aquatic pathogen (Phytophthora) that may persist in the soil for many years even when strawberries are no longer grown. Symptoms of infection often appear just before harvest. Diseased plants appear stunted and off-color, and will often wilt and collapse if the weather becomes warm and dry. Because these same symptoms may be caused by other factors that destroy roots (such as root-feeding insects), the diagnosis depends on an examination of the plant’s root system. In a diseased plant, the roots have a “rat-tail” appearance caused by loss of the fine branched feeder roots from the main fleshy roots. The main fleshy roots are rotted from the tips back toward the crown. Cutting or scraping away the white outer portion (epidermis and cortex) just above the rotten areas in early infections sometimes reveals a reddish root core (stele). Infected plants usually appear in groups and are frequently found in the lowest or wettest parts of a field. IPM fact sheet Red Stele. Red Stele Management Options Scouting/thresholds None established. Variety susceptibility Resistant varieties include ‘Earliglow’, ‘Allstar’, ‘Tribute’, and ‘Tristar’. However, these varieties are not resistant to all races of the red stele pathogen (P. fragariae), and as such, the disease could still develop if a race to which they are not resistant is present. ‘Jewel’ and ‘Honeoye’ are especially susceptible. Cultural management Because the red stele fungus is particularly active in extremely wet soil, plant only on a well-drained site or provide supplemental drainage. Growing strawberries on raised beds will also reduce disease severity. Chemical treatment The red stele fungus is not present in every field, thus treatments should be confined to fields and areas within fields where the disease has occurred previously or is suspected. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.4.8 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Red Stele Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Bio-Tam 2.0 (trichoderma See Label - 4 1+ asperellum str ICC 012, Trichoderma gamsii str ICC 080) Tenet WP (Trichoderma 0.25-2 lbs/gal water - 1 ? asperellum str ICC 012, dip Trichoderma gamsii str ICC 080) Tenet WP (Trichoderma 2.5-3 lb/acre banded - 1 ? asperellum str ICC 012, spray Trichoderma gamsii str ICC 080) *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.4.9 BLACK ROOT ROT Black root rot constitutes a complex set of symptoms caused by one or more of the following organisms: nematodes, root rot fungi (Pythium spp. Rhizoctonia spp.). Black root rot is most commonly observed in older plantings or on heavy compacted soils. Over time, plant 30 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES vigor and productivity declines. Feeder rootlets die, and fleshy structural roots deteriorate and become blackened. The blackening starts as patches along the length of the root, rather than from the tip back. This disease is often associated with fields having a long history of strawberry production. Because no single cause of black root rot has been defined, there is no single control. Black Root Rot Management Options Scouting/thresholds None established. Variety susceptibility ‘Dickens’ has shown good tolerance in black rot sites. Particularly susceptible varieties are ‘Honeoye’ and ‘Jewel’. These varieties should be avoided in fields without adequate rotation. Cultural management Fields with high nematode populations may be more prone to black root rot development. Check nematode populations prior to planting. If high, consider incorporating a cover crop with biofumigant properties. See Section 4, Cover Crops. Cultural practices that reduce soil compaction, improve aeration, and promote good drainage are beneficial for reducing disease. Rotating a field out of strawberries for at least 2 - 3 years is strongly recommended. Measures to control red stele will also help alleviate black root rot. Cover crops such as brown mustard and indiangrass and incorporation of compost can also provide disease suppression. Chemical treatment Chemical treatment with a nematicide is not suggested for black root rot. See below for fungicides. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.4.9 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Black Root Rot Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Bio-Tam 2.0 (trichoderma See Label - 4 1+ asperellum str ICC 012, Trichoderma gamsii str ICC 080) Companion Maxx Biological 32-96 fl oz/acre 0 4 ? Fungicide (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ENV503) Howler (Pseudomonas 5-15 lb/acre soil 0 4 ? chloroaphis strain AFS009) treatment Tenet WP (Trichoderma 0.25-2 lbs/gal water - 1 ? asperellum str ICC 012, dip Trichoderma gamsii str ICC 080) Tenet WP (Trichoderma 2.5-3 lb/acre banded - 1 ? asperellum str ICC 012, spray Trichoderma gamsii str ICC 080) Triathlon BA (Bacillus .25-4.5 pt/acre soil 0 4 ? amyloliquefaciens str. D747) treatment *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.5 Other diseases of note 7.5.1 ANGULAR LEAF SPOT (Xanthomonas fragariae) Tiny water-soaked lesions appear first on lower leaf surfaces. These enlarge to form angular spots usually bordered by small veins. When held up to the light, spots appear translucent, but are dark green under reflected light. Spots may ooze bacteria under moist conditions, which dry to form a whitish scaly skin. Lesions eventually become visible on upper leaf surfaces as irregular reddish brown spots. Calyxes may also become infected. The disease is favored by daytime temperatures around 68°F, low to near freezing night temperatures, and precipitation events such as rain, overhead irrigation or heavy dews. 31 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.5.1 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Angular Leaf Spot Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Actinovate AG (Streptomyces 3-12 oz/acre 0 4 ? Label recommends use of a Lydicus WYEC 108) spreader/sticker prior to onset of disease. Re-apply at 7-14 day intervals depending on disease pressure and environmental conditions. Badge X2 (copper hydroxide, 1.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 copper oxychloride) Champ WG (copper hydroxide) 2-3 lb/acre - 48 1 May cause crop injury under some conditions. ChampION++ (copper .75-1.25 lb/ac 0 48 ? hydroxide) CS 2005 (copper sulfate 19.2-25.6 oz/acre - 48 1 pentahydrate) Cueva Fungicide Concentrate 0.5-2 gal/acre UDH 4 1 (copper octanoate) Double Nickel 55 (Bacillus 0.25-3 lb/acre 0 4 1 amyloliquefaciens str. D747) Double Nickel LC (Bacillus 0.5-6 qt/acre 0 4 1 amyloliquefaciens str. D747) ET-F Algicide/ Bactericide/ 19.2-25.6 fl oz/acre - 48 1+ Fungicide (copper sulfate pentahydrate) Kalmor (copper hydroxide) 0.75-1.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 Kentan DF (copper hydroxide) 1-3 lb/acre - 48 1 Kocide 2000-O (copper 1.5-2.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 hydroxide) Kocide 3000-O (copper 0.75-1.25 lb/acre 0 48 1 hydroxide) Mastercop (copper sulfate 0.5-1 pt/acre UDH 48 1 pentahydrate) Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 1 gal/100 gal water 0 Until ? See label for specific use directions. Existing peroxyacetic acid) curative Dry plantings. Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 32-64 fl oz/100 gal 0 Until ? See label for specific use directions. Existing peroxyacetic acid) water preventative Dry plantings. Oxidate 2.0 (hydrogen dioxide, 1 gal/100 gal water 0 Until ? See label for specific use directions. At- peroxyacetic acid) foliar/soil Dry planting foliar spray or soil application. Oxidate 5.0 (hydrogen 1:256 dilution 0 Until ? See label for specific use directions. At- peroxide, peroxyacetic acid) Dry planting foliar spray or soil application. Oxidate 5.0 (hydrogen 1:256 dilution, 0 Until ? See label for specific use directions. Existing peroxide, peroxyacetic acid) curative Dry plantings. PerCarb (sodium carbonate 1-3 lb/100 gal water 0 Until ? See label for specific application volumes. peroxyhydrate) Dry PERpose Plus (hydrogen 1 fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or peroxide) Initial/curative Dry preventative, use directions. 32 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.5.1 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Angular Leaf Spot Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments PERpose Plus (hydrogen 0.25-0.33 fl oz/gal - Until ? See label for specific, curative or peroxide) Weekly/preventative Dry preventative, use directions. Serenade ASO (Bacillus subtilis 2-4 qt/acre 0 4 2 str QST 713) Serifel (Bacillus 4-16 oz/acre 0 4 2 amyloliquefaciens str. MBI 600) Timorex Act (tea tree oil) 13-35 fl oz/acre 2 4 ? Triathlon BA (Bacillus 0.5-6 qt/acre 0 4 ? amyloliquefaciens str. D747) Trilogy (neem oil) 1% solution UDH 4 ? Maximum labeled use of 2 gal/acre/application. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restrictged entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.5.2 VERTICILLIUM WILT (Verticillium albo-atrum) Plants are affected most severely during their first year of growth. Outer leaves turn brown and eventually collapse, but inner leaves remain green until the plant dies. This symptom distinguishes Verticillium wilt from other root and crown disorders. Affected plants may occur uniformly, but more typically, they appear scattered throughout a field. In problem areas or if the prior crop was tomatoes, potatoes, or eggplant, plant only varieties resistant to Verticillium wilt for at least 3 years. Resistant varieties include ‘Earliglow’, ‘Guardian’, ‘Allstar’, ‘Tribute’, and ‘Tristar’. Many weeds are hosts of the Verticillium fungus, particularly nightshade, groundcherry, redroot pigweed, lambsquarters, and horsenettle. These weeds should be strictly controlled in current and future planting sites to keep Verticillium inoculum low. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.5.2 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Verticillium Wilt Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Actinovate AG (Streptomyces 3-12 oz/acre soil 0 4 ? Lydicus WYEC 108) treatment Regalia (Reynoutria 1-2 qt/100 gal water 0 4 2 Pre-plant dip. sachalinensis) Regalia (Reynoutria 1-3 qt/100 gal water 0 4 2 Apply at or shortly after planting. Multiple sachalinensis) soil drench applications can be made on 10-14 day intervals. Regalia CG (Reynoutria 1-2 qt/100 gal water 0 4 2 Pre-plant dip. sachalinensis) Regalia CG (Reynoutria 1-3 qt/100 gal water 0 4 2 Apply at or shortly after planting. Multiple sachalinensis) soil drench applications can be made on 14 day intervals. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.6 Insects and Mites of Primary Concern The insects and mites that are considered major pests in strawberries can vary in occurrence both from year to year and from site to site. For these reasons, it is important to be familiar with the life cycle of the pest to assist in developing a scouting program that will ensure a pest problem can be discovered and dealt with before it becomes an outbreak. Alternatively, it is important to know when a potential pest is not causing significant economic damage so that unnecessary controls can be avoided. Applying an organically approved broad-spectrum insecticide such as PyGanic EC (a pyrethrum) when not necessary, for example, is not only a waste of money but also has the potential to disrupt biological control by beneficial organisms. This illustrates the need to take potential biological control agents (predators, parasitoids, parasites, microbes) into account when making management decisions. Following are descriptions of the most commonly found insect pests in strawberry plantings. 33 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES 7.6.1 ROOT WEEVIL (various species) Different species, but most commonly the strawberry root weevil, the black vine weevil, and the rough strawberry root weevil. These pests attack the roots or crowns of plants while in the grub stage. All have a one-year life cycle, although some are known to live two seasons. Adults emerge about late June. Adults are active at night and feed on leaves, causing characterisitic semi-circular leaf chewing on leaf edges. This feeding damage is not considered of economic importance. Adults can not fly. Beds with heavy infestations show distinct patches or spots that appear stunted and have substantially reduced yields. The roots of injured plants are badly eaten away, and continued infestation may destroy infested plants. IPM fact sheet Root Weevil. Root Weevil Management Options Scouting/thresholds None established. Variety susceptibility None adapted to the Northeastern region. Cultural management Rotate out of strawberries for a least 1 year to reduce root weevil density. A barrier (plastic fence) can prevent walking adults (they can not fly) from moving from an infested field to a new field to be planted. See Exclusion Barriers for Management of Black Vine Weevil for details. Biological control Two species of Heterorhabditis, insect parasitic nematodes, H. bacteriophora and H. marelatus, can provide control of larvae. Release nematodes either in spring when soils warm (>50 F) or in late summer - early fall. Provide sufficient water to move nematodes into the root zone. Applications may need to be repeated annually. Chemical treatment Available chemical treatments target adults. See below. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.6.1 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Root Weevil Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 ? Foliar spray or soil drench. AzaGuard (azadirachtin) 10-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 ? Apply with OMRI approved spray oil. Foliar spray or soil drench. Labeled only for black vine and strawberry vine weevils. *AzaSol (azadirachtin) 6 oz/acre 0 4 ? Azera (azadirachtin, pyrethrins) 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 12 ? Foliar spray or soil drench. See container label for specific rates used. BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant 0.5-4 qt/acre 1/2 - ? 25(b) pesticide. (garlic juice) Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME 15-30 oz/acre 0 4 ? Foliar spray or soil drench. (azadirachtin) Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. Molt-X (azadirachtin) 10 oz/acre 0 4 ? Foliar spray or soil drench. Mycotrol ESO (Beauvaria 0.25 to 1 qt/acre 0 4 ? Begin treatment when insects first bassiana) appear; typically a 7-10 day interval occurs before control is seen. PFR-97 20% WDG (Isaria 1-2 lb/acre soil - 4 ? fumosorosea Apopka str. 97) treatment *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.6.2 STRAWBERRY SAP BEETLE (Stelidota geminata) & PICNIC BEETLE (Glischrochilus fasciatus) Sap beetle adults make cavities in ripe and overripe fruit as well as spread spores of decay organisms. The larvae also feed on ripe and overripe fruit and are a source of contamination in harvested fruit. Until a few years ago, sap beetles were uncommon in strawberries. Now, sap beetles are occasionally found in high numbers in later ripening strawberry plantings throughout the state. Two species feed on 34 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES strawberry fruits: the common picnic beetle, one quarter inch long with four yellow spots on the back, and the smaller, brown strawberry sap beetle without distinctive markings. Strawberry sap beetle is the more serious pest because it does not limit its activity to over-ripe fruit. Beetles overwinter at the edge of woodlots and possibly under other perennial fruit crops, such as brambles and blueberries, but they do not appear to overwinter in strawberry fields. As strawberries ripen, beetles move into the field and begin feeding and laying eggs. Fruit touching the ground or straw mulch appears particularly vulnerable. Adult strawberry sap beetle are very secretive and scamper away when disturbed, therefore they are sometimes hard to spot even when feeding damage is evident. IPM fact sheet Strawberry Sap Beetle. Sap Beetle Management Options Scouting/thresholds None established. Variety susceptibility No known resistant varieties, although cultivars that tend to hold fruit off the ground may be less vulnerable to adult feeding and larval contamination. Cultural management Keep the field free of ripe and over-ripe fruit. Good sanitation in berry crops and other fruit crops on the farm will help reduce food resources. Chemical treatment Generally insecticide sprays are not very effective, partly because it is difficult to get material where the insects are active (underside of fruit touching the ground). Therefore, good coverage is important and even then, it’s unclear if level of control justifies the cost. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.6.2 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Sap Beetle Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 ? Foliar spray or soil drench. *AzaSol (azadirachtin) 6 oz/acre 0 4 ? Azera (azadirachtin, pyrethrins) 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 12 2 Foliar spray or soil drench. See container label for specific rates used. BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant 0.5-4 qt/acre 1/2 - ? 25(b) pesticide. (garlic juice) Ecotec Plus (rosemary oil, 1-4 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. peppermint oil, geraniol) Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME 15-30 oz/acre 0 4 ? Foliar spray or soil drench. (azadirachtin) Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. Mantis EC (rosemary oil, 1-8 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. soybean oil, peppermint oil) Molt-X (azadirachtin) 8 oz/acre 0 4 ? Foliar spray or soil drench. PyGanic EC 1.4 II (pyrethrins) 16 fl oz/acre Until 12 2 Short residual activity may require multiple Dry applications. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. PyGanic EC 5.0 II (pyrethrins) 4.5-15.61 fl oz/acre 0 12 2 Short residual activity may require multiple applications. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.6.3 TARNISHED PLANT BUG (Lygus lineolaris) This pest causes “cat faced” or “button” berries. It damages the fruit by feeding on the flower buds. The berries in the immediate area stop developing. Little information is available on cultivar differences in susceptibility to tarnished plant bug, but early maturity is correlated with freedom from injury; later cultivars may suffer more damage. Also, highly productive cultivars appear to tolerate feeding damage better than less productive ones. Tarnished plant bug feeds on many crop and non-crop plants as they flower and fruit. Hence, weedy 35 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES fields can promote higher populations. Also, populations increase during the season (there are 2 to 3 generations each year). As such, day- neutral strawberries in late summer often experience high levels of tarnished plant bug damage. IPM fact sheet Tarnished Plant Bug. Tarnished Plant Bug Management Options Scouting/thresholds Anytime from just before the blossoms open until harvest, check for tarnished plant bug nymphs by striking the plant over a flat, low-sided, light-colored dish. Suggested action threshold: 0.5 nymphs per cluster, or 4 out of 15 clusters with 1 or more nymphs. Variety susceptibility ‘Honeoye’ and other highly productive cultivars appear less susceptible to feeding injury. Early- flowering cultivars may be less susceptible to injury also. Day-neutral varieties are particularly vulnerable later in the season. Cultural management Row covers accelerate plant development and help avoid injury. Pressure is often highest in weedy fields or in fields bordered by woody shrubs. Delay mowing of adjacent legumes (clover, alfalfa) until after flowering and green fruit are present. Chemical treatment See below. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.6.3 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Tarnished Plant Bug Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 1 AzaGuard (azadirachtin) 10-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 1 Apply with OMRI approved spray oil. *AzaSol (azadirachtin) 6 oz/acre 0 4 1 For nymph treatment. Azera (azadirachtin, pyrethrins) 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 12 1 See container label for specific rates used. BioCeres WP (Beauveria 1-3 lb/acre 0 4 ? bassiana strain ANT-03) Cinnerate (cinnamon oil) 13-32 fl oz/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Conduct phytotoxicity water test prior application. DES-X (insecticidal soap) 2% solution solution 1/2 12 ? sprayed at 75-200 gallons/acre Ecotrol Plus (rosemary oil, 1-4 pts/acre 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. peppermint oil, geraniol) Ecoworks EC (cold pressed 1-4 pt/acre 0 4 ? neem oil) Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME 15-30 oz/acre 0 4 1 (azadirachtin) Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. Grandevo CG 3-4.25 Tbsp/1000 sq 0 4 ? (Chromobacterium subtsugae ft str. PRAA4-1) Grandevo WDG 2-3 lb/acre 0 4 ? (Chromobacterium subtsugae str. PRAA4-1) KOPA Insecticidal Soap 2 gal/100 gal water 1/2 12 ? See label for specific application (potassium salts of fatty acids) volumes. Molt-X (azadirachtin) 10 oz/acre 0 4 1 36 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.6.3 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Tarnished Plant Bug Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Mycotrol ESO (Beauvaria 0.25-1 qt/acre 0 4 2 bassiana) Neemix 4.5 (azadirachtin) 7-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 1 PFR-97 20% WDG (Isaria 1-2 lb/acre - 4 ? fumosorosea Apopka str. 97) PyGanic EC 1.4 II (pyrethrins) 16 fl oz/acre Until 12 ? Short residual activity may require Dry multiple applications. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. PyGanic EC 5.0 II (pyrethrins) 4.5-15.61 fl oz/acre 0 12 ? Short residual activity may require multiple applications. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. Venerate XC (Burkholderia spp. 2-4 qt/acre 0 4 ? Suppression only. In New York State, str A396) application is prohibited within 100 feet of any surface water. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.6.4 TWO-SPOTTED SPIDER MITE (Tetranychus urticae) In early spring, mites begin feeding on the undersides of new leaves, sometimes resulting in small yellow spots on the upper leaf surfaces. These symptoms do not occur in all cases, however, and are not seen later in the year. Brownish dry areas on the lower leaf surfaces are more characteristic of damage. Later, the entire lower leaf surface may become dry and brown, giving it a bronzed appearance. Heavily infested plants look dry and stunted, and their sparse new growth is yellowish and distorted. Damage is first seen and is most prevalent in dry areas of a field. Mild growing areas in New York (Hudson Valley and Long Island) experience problems with mites most frequently. Two-spotted Spider Mite Management Options Scouting/thresholds Five mites/leaf or 15 out of 60 mature (fully expanded) leaflets infested with 1 or more mites. Regular leaf monitoring is necessary for assessing population growth. Variety susceptibility No known resistant varieties. ‘Cabot’ has shown particular sensitivity. Cultural management Ensure plots are not overfertilized. Provide adequate irrigation. Cool, moist conditions are unfavorable to mites. Do not use other insecticides that kill predatory mites. Mow and incorporate leaves at renovation. Biological Control Species of predatory mites can be purchased from biological control supply companies and released into strawberry fields to provide some control of spider mites. Effectiveness has not been carefully assessed under NY conditions. Note that predatory mites should be released before significant feeding damage is observed. Neoseiulus californicus and Amblysyeius fallacis are two predatory mite species used in strawberries for biological control of two-spotted spider mite. Chemical treatment Chemical control of spider mites is often not completely effective because of their high mobility, tendency to reside on the underside of leaves where it is difficult to reach with miticides, high reproductive rate, and resistance to some pesticides. Good coverage of the plants, particularly the undersides of the leaves, is critical for adequate protection. Use adequate water (200 - 300 gal/A) for maximum effectiveness of the miticide. Repeat at 7- to 10-day intervals as necessary unless otherwise noted on label. Soap sprays may provide some control but excellent coverage is essential, especially on lower leaf surfaces. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. 37 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.6.4 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Two-spotted Spider Mite Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Acoidal (sulfur) 5-10 lb/acre - 24 1 Do not use on sulfur sensitive varieties. Auron DF (sulfur) 5-10 lb/acre - 24 ? Not recommended within 2 weeks of an oil application nor if temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees during or within 3 days following application. Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 1 AzaGuard (azadirachtin) 10-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 1 Apply with OMRI approved spray oil. Azera (azadirachtin, pyrethrins) 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 12 1 See container label for specific rates used. BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant 0.5-4 qt/acre 1/2 - ? 25(b) pesticide. (garlic juice) Captiva Prime (garlic oil, 1-2 pt/acre 0 4 ? capsicum oleoresin extract, canola oil) Cinnerate (cinnamon oil) 13-32 fl oz/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Conduct phytotoxicity test water prior application. Damoil (mineral oil) 0.75-1.5 gal/100 gal - 4 ? water Defend DF (sulfur) 5-10 lb/acre - 24 1 Do not use on sulfur sensitive varieties. DES-X (insecticidal soap) 2% solution solution 1/2 12 ? sprayed at 75-200 gallons/acre Drexel Suffa (sulfur) 0.6-1.6 gal/acre UDH 24 ? Do not apply when temperatures exceed or are likely to exceed 90°F. Do not use sulfur with oil or within 14 days of an oil spray. Ecotec Plus (rosemary oil, 1-4 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. peppermint oil, geraniol) Ecotrol Plus (rosemary oil, 1-4 pts/acre 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. peppermint oil, geraniol) Ecoworks EC (cold pressed 1-4 pt/acre 0 4 ? neem oil) Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. GC-Mite (garlic oil, clove oil, 1 gal / 100 gal spray - - 1 25(b) pesticide. Conduct compatibility test cottonseed oil) water prior to application. Glacial Spray Fluid (mineral oil) 0.75 gal/ 100 gal UDH 4 1 See label for specific application volumes and equipment. Grandevo WDG 2-3 lb/acre 0 4 ? (Chromobacterium subtsugae str. PRAA4-1) JMS Stylet-Oil (mineral oil) 3 qt/100 gal water 0 4 1 Apply for optimum coverage of leaf surfaces. Use high pressure, small droplet size, and adequate gallonage to ensure good coverage. Can cause phytotoxicity if applied too close to a sulfur application. KOPA Insecticidal Soap 2 gal/100 gal water 1/2 12 ? See label for specific application (potassium salts of fatty acids) volumes. Mantis EC (rosemary oil, 1-8 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. soybean oil, peppermint oil) 38 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.6.4 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Two-spotted Spider Mite Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Microthiol Disperss (sulfur) 5-10 lb/acre - 24 ? Not recommended within 2 weeks of an oil application nor if temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees within 3 days following the application. M-Pede (insecticidal soap) 1-2% vol/vol solution 0 12 1 Works by contact. Good coverage is important. Mycotrol ESO (Beauvaria 0.25-1 qt/acre 0 4 ? bassiana) Nuke Em (citric acid) 1 fl oz/32 fl oz water. 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Use the normal strength Normal strength. mix first. See label for stronger dilutions if needed. Oleotrol-I Bio-Insecticide 43-45 fl oz/100 gal - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Concentrate (soybean oil) water Omni Supreme Spray (mineral 1-2% vol/vol - 12 1 See label for specific precautions. Applied in oil) 60 gallons of water/acre when using air- assisted, low-volume ground application equipment or 200 gallons of water/acre with standard ground spray equipment. PFR-97 20% WDG (Isaria 1-2 lb/acre - 4 ? fumosorosea Apopka str. 97) PureSpray Green (white 0.75-1.5 gal/100 gal UDH 4 1 Spray at no less than 400 PSI using ceramic mineral oil) water nozzles. Use 100-200 gal/acre to ensure thorough coverage. PyGanic EC 1.4 II (pyrethrins) 16 fl oz/acre Until 12 ? Short residual activity may require multiple Dry applications. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. PyGanic EC 5.0 II (pyrethrins) 4.5-15.61 fl oz/acre 0 12 ? Short residual activity may require multiple applications. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. Sil-Matrix (potassium silicate) 0.5-1% solution. 0 4 ? Mix 2-4 qts in 100 gallons of water and apply at 20 gallons finished spray/acre. SuffOil-X (mineral oil) 1-2 gal/100 gal water UDH 4 1 Do not mix with sulfur products. TetraCURB Max (rosemary oil, 32 fl oz/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. clove oil, peppermint oil, castor preventative oil) TetraCURB Max (rosemary oil, 64-128 fl oz/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. clove oil, peppermint oil, castor water oil) moderate/heavy infestation Trilogy (neem oil) 1-2% solution UDH 4 ? Maximum labeled use of 2 gal/acre/application. TriTek (mineral oil) 1-2 gal/100 gal water UDH 4 1 Apply as needed. Ultra-Pure Oil (mineral oil) 0.75 gal/100 gal UDH 4 ? Do not apply micronized sulfur within 10 water/acre days of an oil application and do not apply oil within 14 days of an application of wettable or dusting sulfur. Do not use this material if it does not emulsify. Venerate XC (Burkholderia spp. 2-4 qt/acre 0 4 ? Suppression only. In New York State, str A396) application is prohibited within 100 feet of any surface water. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 39 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES 7.6.5 SPOTTED-WING DROSOPHILA (Drosophila suzukii) Spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) is an invasive vinegar or fruit fly that was first detected in NY in 2011 and spread across NY in 2012. June-bearing strawberries and day neutral strawberries fruiting early in the growing season have thus far escaped injury from this pest in NY. There is however, potential for significant impact from this pest for day neutral strawberries, which continue fruiting when populations tend to increase. SWD appears to have the capability to survive winter conditions. However, populations at the start of the growing season tend to be quite low indicating high mortality over the winter. Adult flies are 2-3 mm in length, with red eyes and a tan- colored body with darker bands on the abdomen. Males have characteristic single spots at the leading edge of the tip of the wing and two dark spots on their front legs. Females lack wing spots and leg spots, but are distinguished by a saw-toothed ovipositor (visible under magnification). Larvae are white, nondescript and legless. Female SWD can lay eggs in ripening and marketable fruit. Monitoring can be important for managing this pest. Talk to your local extension educator about a monitoring program. Traps and baits are now commercially available. Or homemade traps and baits, based on a fermenting mixture of yeast, sugar, water, and whole wheat flour with an apple cider vinegar drowning solution can be constructed. See Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) Monitoring Traps for more information. Fruit should also be inspected for evidence of larval feeding (see below). Fruit destined for a processing market may be at risk of rejection due to presence of larvae. Home canning and processing may generate complaints from customers that notice SWD larvae. Maintain a good cold chain between harvest and sale. Display farm market fruit in a cooler — refrigeration (32° to 33° F) slows or stops SWD development in fruit. Regular fruit sampling will help identify problems in the field. Fruit can be inspected for evidence of larval feeding. Small pinholes in berries may leak juice when the berry is gently squeezed. Immersing fruit in a salt solution (1 Tbsp. table salt/cup water (14.8 cc/236.6 ml)) may cause larvae to float to surface. At least 100 fruit per block per harvest should be observed for infestation. For more information, consult the Spotted Wing Drosophila website on Cornell Fruit Resources. Spotted Wing Drosophila Management Options Scouting/thresholds Not specifically established but customer tolerance for infested fruit is likely to be very low. Variety susceptibility No known resistant varieties. Cultural management Canopy and water management will make the environment less favorable. Use adequate plant and row spacing at planting to maintain an open canopy, increase sunlight and reduce humidity. Similarly, at renovation, narrow June-bearing strawberry matted rows to an 8” to 10” width. These practices will make plantings less attractive to SWD and will improve spray coverage. Repair leaking drip lines and avoid overhead irrigation when possible. Allow the ground and mulch surfaces to dry before irrigating. Excellent sanitation will reduce SWD populations. Fruit should be harvested frequently and completely to prevent the buildup of ripe and over-ripe fruit. Unmarketable fruit should be removed from the field and either frozen, "baked" in clear plastic bags placed in the sun, or disposed of in bags off-site. This will kill larvae, remove them from your crop, and prevent them from emerging as adults. Cool berries immediately. Chilling berries immediately after harvest to 32°-33°F will slow or stop the development of larvae and eggs in the fruit. U-Pick customers should be encouraged to follow this strategy to improve fruit quality at home. If the planting includes day neutral varieties; consider using insect exclusion netting on these to protect fruit; if establishing a new planting, focus on June-bearing varieties to minimize the need for SWD management. Chemical treatment A few insecticides have recently been granted 2(ee) label exemptions for control of SWD. SWD adults appear sensitive to several different chemistries, although their high reproductive rate, short generation time, and mobility may necessitate multiple applications for control. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.6.5 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Spotted Wing Drosophila Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 2 AzaGuard (azadirachtin) 10-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 2 Apply with OMRI approved spray oil. *AzaSol (azadirachtin) 6 oz/acre 0 4 2 Spray when larvae first appear. Azera (azadirachtin, pyrethrins) 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 12 2 See container label for specific rates used. 40 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.6.5 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Spotted Wing Drosophila Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant 0.5-4 qt/acre 1/2 - ? 25(b) pesticide. (garlic juice) Ecotec Plus (rosemary oil, 1-4 pt/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Target maggot stage peppermint oil, geraniol) water Ecoworks EC (cold pressed 1-4 pt/acre 0 4 ? neem oil) Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME 15-30 oz/acre 0 4 ? (azadirachtin) Entrust (spinosad) 1.25-2 oz/acre 1 4 1 2(ee) recommendation. User must have a copy of the recommendation in their possession at the time of application. Do not make more than 5 applications per calendar year. Do not make applications less than 5 days apart. Do not make more than 2 consecutive applications of Group 5 insecticides (spinetoram and spinosad). If additional treatments are required after 2 consecutive applications of Group 5 insecticides rotate to another class of effective insecticides for at least one application. Entrust SC (spinosad) 4-6 fl oz/acre 1 4 1 2(ee) recommendation. User must have a copy of the recommendation in their possession at the time of application. Do not make more than 5 applications per calendar year. Do not make applications less than 5 days apart. Do not make more than 2 consecutive applications of Group 5 insecticides (spinetoram and spinosad). If additional treatments are required after 2 consecutive applications of Group 5 insecticides rotate to another class of effective insecticides for at least one application. Grandevo CG 3-4.25 Tbsp/1000 0 4 2 (Chromobacterium subtsugae sq ft str. PRAA4-1) Grandevo WDG 2-3 lb/acre 0 4 2 Begin applications as soon as adult flies are (Chromobacterium subtsugae active and continue until adult activity is no str. PRAA4-1) longer present. Use in rotation with other products labeled for spotted wing drosophila. Mantis EC (rosemary oil, 1-8 pt/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Target maggot stage soybean oil, peppermint oil) water Molt-X (azadirachtin) 10 oz/acre 0 4 2 Neemix 4.5 (azadirachtin) 7-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 2 Larvae only. PyGanic EC 1.4 II (pyrethrins) 16 fl oz/acre Until 12 2 Short residual activity may require multiple Dry applications. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. PyGanic EC 5.0 II (pyrethrins) 4.5-15.61 fl 0 12 2 Short residual activity may require multiple oz/acre applications. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. Venerate XC (Burkholderia spp. 2-4 qt/acre 0 4 2 Suppression only. Use should be part of an str A396) integrated management program that includes tank-mixes and rotation with other products labeled for control of spotted wing drosophila. In New York State, application is prohibited within 100 feet of any surface water. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 41 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES 7.7 Minor and Sporadic Insect and Mite Pests Many insects found in strawberry plantings of New York, while having the capacity to cause economic damage, do not occur on a yearly basis at damaging levels and therefore are considered minor or sporadic pests. For these reasons it is important to be familiar with the life cycle of the pest to assist in developing a scouting program that will ensure a pest problem can be discovered and dealt with before it becomes an outbreak. And again, it is important to know when a potential pest is not causing significant economic damage so that unnecessary controls can be avoided. 7.7.1 BUD WEEVIL (CLIPPER) (Anthonomus signatus) Adults puncture blossom buds while feeding in the spring, deposit eggs in the nearly mature buds, and then girdle the bud so that it hangs by a mere thread or falls to the ground. Injury is most likely along edges of fields or when strawberries are grown next to woodlots or other sites suitable for adult hibernation. Frequent scouting for bud cutting is important in areas where weevil pressure is expected to be high. In the past, a treatment threshold of 1 cut bud per linear foot has been recommended. Research conducted in the last few years, however, suggests that plants can sustain many times this pressure without a measurable reduction in yield if clipping occurs on tertiary flower buds. The new threshold is more than one primary or secondary flower bud or more than two tertiary flower buds per truss, or more than one injured truss per foot of row. Mulches and full-canopy beds may encourage newly emerged adults to remain in the planting so that damage increases in succeeding years. Using cropping systems shorter than 3 years, plowing under all old beds immediately after final harvest, and removing foliage and mulch to reduce the suitability of overwintering sites help lessen the chances of clipper injury. IPM fact sheet Strawberry Bud Weevil (Clipper). At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.7.1 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Bud Weevil Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 ? Foliar spray or soil drench. *AzaSol (azadirachtin) 6 oz/acre 0 4 ? Foliar spray or soil drench. Azera (azadirachtin, pyrethrins) 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 12 ? See container label for specific rates used. BioCeres WP (Beauveria 1-3 lb/acre 0 4 ? bassiana strain ANT-03) BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant 0.5-4 qt/acre 1/2 - ? 25(b) pesticide. (garlic juice) Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME 15-30 oz/acre 0 4 ? (azadirachtin) Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. Molt-X (azadirachtin) 10 oz/acre 0 4 ? Plus 0.25 to 1.0% non-phytotoxic crop oil. PyGanic EC 1.4 II (pyrethrins) 16 fl oz/acre Until 12 ? Spraying should begin when the insects Dry first appear. Repeat as required. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. PyGanic EC 5.0 II (pyrethrins) 4.5-15.61 fl oz/acre 0 12 ? Short residual activity may require foliar spray multiple applications. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. Safer Brand #567 II 6.4 oz/gal water Until 12 ? (potassium laurate, pyrethrins) applied at 1 gal mix/ Dry 700 sq ft *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.7.2 SPITTLEBUG (Philaenus spumaris) White frothy masses on the stems and leaves around the time of bloom harbor the nymphs, which pierce the stems and suck plant juices. Their feeding, if extensive, can stunt the plants and reduce berry size. Leaves appear crinkled and darker green than undamaged leaves. The spittle masses are a great nuisance to pickers. Threshold is one mass per square ft of row. Good weed control may help to reduce numbers. Populations are usually largest in weedy fields. Only one generation is produced per year. The leaves recover after the insects leave. 42 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES IPM fact sheet Meadow Spittlebug. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.7.2 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Spittlebug Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 ? AzaGuard (azadirachtin) 10-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 ? Apply with OMRI approved spray oil. *AzaSol (azadirachtin) 6 oz/acre 0 4 ? For nymph treatment. Azera (azadirachtin, pyrethrins) 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 12 ? See container label for specific rates used. Captiva Prime (garlic oil, 1-2 pt/acre 0 4 ? capsicum oleoresin extract, canola oil) Ecoworks EC (cold pressed 1-4 pt/acre 0 4 ? neem oil) Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME 15-30 oz/acre 0 4 ? (azadirachtin) Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. KOPA Insecticidal Soap 2 gal/100 gal water 1/2 12 ? See label for specific application (potassium salts of fatty acids) volumes. Molt-X (azadirachtin) 10 oz/acre 0 4 ? TerraNeem EC (cold pressed 0.5-1.5% solution 0 4 ? See label for specific application volumes. neem oil) Do not apply sulfur or sulfur-containing products within 14 days of treatment. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.7.3 STRAWBERRY ROOTWORM (Paria fragaria-complex) Larvae (grubs) feed on roots in late spring to early summer. Adults feed on leaves in May and again in late July, at night. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.7.3 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Strawberry Rootworm Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 ? Foliar spray or soil drench. *AzaSol (azadirachtin) 6 oz/acre 0 4 ? Foliar spray or soil drench. Azera (azadirachtin, pyrethrins) 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 12 ? Foliar spray or soil drench. See container label for specific rates used. Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME 15-30 oz/acre 0 4 ? (azadirachtin) Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. Molt-X (azadirachtin) 8 oz/acre 0 4 ? Foliar spray or soil drench. Neemix 4.5 (azadirachtin) 7-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 ? PFR-97 20% WDG (Isaria 1-2 lb/acre - 4 ? Soil application. fumosorosea Apopka str. 97) 43 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.7.3 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Strawberry Rootworm Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments PyGanic EC 1.4 II (pyrethrins) 16 fl oz/acre Until 12 ? Spraying should begin when the insects first Dry appear. Repeat as required. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.7.4 GREENHOUSE WHITEFLY (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) Whiteflies are small, white insects that resemble flies but are actually more closely related to aphids. Whiteflies feed on young plants, causing stunting. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.7.4 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Greenhouse Whitefly Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 ? AzaGuard (azadirachtin) 8-21 fl oz/acre 0 4 ? Apply with OMRI approved spray oil. *AzaSol (azadirachtin) 6 oz/acre 0 4 ? Azera (azadirachtin, pyrethrins) 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 12 ? See container label for specific rates used. BioCeres WP (Beauveria 1-3 lb/acre 0 4 ? bassiana strain ANT-03) BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant 0.5-4 qt/acre 1/2 - ? 25(b) pesticide. (garlic juice) BioRepel (garlic oil) 1 part BioRepel to - - ? 25(b) pesticide. 100 parts water Captiva Prime (garlic oil, 1-2 pt/acre 0 4 ? capsicum oleoresin extract, canola oil) Cinnerate (cinnamon oil) 13-32 fl oz/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Conduct phytotoxicity water test prior application. Ecotrol Plus (rosemary oil, 1-4 pts/acre 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. peppermint oil, geraniol) Ecoworks EC (cold pressed 1-4 pt/acre 0 4 ? neem oil) Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME 15-30 oz/acre 0 4 ? (azadirachtin) Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. Grandevo WDG 2-3 lb/acre 0 4 ? (Chromobacterium subtsugae str. PRAA4-1) Mantis EC (rosemary oil, 1-8 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. soybean oil, peppermint oil) Molt-X (azadirachtin) 8 oz/acre 0 4 ? Plus 0.25 to 1.0% non-phytotoxic crop oil. M-Pede (insecticidal soap) 1-2% vol/vol solution 0 12 ? Works by contact. Good coverage is important. Use in combination with another pesticide for enhanced and residual effect. 44 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.7.4 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Greenhouse Whitefly Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Mycotrol ESO (Beauvaria 0.25-1 qt/acre 0 4 ? Begin treatment when insects first bassiana) appear; typically a 7-10 day interval occurs before control is seen. Neemix 4.5 (azadirachtin) 4-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 ? Rate and frequency of application vary based on pest pressure. See label for guidance. Nuke Em (citric acid) 1 fl oz/32 fl oz water. 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Use the normal strength Normal strength. mix first. See label for stronger dilutions if needed. Oleotrol-I Bio-Insecticide 43-45 fl oz/100 gal - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Concentrate (soybean oil) water PFR-97 20% WDG (Isaria 1-2 lb/acre - 4 ? fumosorosea Apopka str. 97) PureSpray Green (white 0.75-1.5 gal/100 gal UDH 4 ? Spray at no less than 400 PSI using mineral oil) water ceramic nozzles. Use 100-200 gal/acre to ensure thorough coverage. PyGanic EC 1.4 II (pyrethrins) 16 fl oz/acre Until 12 ? Spraying should begin when the insects Dry first appear. Repeat as required. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. PyGanic EC 5.0 II (pyrethrins) 4.5-15.61 fl oz/acre 0 12 ? Spraying should begin when the insects first appear. Repeat as required. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. Sil-Matrix (potassium silicate) 0.5-1% solution. 0 4 ? Mix 2-4 qts in 100 gallons of water and apply at 20 gallons finished spray/acre. SuffOil-X (mineral oil) 1-2 gal/100 gal water UDH 4 ? Can cause phytotoxicity if applied too close to a sulfur application. TerraNeem EC (cold pressed 0.5-1.5% solution 0 4 ? See label for specific application neem oil) volumes. Do not apply sulfur or sulfur- containing products within 14 days of treatment. TetraCURB Max (rosemary oil, 32 fl oz/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide clove oil, peppermint oil, castor preventative oil) TetraCURB Max (rosemary oil, 64-128 fl oz/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide clove oil, peppermint oil, castor water oil) moderate/heavy infestation Trilogy (neem oil) 1-2% solution UDH 4 ? Maximum labeled use of 2 gal/acre/application. Apply in sufficient water to achieve complete coverage. Provides suppression only. TriTek (mineral oil) 1-2 gal/100 gal water UDH 4 ? Apply as needed. Venerate XC (Burkholderia spp. 2-4 qt/acre 0 4 ? Suppression only. In New York State, str A396) application is prohibited within 100 feet of any surface water. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.7.5 CYCLAMEN MITE (Stenotarsonemus pallidus) This tiny (one one-hundredth-inch) mite is pinkish orange and shiny when mature. Its translucent eggs are often so abundant that they appear as a white mass along the mid-veins of folded, newly emerging leaves. The mites feed on the young leaves in plant crowns; when the leaves emerge, they are stunted, crinkled, and malformed. Blossom feeding later results in misshapen fruit. The mites are most troublesome in strawberry beds that are kept for long periods, although in some cases young plantings will have them. They increase in number during 45 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES bloom and peak during fruit development. Avoid infested planting stock. ‘Cabot’ is particularly susceptible. Insectary-reared predatory mites may provide some control of cyclamen mites. Neoseiulus fallacis and N. cucueris have been found to provide some control by researchers. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.7.5 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Cyclamen Mite Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 1 BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant 0.5-4 qt/acre 1/2 - ? 25(b) pesticide. (garlic juice) Cinnerate (cinnamon oil) 13-32 fl oz/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Conduct phytotoxicity test water prior application. Damoil (mineral oil) 0.75-1.5 gal/100 gal - 4 ? water Ecotec Plus (rosemary oil, 1-4 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. peppermint oil, geraniol) Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. GC-Mite (garlic oil, clove oil, 1 gal / 100 gal spray - - 1 25(b) pesticide. Conduct compatibility test cottonseed oil) water prior to application. Grandevo WDG 2-3 lb/acre 0 4 ? (Chromobacterium subtsugae str. PRAA4-1) JMS Stylet-Oil (mineral oil) 3 qt/100 gal water 0 4 2 Apply for optimum coverage of leaf surfaces. Use high pressure, small droplet size, and adequate gallonage to ensure good coverage. Can cause phytotoxicity if applied too close to a sulfur application. KOPA Insecticidal Soap 2 gal/100 gal water 1/2 12 ? See label for specific application (potassium salts of fatty acids) volumes. Mantis EC (rosemary oil, 1-8 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. soybean oil, peppermint oil) Nuke Em (citric acid) 1 fl oz/32 fl oz water. 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Use the normal strength Normal strength. mix first. See label for stronger dilutions if needed. Oleotrol-I Bio-Insecticide 43-45 fl oz/100 gal - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Concentrate (soybean oil) water PureSpray Green (white 0.75-1.5 gal/100 gal UDH 4 1 Spray at no less than 400 PSI using ceramic mineral oil) water nozzles. Use 100-200 gal/acre to ensure thorough coverage. PyGanic EC 1.4 II (pyrethrins) 16 fl oz/acre Until 12 ? Short residual activity may require multiple Dry applications. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. PyGanic EC 5.0 II (pyrethrins) 4.5-15.61 fl oz/acre 0 12 ? Short residual activity may require multiple applications. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. Sil-Matrix (potassium silicate) 0.5-1% solution. 0 4 ? Mix 2-4 qts in 100 gallons of water and apply at 20 gallons finished spray/acre. SuffOil-X (mineral oil) 1-2 gal/100 gal water UDH 4 1 Can cause phytotoxicity if applied too close to a sulfur application. TetraCURB Max (rosemary oil, 32 fl oz/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide clove oil, peppermint oil, castor preventative oil) 46 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.7.5 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Cyclamen Mite Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments TetraCURB Max (rosemary oil, 64-128 fl oz/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide clove oil, peppermint oil, castor water oil) moderate/heavy infestation Trilogy (neem oil) 1-2% solution UDH 4 ? Maximum labeled use of 2 gal/acre/application. TriTek (mineral oil) 1-2 gal/100 gal water UDH 4 1 Apply as needed. Ultra-Pure Oil (mineral oil) 0.75 gal/100 gal UDH 4 ? Do not apply micronized sulfur within 10 water/acre days of an oil application and do not apply oil within 14 days of an application of wettable or dusting sulfur. Do not use this material if it does not emulsify. Venerate XC (Burkholderia spp. 2-4 qt/acre 0 4 ? Suppression only. In New York State, str A396) application is prohibited within 100 feet of any surface water. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.7.6 LEAFROLLER (various species) Several species of moth larvae roll or fold strawberry leaves with silk. Leaf injury can be seen throughout the season, but an extremely large population is required before noticeable crop damage occurs. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.7.6 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Leafrollers Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 ? AzaGuard (azadirachtin) 8-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 ? Apply with OMRI approved spray oil. *AzaSol (azadirachtin) 6 oz/acre 0 4 ? Azera (azadirachtin, pyrethrins) 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 12 ? See label for specific leafroller species controlled. See container label for specific rates used. Biobit HP (Bacillus 0.5-1 lb/acre 0 4 1 See label for specific leafroller species thuringiensis, var. kurstaki) controlled. BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant 0.5-4 qt/acre 1/2 - ? 25(b) pesticide. (garlic juice) Bioprotec Plus (Bacillus 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 1 See label for specific leafroller species thuringinensis subsp. Kurstaki) controlled. Target small caterpillars BT NOW (Bacillus thuringinensis 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 4 1 See label for specific leafroller species subsp. Kurstaki) controlled. Deliver (Bacillus thuringiensis, 0.25-1.5 lb/acre 0 4 1 See label for specific leafroller species var. kurstaki) controlled. Dipel DF (Bacillus 0.5-2 lb/acre 0 4 1 See label for specific leafroller species thuringinensis subsp. Kurstaki) controlled. Ecotec Plus (rosemary oil, 1-4 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Target small caterpillars peppermint oil, geraniol) Ecoworks EC (cold pressed 1-4 pt/acre 0 4 ? neem oil) 47 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.7.6 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Leafrollers Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME 15-30 oz/acre 0 4 ? (azadirachtin) Entrust (spinosad) 1.25-2 oz/acre 1 4 1 Treat when pests appear, targeting eggs at hatch or small larvae. Entrust SC (spinosad) 4-6 fl oz/acre 1 4 1 Treat when pests appear, targeting eggs at hatch or small larvae. Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. Grandevo CG 1.5-4.25 Tbsp/1000 0 4 ? (Chromobacterium subtsugae sq ft str. PRAA4-1) Grandevo WDG 1-3 lb/acre 0 4 ? (Chromobacterium subtsugae str. PRAA4-1) Javelin WG (Bacillus 0.25-1.5 lb/acre 0 4 1 See label for specific leafroller species thuringiensis, var. kurstaki) controlled. Mantis EC (rosemary oil, 1-8 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Target small caterpillars soybean oil, peppermint oil) Molt-X (azadirachtin) 8 oz/acre 0 4 ? Plus 0.25 to 1.0% non-phytotoxic crop oil. Neemix 4.5 (azadirachtin) 7-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 ? PyGanic EC 1.4 II (pyrethrins) 16 fl oz/acre Until 12 ? Spraying should begin when the insects first Dry appear. Repeat as required. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. PyGanic EC 5.0 II (pyrethrins) 4.5-15.61 fl oz/acre 0 12 ? Spraying should begin when the insects first appear. Repeat as required. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. Venerate XC (Burkholderia spp. 1-4 qt/acre 0 4 ? In New York State, application is prohibited str A396) within 100 feet of any surface water. XenTari (Bacillus thuringiensis, 0.5-1.5 lb/acre 0 4 1 See label for specific leafroller species var. aizawai) controlled. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.7.7 APHIDS (various species) These soft-bodied insects usually occur on new shoots and buds in the crown of the plant and along the veins on the undersides of the leaves. When present in large numbers, they weaken the plant. Their honeydew promotes the growth of a black sooty mold, which makes the fruit and leaves sticky, hindering harvest and reducing marketability. More important, aphids are vectors for several serious virus diseases. Aphid populations often are controlled by natural enemies and do not require insecticide control. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.7.7 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Aphids Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 1 AzaGuard (azadirachtin) 10-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 1 Apply with OMRI approved spray oil. See label for aphid species. *AzaSol (azadirachtin) 6 oz/acre 0 4 1 Azera (azadirachtin, pyrethrins) 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 12 1 See container label for specific rates used. 48 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.7.7 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Aphids Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments BioCeres WP (Beauveria 1-3 lb/acre 0 4 ? bassiana strain ANT-03) BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant 0.5-4 qt/acre 1/2 - ? 25(b) pesticide. (garlic juice) BioRepel (garlic oil) 1 part BioRepel to - - ? 25(b) pesticide. 100 parts water Cinnerate (cinnamon oil) 13-32 fl oz/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Conduct phytotoxicity test water prior application. Damoil (mineral oil) 0.75-1.5 gal/100 gal - 4 ? water DEsect CROP (silicon dioxide) 1 lb/1000 sq ft - 12 ? DES-X (insecticidal soap) 2% solution solution 1/2 12 ? sprayed at 75-200 gallons/acre Ecotec Plus (rosemary oil, 1-4 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. peppermint oil, geraniol) Ecotrol Plus (rosemary oil, 1-4 pts/acre 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. peppermint oil, geraniol) Ecoworks EC (cold pressed 1-4 pt/acre 0 4 ? See label for aphid species. neem oil) Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME 15-30 oz/acre 0 4 1 (azadirachtin) Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. GC-Mite (garlic oil, clove oil, 1 gal / 100 gal spray - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Conduct compatibility test cottonseed oil) water prior to application. Grandevo CG 3-4.25 Tbsp/1000 sq 0 4 ? (Chromobacterium subtsugae ft str. PRAA4-1) Grandevo WDG 2-3 lb/acre 0 4 ? (Chromobacterium subtsugae str. PRAA4-1) KOPA Insecticidal Soap 2 gal/100 gal water 1/2 12 ? See label for specific application (potassium salts of fatty acids) volumes. Mantis EC (rosemary oil, 1-8 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. soybean oil, peppermint oil) Molt-X (azadirachtin) 10 oz/acre 0 4 1 Plus 0.25 to 1.0% non-phytotoxic crop oil. M-Pede (insecticidal soap) 1-2% vol/vol solution 0 12 1 Works by contact. Good coverage is important. Mycotrol ESO (Beauvaria 0.25-1 qt/acre 0 4 ? See label for aphid species. bassiana) Neemix 4.5 (azadirachtin) 5-7 fl oz/acre 0 4 1 Nuke Em (citric acid) 1 fl oz/32 fl oz water. 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Use the normal strength Normal strength. mix first. See label for stronger dilutions if needed. Oleotrol-I Bio-Insecticide 43-45 fl oz/100 gal - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Concentrate (soybean oil) water PFR-97 20% WDG (Isaria 1-2 lb/acre - 4 ? fumosorosea Apopka str. 97) 49 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.7.7 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Aphids Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments PureSpray Green (white 0.75-1.5 gal/100 gal UDH 4 1 Spray at no less than 400 PSI using ceramic mineral oil) water nozzles. Use 100-200 gal/acre to ensure thorough coverage. PyGanic EC 1.4 II (pyrethrins) 16 fl oz/acre Until 12 2 Spraying should begin when the insects first Dry appear. Repeat as required. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. PyGanic EC 5.0 II (pyrethrins) 4.5-15.61 fl oz/acre 0 12 2 Spraying should begin when the insects first appear. Repeat as required. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. Safer Brand #567 II 6.4 oz/gal water Until 12 ? (potassium laurate, pyrethrins) applied at 1 gal mix/ Dry 700 sq ft SuffOil-X (mineral oil) 1-2 gal/100 gal water UDH 4 1 Can cause phytotoxicity if applied too close to a sulfur application. TerraNeem EC (cold pressed 0.5-1.5% solution 0 4 ? See label for specific application volumes. neem oil) Do not apply sulfur or sulfur-containing products within 14 days of treatment. TetraCURB Max (rosemary oil, 32 fl oz/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide clove oil, peppermint oil, castor preventative oil) TetraCURB Max (rosemary oil, 64-128 fl oz/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide clove oil, peppermint oil, castor water oil) moderate/heavy infestation Trilogy (neem oil) 1-2% solution UDH 4 ? Maximum labeled use of 2 gal/acre/application. Apply in sufficient water to achieve complete coverage. TriTek (mineral oil) 1-2 gal/100 gal water UDH 4 1 Apply as needed. Venerate XC (Burkholderia spp. 2-4 qt/acre 0 4 ? Suppression only. In New York State, str A396) application is prohibited within 100 feet of any surface water. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.7.8 POTATO LEAFHOPPER (Empoasca fabae) Adults migrate into New York State in early to mid-June, carried by summer weather fronts. The adults and nymphs feed along the veins on the undersides of leaves by sucking plant juices, and in the process, inject a toxic substance with their saliva. Affected plants have short petioles and small distorted leaves that bend down at right angles. Leaf yellowing is also seen, starting at the margins and progressing toward the mid-vein (‘hopper burn’). Avoid proximity to alfalfa plantings, which provide a major source of potato leafhopper population build-up. Delay mowing of adjacent legumes (clover, alfalfa) until after flowering and green fruit are present. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.7.8 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Potato Leafhopper Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 1 AzaGuard (azadirachtin) 10-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 1 Apply with OMRI approved spray oil. Azera (azadirachtin, pyrethrins) 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 12 1 See container label for specific rates used. BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant 0.5-4 qt/acre 1/2 - ? 25(b) pesticide. (garlic juice) 50 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.7.8 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Potato Leafhopper Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments BioRepel (garlic oil) 1 part BioRepel to - - ? 25(b) pesticide. 100 parts water Captiva Prime (garlic oil, 1-2 pt/acre 0 4 ? capsicum oleoresin extract, canola oil) Cinnerate (cinnamon oil) 13-32 fl oz/100 gal 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. Conduct phytotoxicity test water prior application. DES-X (insecticidal soap) 2% solution solution 1/2 12 ? sprayed at 75-200 gallons/acre Ecotec Plus (rosemary oil, 1-4 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. peppermint oil, geraniol) Ecotrol Plus (rosemary oil, 1-4 pts/acre 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. peppermint oil, geraniol) Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME 15-30 oz/acre 0 4 1 (azadirachtin) Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. KOPA Insecticidal Soap 2 gal/100 gal water 1/2 12 ? See label for specific application volumes. (potassium salts of fatty acids) Molt-X (azadirachtin) 10 oz/acre 0 4 1 Plus 0.25 to 1.0% non-phytotoxic crop oil. M-Pede (insecticidal soap) 1-2% vol/vol solution 0 12 2 Works by contact. Good coverage is important. Mycotrol ESO (Beauvaria 0.25-1 qt/acre 0 4 ? bassiana) Neemix 4.5 (azadirachtin) 7-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 1 PyGanic EC 1.4 II (pyrethrins) 16 fl oz/acre Until 12 1 Spraying should begin when the insects first Dry appear. Repeat as required. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. PyGanic EC 5.0 II (pyrethrins) 4.5-15.61 fl oz/acre 0 12 1 Spraying should begin when the insects first appear. Repeat as required. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. Safer Brand #567 II 6.4 oz/gal water Until 12 2 (potassium laurate, pyrethrins) applied at 1 gal mix/ Dry 700 sq ft TerraNeem EC (cold pressed 0.5-1.5% solution 0 4 ? See label for specific application volumes. neem oil) Do not apply sulfur or sulfur-containing products within 14 days of treatment. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.7.9 JAPANESE BEETLE (Popillia japonica) Beetles emerge in early July and feed on leaves. Although there are Japanese beetle traps, research has shown that the traps may attract more beetles into a planting than they eliminate in the traps. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.7.9 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Japanese Beetle Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) 1-2 pts/acre 0 4 2 51 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 7.7.9 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Japanese Beetle Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments AzaGuard (azadirachtin) 8-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 2 Apply with OMRI approved spray oil. *AzaSol (azadirachtin) 6 fl oz/acre 0 4 2 Spray when larvae first appear. Azera (azadirachtin, pyrethrins) 1-3.5 pts/acre 0 12 2 See container label for specific rates used. BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant 0.5-4 qt/acre 1/2 - ? 25(b) pesticide. (garlic juice) DEsect CROP (silicon dioxide) 1 lb/1000 sq ft - 12 ? Ecotec Plus (rosemary oil, 1-4 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. peppermint oil, geraniol) Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME 15-30 oz/acre 0 4 2 (azadirachtin) Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. Grandevo CG 3-4.25 Tbsp/1000 sq 0 4 ? Suppression only. (Chromobacterium subtsugae ft str. PRAA4-1) Grandevo WDG 2-3 lb/acre 0 4 ? Suppression only. (Chromobacterium subtsugae str. PRAA4-1) Mantis EC (rosemary oil, 1-8 pt/100 gal water 0 - ? 25(b) pesticide. soybean oil, peppermint oil) Molt-X (azadirachtin) 8 oz/acre 0 4 2 Plus 0.25 to 1.0% non-phytotoxic crop oil. Neemix 4.5 (azadirachtin) 7-16 fl oz/acre 0 4 2 PFR-97 20% WDG (Isaria 1-2 lb/acre soil - 4 ? fumosorosea Apopka str. 97) treatment PyGanic EC 1.4 II (pyrethrins) 16 fl oz/acre Until 12 2 Spraying should begin when the insects first Dry appear. Repeat as required. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. Target grubs. PyGanic EC 5.0 II (pyrethrins) 4.5-15.61 fl oz/acre 0 12 2 Spraying should begin when the insects first appear. Repeat as required. Caution: do not use when bees are active in the planting. Target grubs. Safer Brand #567 II 6.4 oz /gal water Until 12 ? (potassium laurate, pyrethrins) applied at 1 gal mix/ Dry 700 sq ft TerraNeem EC (cold pressed 0.5-1.5% solution 0 4 ? See label for specific application volumes. neem oil) Do not apply sulfur or sulfur-containing products within 14 days of treatment. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.8 Slug Management (various species) These soft-bodied mollusks resemble snails without a shell. Slugs feed on ripening fruit, leaving holes in the berries. They are most active at night and during cool, wet weather. Populations are greatest when the weather is damp and the planting is mulched. Translucent silver to whitish slime trails are visible on damaged plant parts. IPM fact sheet Banded Slug. IPM fact sheet Gray Garden Slug. IPM fact sheet Marsh Slug. IPM fact sheet Spotted Garden Slug. Slug Management Options Scouting/thresholds None established. 52 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Slug Management Options Variety No known resistant varieties. susceptibility Cultural Eliminating mulch will reduce slug populations, but will cause other problems, so this is not management recommended. Good sanitation and weed control help to reduce slug populations. In areas where slugs are a problem, avoid perennial clovers as cover crops and rotate out of alfalfa or other perennial legumes 1 year prior to planting establishment. Overhead irrigation creates conditions especially favorable to slugs. If overhead irrigation must be used, irrigate during morning hours to allow foliage to dry before evening. Chemical treatment See below. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State for managing this pest and were allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 7.8.1 Pesticides Labeled for Management of Slugs Trade Name (active PHI REI ingredient) Product Rate (Days) (Hours) Efficacy1 Comments BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant 0.5-4 qt/acre 1/2 - ? 25(b) pesticide. (garlic juice) Bug-N-Sluggo (spinosad, iron 20-44 lb/acre soil 1 4 1 Spread bait around perimeter to intercept phosphate) treatment slugs and/or snails migrating towards plots. If slugs and/or snails are already in plots, carefully spread bait between the furrows near the base of plants. Do not make more than 5 applications per calendar year; do not make applications less than 5 days apart. Do not apply more than 0.45 lb AI spinosad (including foliar uses) per acre per crop. DEsect CROP (silicon dioxide) 1 lb/1000 sq ft - 12 ? Garlic Barrier AG+ (garlic juice) 1 gal/99 gal water - - ? 25(b) pesticide. Repellent. Sluggo Slug and Snail Bait (iron 20-44 lb/acre soil 0 0 1 Spread bait around perimeter to intercept phosphate) treatment slug migrating towards plots. If slugs are already in plots, carefully spread bait between the furrows near the base of plants. Do not apply over the entire areas but apply selectively. Apply higher rates if the infestation is severe or if the area is heavily watered or after long periods of heavy rain. Reapply as bait is consumed or at least every 2 weeks. Do not place in piles. Soil should be moist with little or no standing water. If the ground is dry, wet before applying bait. Note: For terrestrial use only- do not apply directly to water or areas where surface water is present or to intertidal areas below the mean high water mark. Do not contaminate water when cleaning equipment or disposing of equipment wastes. *Restricted-use pesticide. 1Efficacy: 1-effective in some research studies, 2-inconsistent efficacy results, 3-not effective, ?-efficacy unknown or no data found. PHI - pre-harvest interval, REI – restricted entry interval, - = pre-harvest interval isn't specified on label, UDH = up to day of harvest. 7.9 Wildlife Management Various rodents can damage a strawberry planting, especially as they feed under mulch in the winter. Closely mowing the area around the planting in early November will reduce the habitat for voles and mice. The habitats (woodlots) of predators that feed on rodents (hawks, owls, foxes) should be protected around the area. It is possible to trap and remove voles from plantings with inexpensive snap-back mouse traps, but numbers will eventually rebound if there are suitable habitats adjacent to the planting. It is best to reduce vole habitat with regular mowing between rows. 53 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Deer browsing can devastate berry plantings. Multiple strategies are required to discourage deer from feeding on berry plantings. Refer to Reducing Deer Damage to Home Gardens and Landscape Plantings by P. Curtis and M. Richmond for recommended methods. Fencing is the best way to keep deer and other mammals out of berry plantings. Some deer repellents are registered for use on fruit crops during the non- bearing season. Deer Damage Permits (DDPs; for taking deer outside of hunting season), or Deer Management Assistance Program Permits (DMAPs; taking deer during open hunting seasons) for shooting of deer causing substantial damage may be available to reduce the population in some areas. Contact your regional Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife office for technical advice and a permit application. When using dogs and invisible fence to manage vertebrate pests in a planting, there is food safety risk associated with the dog excrement. If the dog consistently excretes in an area away from the field, or keeps other vertebrate animals from using the field, the food safety risk is somewhat reduced. Using dogs primarily in the winter and early spring when deer browsing is greatest (and avoiding use during harvest) will also minimize food safety risk. Table 7.9.1. Vertebrate Damage Mitigation Practices Animal Pest Management Practices1 Mice and voles Removal of dropped fruit; habitat manipulations including elimination of unmowable areas surrounding plantings; monitor to determine the need for management. Mow closely in late fall around the planting and apply winter mulch only after mowing. Population control through trapping by landowner. Raccoons Avoid sites with woods along the edge(s) because these will support raccoon populations. Electrified exclusion fencing. Population reduction through shooting by licensed hunters or landowners in appropriate seasons; through trapping by landowner, by licensed trapper, or by licensed nuisance wildlife control operator. Red and gray Tend to chew on irrigation lines. Manipulation including elimination of protective cover around foxes plantings. Population reduction through shooting by licensed hunters or landowners in appropriate seasons; through trapping by landowner, by licensed trapper, or by licensed nuisance wildlife control operator. White-tailed deer Exclusion fencing (8 ft. [250 cm] high-tensile woven wire or 5 to 6 ft. [150 to 200 cm] electric exclusion fencing; peanut-butter baited electric fences; invisible fencing with dogs); habitat manipulation including elimination of protective cover around plantings. Population reduction through shooting by licensed hunters, landowners or their agents with DMAP or Deer Damage Permits. Unlike with other vertebrate pests, landowners cannot kill nuisance deer without a permit. Woodchucks Exclusion fencing (electrified exclusion fencing); habitat manipulation including removal of brush piles. Population reduction through shooting by licensed hunters or landowners; through trapping by landowner or by licensed nuisance wildlife control operator. 1 Conduct shooting and trapping only as defined by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulations. Shooting for nuisance wildlife control is allowed only when neighboring occupied buildings are >500 ft. distant; shooting when neighboring buildings are less than 500 ft. distant requires neighbor permission. Shooting also may require a permit, depending on animal and season. Also check local ordinances, as shooting and trapping are prohibited in some areas. Note: It is illegal to trap a nuisance animal and release it onto public lands or someone else’s property. It must be released on the landowner’s property or killed. 7.10 Considerations During Harvest and Renovation During harvest operations some pests can become a nuisance, e.g. wasps and yellow jackets, particularly in U-pick operations. Wasp and yellow jacket nests can be destroyed during the growing season as they are found in the planting and surrounding areas. Some species are ground-nesting and such nests can be destroyed by drenching with hot water. Traps baited with sugary liquids, such as Hi-C, provide a means of reducing the population of wasps and yellow jackets, but the effectiveness of this tactic on a large scale is unknown. For more information see Wasp and Bee Management, A Common Sense Approach (2011) by Jody Gangloff-Kaufman. During harvest much can be done to reduce disease and insect pressure by eliminating infested and infected fruit from the planting. Separate damaged fruit from healthy fruit as it is being picked. Designate pickers to cull such fruit from the field at harvest time. Then bury or burn the diseased and infested fruit. This is helpful to combat gray mold, leather rot and anthracnose (through the removal of overripe and infected fruit), spotted wing drosophila, strawberry sap beetle (through the removal of overripe or infested fruit), and slugs (through the removal of overripe and dropped fruit). Cooling fruit to close to 32°F as soon as possible after harvest will greatly extend shelf-life of berries. Selling them in smaller, shallow containers is better than large, deep containers or buckets if the goal is to store for as long as possible. Do not wash berries before storage as this will encourage fruit rot. After harvest, a post-harvest grading table will provide an excellent opportunity to grade out damaged, diseased and infested fruit which will lower quality and market value. All culled fruit should be destroyed by burning or burying. Cleanliness or sanitation in the planting is very important, removing dropped berries during harvest will reduce risk from gray mold, leather rot and anthracnose, spotted wing 54 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES drosophila, strawberry sap beetle and slugs, as described above. At this time also make note of trouble spots in the field, or the presence of unthrifty plants, foliar diseases, leaf damage, etc. and plan steps to maintain a healthy planting. At renovation do a thorough job of mowing the leaves off June-bearing strawberry plants, chopping mulch, and turning under infected and infested plant parts. Application of a thick mat of straw in early winter will provide protection from cold weather for the winter and assist in protecting plants from rain-splashed inoculum from buried plant debris. Keep in mind your production goals and recognize that it should be possible to obtain good yields in organic strawberry production. Therefore, maintain good records of the planting condition, pest pressure, the amount of fruit harvested, and your markets. 8. FOOD SAFETY Implementing practices that reduce microbial risks to produce crops that are eaten raw is important to consumer safety and farm economic viability. Produce-associated foodborne illness outbreaks have caused consumer illnesses and deaths resulting in increased buyer food safety requirements and the first ever produce safety regulations as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Pathogens can contaminate fruits and vegetables during all phases of production, harvesting, and packing. Wild and domesticated animals, soil amendments, agricultural water, improperly trained workers, unclean picking and packing containers, and ineffective sanitation programs can all result in fresh produce contamination. The FSMA Produce Safety Rule (i.e., 21 CFR Parts 11, 16, and 112 Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption) requires at least one supervisor or responsible party from each covered farm to have successfully completed food safety training recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration and to be in compliance with relevant food safety practices. The Produce Safety Alliance provides training that meets the training requirement and has created many educational materials to help growers understand and implement required practices. In addition, the National Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Program provides educational materials and offers trainings for growers who are new to food safety and may need help beginning the process of developing a farm food safety plan. Regardless of whether a farm is subject to the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, GAPs can be used to identify and reduce microbial risks. This is critically important because many valuable markets and buyers require that growers have a farm food safety plan in order to buy their commodities. Implementing a few simple practices can reduce food safety risks significantly. Assessing risk on the farm to identify areas where microbial contamination occurs is the first step. For crops that are harvested by hand, such as strawberries, implementing an effective worker- training program and providing clean, well-stocked toilet and handwashing facilities will always be important to food safety. Train all workers to scrub their hands with soap for 20 seconds, rinsing with water that has no detectable E.coli, and drying with single-use towels before beginning work, after using the toilet, taking breaks, smoking and any other time they are unclean. Do not allow workers who are ill to handle produce. Train workers to never harvest produce that is contaminated with animal feces and prevent wild and domesticated animals from entering production fields. Assess the quality of any agricultural water that contacts the edible portion of the crop by testing it for quantified generic E.coli. Assess all soil amendments to determine if they contain biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAOs) such as manure. BSAAOs should only be applied before planting so it can be incorporated into the soil. For fall-fruiting berries, using composted BSAAOs will reduce microbial risks if there is a need to apply soil amendments in the spring. The key is to maximize the time from application of BSAAOs to harvest of the crop. Ensure that picking containers are clean and free from any animal fecal contamination. Following these steps can dramatically reduce risks of human pathogen contamination. NOTE: Application of postharvest agricultural water is not recommended for soft fruits such as berries, because they can greatly promote mold growth by wetting the fruit. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) applies to farms that grow, harvest, pack or hold covered fruits and vegetables when those fruits and vegetables are in an unprocessed state (i.e., Raw Agricultural Commodities (RACs)) and that meet income thresholds. FSMA PSR practices are focused on preventing microbial contamination of fresh produce and include requirements for managing agricultural water, worker training, soil amendments, wild and domesticated animals, and sanitation of equipment, tools and buildings. The final FSMA PSR was released on November 27, 2015 but several subparts and guidance are still evolving. Updates and information are available at the United States Food and Drug Administration’s FSMA Final Rule on Produce Safety website. At the time this guide was produced, the following materials were available in New York State as sanitizers allowable for organic production. Listing a pest on a pesticide label does not assure the pesticide’s effectiveness. The registration status of pesticides can and does change. Pesticides must be currently registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be used legally in NY. However, pesticides meeting the federal requirements for minimum-risk (25(b)) pesticides do not require registration. Current NY pesticide registrations can be checked on the NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CERTIFIER before using a new product. Table 8.1.1 Rates for Sanitizers Labeled for Postharvest Facilities Product name Food contact surfaces1 Hard surface, non-food active ingredient contact1 CDG Solution 3000 25-50 ppm solution 110-500 ppm dilution chlorine dioxide Oxine2 100 ppm solution 500 ppm solution chlorine dioxide 55 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 8.1.1 Rates for Sanitizers Labeled for Postharvest Facilities Product name Food contact surfaces1 Hard surface, non-food active ingredient contact1 Pro Oxine2 50-200 ppm solution 500 ppm solution chlorine dioxide Enviroguard Sanitizer - 2.5-20 fl oz/5 gal water hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid Jet Oxide 15 0.33-1.87 fl oz/5 gal water - hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid Oxonia Active 1.0-1.4 oz/4 gal water 1.0 -2.5 oz/8 gal water hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid Peraclean 5 1.0-1.5 fl oz/5 gal water - hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid Peraclean 15 0.33-1.87 fl oz/5 gal water - hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid Perasan ‘A’ 1.0-6.1 fl oz/6 gal water - hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid Per-Ox 1-5.6 fl oz/5 gal water 1-17 fl oz/15 gal water hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid SaniDate 5.0 hydrogen 1.6-5.4 fl oz/ 5 gal water 1.6-5.4 fl oz/ 5 gal water peroxide/peroxyacetic acid San-I-King No. 451 6 oz/10 gal water followed by 2 oz/10 6 oz/10 gal water – porous sodium hypochlorite gal water rinse – porous surfaces surfaces 1 oz/10 gal water or 2 oz/10 gal (see 2 oz/10 gal water – non-porous label) – non-porous surfaces surfaces Shield-Brite PAA 15.0 hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 0.7-3.8 fl oz/10 gal water - StorOx 2.0 hydrogen peroxide/- acid 0.5 fl oz/1 gal water 0.5 fl oz/1 gal water VigorOx 15 F & V hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 0.31-0.45 fl oz/5 gal water- 1.1-9.5 fl oz/5 gal water VigorOx LS-15 0.31-0.45 fl oz/5 gal water hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 1.1-9.5 fl oz/5 gal water 1 Thoroughly clean all surfaces and rinse with potable water prior to treatment. 2 Requires acid activator. 9. SMALL-SCALE SPRAYER TECHNOLOGY 9.1 Spraying Small Strawberry Plantings On small-scale plantings, spraying requires special attention to calibration, calculating amounts of pesticide to use, and measuring pesticide products. To ensure even distribution throughout the canopy, a systematic approach to spraying the whole canopy is essential. Take particular care to cover the top of the canopy as well as ensuring adequate penetration into the inside and middle of the canopy and the fruiting zone. Water sensitive cards (available from TeeJet, Gemplers, or other retailers) or Surround, kaolin clay, (Engelhard) may be used to monitor spray distribution. PRIOR TO SPRAYING—CALIBRATING SPRAYERS Calibration of backpack sprayers Use clean water. DYNAMIC CALIBRATION 1. Select correct nozzle and pressure. 2. Measure and mark off an area 10 feet x 10 feet (100 sq ft) on concrete or other hard surface. 3. Fill sprayer to a known level and mark the fill level. 4. Spray the marked-off, 100 sq ft area. 5. Refill sprayer with water to the fill level mark, noting how much water was added. 6. The amount of water added to the spray tank is the amount of spray applied per 100 sq ft. Compare this to the desired amount. STATIC CALIBRATION 1. Select correct nozzle and pressure. 2. Fill the sprayer with clean water. 3. Measure and mark off an area 10 feet x 10 feet (100 sq ft) on concrete or other hard surface. 4. Spray the marked-off, 100 sq ft area, while recording the time taken to spray the area. 5. Carry out a static run of the same time it took to spray the 100 sq ft area, operating the spraying without moving and collecting the liquid into a graduated measuring jug. 6. Compare the quantity collected in the jug with nozzle chart and desired amount. 56 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES CALCULATING THE AMOUNT OF PESTICIDE TO USE Some pesticides give application rates on a per acre basis but may need to be used on smaller areas. When converting a known quantity per acre to spray a smaller area, the first step is to measure the area to be sprayed with a tape measure or other measuring device. Divide the number of square feet measured by 43,560 (the number of square feet in an acre) to obtain the acreage you plan to treat (in decimal form). Example: 1. If you are going to spray 20,000 sq. ft, 20,000 divided by 43,560 = 0.459 acre 2. The label states 3 pints of product per acre Multiply the label rate per acre by the decimal for you area 3 pints multiplied by 0.459 = 1.38 pints 3. Remember there are 16 fl oz in 1 pint. MEASURING SMALL AMOUNTS OF PESTICIDE The following tables and examples provide information on amounts of pesticide to use when treating smaller areas with smaller spray volumes. Powders and granules Example: The label says to use 3 lbs of powdered product per 100 gallons but you will use a backpack sprayer with a 5-gallon tank. Using Table 9.1.1, locate the amount of powdered product the label requires per 100 gallons and read across the 3 lb row to the 5 gallons column to find you need to use 2 3/8 oz of powder. Use clean weighing scales to provide the correct amount of powder. NEVER use a volumetric measure (e.g. measuring cup) because the bulk density of dry formulations varies between products affecting the amount of pesticide added to the tank. Table 9.1.1 Amount of powder or granules to use Volume of liquid 100 gallons 25 gallons 5 gallons 1 gallon 4 oz 1 oz 3/16 oz ½ tsp 8 oz 2 oz 3/8 oz 1 tsp 1 lb 4 oz 7/8 oz 2 tsp 2 lb 8 oz 1 ¾ oz 4 tsp 3 lb 12 oz 2 3/8 oz 2 Tbsp 4 lb 1 lb 3 ¼ oz 2 Tbsp + 2 tsp Liquids Example: The label says to use 4 pts of liquid product per 100 gallons of spray but you will use a backpack sprayer with a 5-gallon tank. Using Table 9.1.2, locate the amount of liquid product the label requires per 100 gallons and read across the 4 pts row to the 5 gallons column to find you need to mix 3¼ fl oz of liquid product. Use a clean measuring cylinder, cup or spoon to provide the correct amount of liquid. Table 9.1.2. Amount of liquid to use Volume of liquid 100 gallons 25 gallons 5 gallons 1 gallon 1 gal 2 pt 6 ½ oz 1 ¼ oz 4 pt 1 pt 3 ¼ oz 5/8 oz 2 pt ½ pt 1 9/16 oz 5/16 oz 1 ½ pt 6 oz 1 ¼ oz ¼ oz 1 pt 4 oz 7/8 oz 3/16 oz 8 oz 2 oz 7/16 oz ½ tsp 4 oz 1 oz ¼ oz ¼ tsp 57 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Dilutions Some labels call for a dilution rate of the applied product. Use Table 9.1.3 for dilution rates for smaller total volumes. For example, a dilution rate of 1 gallon in 100 gallons would be the same as ¾ cup + 5 tsp in 5 gallons for a backpack sprayer with a 5-gallon tank. Table 9.1.3. Dilution of liquid products to various concentrations Dilution rate 1 gallon 3 gallon 5 gallon 1 in 100 2 Tbsp + 2 tsp ½ cup ¾ cup + 5 tsp 1 in 200 4 tsp ¼ cup 6 ½ Tbsp 1 in 800 1 tsp 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp + 2 tsp 1 in 1000 ¾ tsp 2 ½ tsp 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp Measuring equipment Always use measuring equipment that is dedicated only for pesticide use. For very small quantities of liquids, a syringe can be useful. For powder or granular products use weighing scales; do not rely on a measuring cup as product bulk density varies between products. Safety When measuring, mixing or applying pesticides, be sure to use the protective clothing and equipment listed on the pesticide label. Also, be careful to avoid contaminating water when measuring and mixing pesticides. 9.2 Selecting a Small Sprayer for the Small, Organic Strawberry Planting There are many important points to consider before purchasing a sprayer, including the area to spray, proximity to the local supplier, and the size of the sprayer, amongst others. Sprayers for small plantings range from backpack sprayers to small truck- or ATV-mounted machines. CANOPY SPRAYERS Backpack sprayers Small capacity (4-5 gallon) sprayers will produce up to approximately 100 psi pressure. Weight is an important consideration and growers should select a sprayer with good, wide, padded straps to ease the load on your shoulders. Correct nozzle selection according to the target is very important to ensure even coverage. A good-sized fill hole at the top is also important. There are three factors affecting application rate - forward speed, pressure, and nozzle tip size. Normally output increases or decreases according to the pressure in the system, (which is dependent upon how vigorous you pump the handle up and down). Unfortunately most inexpensive backpack sprayers have no pressure gauge to monitor this. It’s suggested that you purchase a backpack sprayer that includes a pressure gauge. Another option is to purchase a spray pressure valve to install on the spray wand, such as a CF valve. These pressure valves will ensure a constant output irrespective of hand pump action. An alternative to the hand-operated backpack sprayer is a battery-powered backpack sprayer. Maximum pressure is relatively low and it is easier than using a traditional hand pump sprayer when spraying many rows of plants. Portable mist and air blower backpacks These are ideal where canopy penetration is required, such as for denser, vigorous plantings. These sprayers have a small gas engine that drives a fan blower creating an airstream through a hand-held tube (similar to a leaf blower). The tube has a nozzle mounted at the end that adds spray to the airstream. The operator directs the spray towards the canopy by pointing the hand-held tube at the plants to be treated. To protect the applicator from the spray mist, it is advised to point the tube backwards to avoid walking into the spray. Engine speed can be reduced, slowing airspeed to match smaller, early-season canopies. Airflow from these sprayers rustle the canopy, allowing for good penetration and deposition. Some drawbacks to these sprayers are that they are heavy and the engines are noisy, requiring ear protection. Also note that the airflow from the sprayer can increase pesticide drift off the target. Portable engine-driven gas sprayers A number of manufacturers offer sprayers with a small gas engine and a 10 to 12 gallon tank. Larger capacity tanks (14 to 100 gallons) are also available. These sprayers can be pulled by a lawn tractor, ATV/UTV, or small tractor. Small, mounted sprayers Small, 15 to 25 gallon sprayers, are available that can be mounted to the carrier rack of an ATV. These sprayers use a small electric pump to provide pressures of up to 70 psi. When equipped with a hand wand and a hose, they can be used to spray short rows and for spot spraying. The same system is ideal for weed control. Large, skid mounted sprayers These are larger sprayers that fit in the back of a pick-up truck. Skid mounted sprayers have a tank capacity of 35 to 200 gallons and use a gas engine as a power source. 58 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES HERBICIDE OR GROUND APPLICATION SPRAYERS Backpack, small ATV-mounted tank, and hand-lance sprayers These sprayers can be used for herbicide application. However, be very careful that if these sprayers are used for herbicides in addition to other pesticides, there is no herbicide residue in the sprayer. Therefore, clean these sprayer out thoroughly before using them to apply pesticides other than herbicides. Alternatively, have a dedicated herbicide-only sprayer to avoid cross-contamination. Controlled Droplet Applicators (CDA) The use of CDA’s will considerably reduce the need to carry vast amounts of water. Controlled Droplet Applicators use a battery-powered spinning disc that produces 95% of the same-size droplets, thus reducing herbicide volumes by at least 50% and water amounts by 75%. Herbi and Mantis are two examples of hand-held CDA’s. ATV- or tractor-mounted shielded CDA’s are also available that reduce spray rates while shielding the plants from the spray. Wick wipers Where occasional weeds and driving over wet land are a problem, a hand-held wick wiper is an easy-to use, effective option. Wick wipers consist of a small tank to hold the liquid (usually part of the handle) that soaks a rope wick or a sponge. The rope or sponge is wiped against the weeds. For further information on pesticide application technology visit the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship website. 10. PESTICIDES MENTIONED IN THIS PUBLICATION Table 10.1 Fungicides Product Name Active Ingredient EPA Reg. No. Acoidal sulfur 62562-4 Actinovate AG Streptomyces lydicus WYEC 108 73314-20 Auron DF sulfur 62562-4-94100 Badge X2 copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride 80289-12 Basic Copper 53 basic copper sulfate 45002-8 Bio-Tam 2.0 Trichoderma asperellum str ICC 012, Trichoderma gamsii str 80289-9 ICC 080 BotryStop Ulocladium oudemansii (U3 Strain) 75747-2-68539 Carb-o-nator potassium bicarbonate 70051-117 Champ WG copper hydroxide 55146-1 ChampION++ copper hydroxide 55146-115 Cinnerate cinnamon oil 25(b) pesticide Companion Biological Fungicide Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 87645-4-94485 Companion Maxx Biological Fungicide Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ENV503 94485-4 CS 2005 copper sulfate pentahydrate 66675-3 Cueva Fungicide Concentrate copper octanoate 67702-2-70051 Cuproxat FL basic copper sulfate 55146-151 Damoil mineral oil 19713-123 Dart Fungicide EC capric acid, caprylic acid 51517-11 Defend DF Sulfur 62562-8 Double Nickel 55 Bacillus amyloliquefaciens str. D747 70051-108 Double Nickel LC Bacillus amyloliquefaciens str. D747 70051-107 Drexel Suffa sulfur 19713-39 EcoSwing Botanical Fungicide extract of Swinglea glutinosa 10163-357 Ecoworks EC cold pressed neem oil 89152-4 ET-F Algicide/ Bactericide/ Fungicide copper sulfate pentahydrate 64962-5 Glacial Spray Fluid mineral oil 34704-849 Golden Pest Spray Oil soybean oil 57538-11 Howler Pseudomonas chloroaphis strain AFS009 91197-3-92488 59 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 10.1 Fungicides Product Name Active Ingredient EPA Reg. No. JMS Stylet-Oil mineral oil 65564-1 Kaligreen potassium bicarbonate 11581-2 Kalmor copper hydroxide 91411-11-59807 Kentan DF copper hydroxide 80289-2 Kocide 2000-O copper hydroxide 91411-10-70051 Kocide 3000-O copper hydroxide 91411-11-70051 KOPA Insecticidal Soap potassium salts of fatty acids 67702-11-59807 LALSTOP G46 WG Gliocladium catenulatum str J1446 64137-13 LifeGard LC Bacillus mycoides isolate J 70051-126 LifeGard WG Bacillus mycoides isolate J* 70051-119 Mastercop copper sulfate pentahydrate 55272-18-66222 Microthiol Disperss sulfur 70506-187 Mildew Cure garlic oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil 25(b) pesticide Milstop potassium bicarbonate 70870-1-68539 Minuet Bacillus subtilis str QST 713 264-1202 M-Pede insecticidal soap 10163-324 Nordox 75 WG cuprous oxide 48142-4 Nu-Cop 50 WP copper hydroxide 45002-7 Nu-Cop 50DF copper hydroxide 45002-4 Nu-Cop HB copper hydroxide 42750-132 Nuke Em citric acid 25(b) pesticide OSO 5% SC Fungicide polyoxin D zinc salt 68173-4-70051 Oxidate 2.0 hydrogen dioxide, peroxyacetic acid 70299-12 Oxidate 5.0 hydrogen peroxide, peroxyacetic acid 70299-28 PerCarb sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate 70299-15 PERpose Plus hydrogen peroxide 68539-15 Prestop WG Gliocladium catenulatum str J1446 64137-13 ProBlad Verde Banda de Lupinus albus doce (BLAD) 84876-2 Promax thyme oil 25(b) pesticide PureSpray Green white mineral oil 69526-9 Regalia Reynoutria sachalinensis 84059-3 Regalia CG Reynoutria sachalinensis 84059-3 Romeo Saccharomyces cerevisiae 91810-2 RootShield Granules Trichoderma harzianum 68539-3 RootShield PLUS+ Granules Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma virens 68539-10 RootShield PLUS+ WP Trichoderma harzianum Rifai T-22, Trichoderma virens str G-41 68539-9 RootShield WP Trichoderma harzianum 68539-7 Serenade ASO Bacillus subtilis str QST 713 264-1152 Serenade MAX Bacillus subtilis str QST 713 264-1151 Serenade Opti Bacillus subtilis str QST 713 264-1160 Serifel Bacillus amyloliquefaciens str. MBI 600 71840-18 Sil-Matrix potassium silicate 82100-1 60 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 10.1 Fungicides Product Name Active Ingredient EPA Reg. No. Sil-Matrix LC potassium silicate 70051-127 Solawit 80DF sulfur 93745-1 Sporan EC2 rosemary oil, clove oil, peppermint oil, thyme oil 25(b) pesticide Stargus Bacillus amyloliquefaciens str. F727 84059-28 SuffOil-X mineral oil 48813-1-68539 Taegro 2 Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens str. FZB2 70127-12 Tenet WP Trichoderma asperellum str ICC 012, Trichoderma gamsii str 80289-9 ICC 080 TerraClean 5.0 hydrogen dioxide, peroxyacetic acid 70299-13 TerraNeem EC cold pressed neem oil 88760-5 Thiolux sulfur 34704-1079 Timorex Act tea tree oil 86182-3-88783 Triathlon BA Bacillus amyloliquefaciens str. D747 70051-107-59807 Trilogy neem oil 70051-2 TriTek mineral oil 48813-1 Ultra-Pure Oil mineral oil 69526-5-499 Zonix Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant 72431-1 *Restricted-use pesticide; may be purchased and used only by certified applicators or used by someone under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. Table 10.2 Insecticides and Miticides Product Name Active Ingredient EPA Reg. No. Aza-Direct azadirachtin 71908-1-10163 AzaGuard azadirachtin 70299-17 *AzaSol azadirachtin 81899-4-74578 Azera azadirachtin, pyrethrins 1021-1872 Auron DF sulfur 62562-4-94100 Biobit HP Bacillus thuringiensis, var. kurstaki 73049-54 BioCeres WP Beauveria bassiana strain ANT-03 89600-2 BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant garlic juice 25(b) pesticide Bioprotec Plus Bacillus thuringinensis subsp. Kurstaki 89046-12 BioRepel garlic oil 25(b) pesticide BT NOW Bacillus thuringinensis subsp. Kurstaki 89046-12-70299 Captiva Prime garlic oil, capsicum oleoresin extract, canola oil 10163-336 Cinnerate cinnamon oil 25(b) pesticide Damoil mineral oil 19713-123 Deliver Bacillus thuringiensis, var. kurstaki 70051-69 DEsect CROP silicon dioxide 7655-1 DES-X insecticidal soap 67702-22-70051 Dipel DF Bacillus thuringinensis subsp. Kurstaki 73049-39 Ecotec Plus rosemary oil, peppermint oil, geraniol 25(b) pesticide Ecotrol Plus rosemary oil, peppermint oil, geraniol 25(b) pesticide Ecoworks EC cold pressed neem oil 89152-4 61 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 10.2 Insecticides and Miticides Product Name Active Ingredient EPA Reg. No. Ecozin Plus 1.2% ME azadirachtin 5481-559 Entrust spinosad 62719-282 Entrust SC spinosad 62719-621 Garlic Barrier AG+ garlic juice 25(b) pesticide GC-Mite garlic oil, clove oil, cottonseed oil 25(b) pesticide Grandevo CG Chromobacterium subtsugae str. PRAA4-1 84059-27 Grandevo WDG Chromobacterium subtsugae str. PRAA4-1 84059-27 Javelin WG Bacillus thuringiensis, var. kurstaki 70051-66 JMS Stylet-Oil mineral oil 65564-1 KOPA Insecticidal Soap potassium salts of fatty acids 67702-11-59807 Mantis EC rosemary oil, soybean oil, peppermint oil 25(b) pesticide Molt-X azadirachtin 68539-11 M-Pede insecticidal soap 10163-324 Mycotrol ESO Beauvaria bassiana 82074-1 Neemix 4.5 azadirachtin 70051-9 Nuke Em citric acid 25(b) pesticide Oleotrol-I Bio-Insecticide Concentrate soybean oil 25(b) pesticide PFR-97 20% WDG Isaria fumosorosea Apopka str. 97 70051-19 PureSpray Green white mineral oil 69526-9 PyGanic EC 1.4 II pyrethrins 1021-1771 PyGanic EC 5.0 II pyrethrins 1021-1772 Safer Brand #567 II potassium laurate, pyrethrins 59913-9 Sil-Matrix potassium silicate 82100-1 SuffOil-X mineral oil 48813-1-68539 TerraNeem EC cold pressed neem oil 88760-5 TetraCURB Max rosemary oil, clove oil, peppermint oil, castor oil 25(b) pesticide Trilogy neem oil 70051-2 TriTek mineral oil 48813-1 Ultra-Pure Oil mineral oil 69526-5-499 Venerate XC Burkholderia spp. str A396 84059-14 XenTari Bacillus thuringiensis, var. aizawai 73049-40 *Restricted-use pesticide; may be purchased and used only by certified applicators or used by someone under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. Table 10.3 Herbicides Product Name Active Ingredient EPA Reg. No. AVENGER AG OPTIMA BURNDOWN d-limonene 92967-4 Axxe ammonium nonanoate 70299-23 Ecoblend Weed and Grass Burndown soybean oil 25(b) pesticide Ecoblend Weed Control Pro soybean oil, citric acid 25(b) pesticide Finalsan Herbicidal Soap ammoniated soap of fatty acids. 67702-8 Fireworxx Herbicide capric acid, caprylic acid 67702-54-59807 62 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Table 10.3 Herbicides Product Name Active Ingredient EPA Reg. No. Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed Killer acetic acid 85208-1-93489 Harris 20% Vinegar Weed Killer acetic acid 85208-1-3 HomePlate Non-Selective Herbicide capric acid, caprylic acid 67702-54-70051 Suppress Herbicide EC capric acid, caprylic acid 51517-9 Table 10.4. Mollusk Control Chemicals Product Name Active Ingredient EPA Reg. No. BioLink Insect & Bird Repellant garlic juice 25(b) pesticide Bug-N-Sluggo iron phosphate and spinosad 67702-24-70051 DEsect Crop silicon dioxide 7655-1 Garlic Barrier AG+ garlic juice 25(b) pesticide Sluggo Slug & Snail Bait iron phosphate 67702-3-70051 Table 10.5 Sanitizers Product Name Active Ingredient EPA Reg. No. CDG Solution 3000 chlorine dioxide 75757-2 Enviroguard Sanitizer hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 63838-1-527 Jet Oxide 15 hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 54289-4-81803 Oxine chlorine dioxide 9804-1 Oxonia Active hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 1677-129 Peraclean 5 hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 54289-3 Peraclean 15 hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 54289-4 Perasan ‘A’ hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 63838-1 Per-Ox hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 833-4 Pro Oxine chlorine dioxide 9804-9 SaniDate 5.0 hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 70299-19 San-I-King No. 451 sodium hypochlorite 2686-20001 Shield-Brite PAA 15.0 hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 63838-2-64864 StorOx 2.0 hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 70299-7 VigorOx 15 F & V hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 65402-3 VigorOx LS-15 hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid 65402-3 10.1 Pesticide use in Organic Strawberry Production Organic production primarily focuses on cultural, biological, and mechanical techniques to manage pests on the farm, but in some cases pesticides, which include repellents, allowed for organic production are needed. Given the high cost of many pesticides and the limited efficacy data available for many of them, the importance of developing an integrated approach based on cultural practices for disease and insect management, as described in section 7.3 Principles of Insect and Disease Management, cannot be emphasized strongly enough. Pesticides should not be relied on as a primary method of pest control. Scouting, forecasting, or trapping pests are important for detecting infestations at an early stage. When conditions do warrant an application, proper choice of materials, proper timing, and excellent spray coverage are essential. Some organic-approved pesticide products that contain aromatic active ingredients, such as essential oils or garlic, could potentially affect fruit flavor or wine quality. Therefore, these should be used in a manner that avoids covering fruit with spray residue close to harvest. 10.2 Biopesticides Biopesticides are materials with pesticidal properties that originate from natural living organisms, including microorganisms, plants, and animals. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) defines two types of biopesticides that may be used in organic 63 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES production. These include naturally occurring substances that control pests (biochemical/herbal pesticides) and microorganisms that control pests (microbial pesticides). Microbial pesticides contain fungi, bacteria, or viruses that control pests. These biopesticides may contain living, dead, or inactivated microbes. Biochemical pesticides contain substances naturally occurring in the environment to control pests. These biopesticides may include botanical extracts or insect pheromones that interfere with mating. When using biopesticides, follow the same steps for safe and legal use as for non-biological pesticides. Read and follow the label. The USEPA maintains a list of Biopesticide Active Ingredients. Biopesticides are most likely to be effective if used while pest populations are low and when combined with other IPM strategies. Especially if they contain living microorganisms, biopesticides may require special storage, may lose efficacy if stored too long prior to use, or may be incompatible with other pesticides. Some biopesticides may be most effective within certain temperature ranges, or when applied at certain times of day. Read the label and consult the manufacturer with questions. While many biopesticides are permitted in organic production, not all of them are. Always check with your certifier before using a new product. 10.3 Pesticide Regulatory Considerations Pesticides mentioned in this organic production guide are registered by the USEPA or meet the USEPA requirements for a “minimum risk” pesticide. At the time of publication, pesticides mentioned in this guide also meet New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) registration requirements for use in New York State. See NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal for pesticides currently registered for use in NYS. Additional products may be available for use in other states. To maintain organic certification, products applied must also comply with the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations as set forth in the USDA NOP standards, sections 205.600-606. The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is one organization that reviews products for compliance with the NOP regulations and has a searchable database of compliant products, but other entities also make product assessments. The authors relied mainly on the OMRI list for pesticides to include. Organic growers are not required to use only OMRI listed materials, but the list is a good starting point when searching for allowed pesticides. Finally, farms grossing more than $5,000 per year and labeling products as organic must be certified by a NOP accredited certifier who must approve any material applied for pest management. ALWAYS check with the certifier before applying any pest control products. Some certifiers will review products for NOP compliance. Note that "home remedies" may not be used. Home remedies are substances commonly found around the home that may have pest control properties. Examples include beer used to reduce slug damage in strawberries or a dilute dish detergent solution used to reduce aphids on plants. Home remedies are not regulated as pesticides, are not exempt from registration, and are therefore not legal to use. Do you need to be a certified pesticide applicator? Pesticides are classified as general-use or restricted use by either the USEPA or the NYSDEC. For those producing agricultural commodities, pesticide applicator certification is required to purchase and use restricted-use pesticides. Restricted-use pesticides mentioned in this guide are marked with an asterisk (*). Farmers who purchase and use only general- use pesticides in producing an agricultural commodity on property they own or rent do not need to be a certified pesticide applicator. However, we encourage agricultural producers who use pesticides to become certified. Find more information on pesticide applicator certification from the list of State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies or, in New York State, on the NYSDEC Pesticide Applicator/Technician Certification website. Worker Protection Standard training. If the farm has employees who will be working in fields treated with a pesticide, they must be trained as workers or handlers as required by the federal government under Title 40 Protection of Environment, Part 170 Worker Protection Standard. Training materials must be approved by the USEPA and all trainers must be qualified either by having a pesticide applicator certification or by completing a USEPA-approved train-the-trainer course. For more information on complying with the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) see How to Comply with the 2015 Revised Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides manual published by the USEPA or online at http://pesticideresources.org/wps/htc/index.html. 10.4 Optimizing Pesticide Effectiveness Information on the effectiveness of a particular pesticide against a given pest can sometimes be difficult to find. Some university researchers include pesticides approved for organic production in their trials; some manufacturers provide trial results on their web sites; some farmers have conducted trials on their own. Efficacy ratings for pesticides listed in this guide were summarized from university trials and are only provided for some products. In general, pesticides allowed for organic production may kill a smaller percentage of the pest population, could have a shorter residual, and may be more quickly broken down in the environment than synthetic pesticides. Read the pesticide label carefully to determine if water pH or hardness will negatively impact the pesticide’s effectiveness. Use of a surfactant may improve organic pesticide performance. Adjuvants can be found on OMRI’s searchable product database using the Filter function. Regular scouting and accurate pest identification are essential for effective pest management. Thresholds used for conventional production may not be useful for organic systems because of the typically lower percent mortality and shorter residual of pesticides allowed for organic production. When pesticides are needed, it is important to target the most vulnerable stages of the pest. Thoroughly cover plant surfaces, especially in the case of insecticides, since many must be ingested to be effective. The use of pheromone traps or other monitoring or prediction techniques can provide an early warning for pest problems, and help effectively focus scouting efforts. 64 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Pesticide resistance may develop in pathogens, insects, mites, etc. following repeated exposure to the same or similar mode-of-action materials and result in reduced or complete loss of pesticide efficacy against the resistant pest. During the growing season and across growing seasons, pesticides of one mode-of-action should be alternated with those of different modes-of-action to lower the risk of pests developing resistance to the pesticides. See the product label for more information. 11. REFERENCES AND RESOURCES • Agricultural Plastics Recycling in New York State Case Study. 2019. Jean Bonhotal and Marley Bonacquist-Currin. Cornell Waste Management Institute. NYS Recycling Agricultural Plastics Program (no longer funded). 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NE SARE 174 pp. https://blogs.cornell.edu/berries/productions/berry-soil-and-nutrient-management-a-guide-for- educators-and-growers/. • Berry Soil and Nutrient Management In-depth Webinar Series. 2011-2012. Pritts, M., Heidenreich, C. North East Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NE SARE). https://blogs.cornell.edu/berries/ipm/berry-webinars/ • Biopesticide Active Ingredients. United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide- products/biopesticide-active-ingredients • Buffer pH to Derive Lime Guidelines. 2010. Ketterings, Q., Rao, R., Dietzel, K., and Ristow, P. http://nmsp.cals.cornell.edu/publications/factsheets/factsheet48.pdf • Building Soils for Better Crops, 3rd edition. 2010. Magdoff, F., and VanEs, H. The Sustainable Agriculture Network, Beltsville, MD. 294 pp. www.sare.org/publications/soils.htm • Botrytis Fruit Rot. 1985. Burr, T.J.; Pearson, R.C.; Schwarz, M.R. Fruits IPM Fact Sheet. New York State IPM Program. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/43079 • Calculator for Field Use Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ). New York State Integrated Pest Management. https://nysipm.cornell.edu/eiq/calculator-field-use-eiq/ • Compendium of Strawberry Diseases, Second Edition. 1998. Maas, J., Editor. American Phytopathological Society. https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/book/10.1094/9780890546178 • Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health. Cornell Soil Health Lab. www.hort.cornell.edu/soilhealth/. • Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health: The Cornell Framework, Third Edition. 2017. Moebius-Clune, B.N., et al. Cornell Soil Health Lab. 134 pp. http://www.css.cornell.edu/extension/soil-health/manual.pdf • Cornell Fruit Resources. www.fruit.cornell.edu • Cornell Fruit Resources: Berries. https://blogs.cornell.edu/berries/ • Cornell Fruit Resources: Spotted Wing Drosophila. http://fruit.cornell.edu/spottedwing/ • Cornell Cooperative Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (CCE-PSEP). psep.cce.cornell.edu • Cornell University Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic. www.plantclinic.cornell.edu/ • Cover Crop Guide for NY Growers. Cover Crop Decision Tool. 2019. Björkman, T. Cornell University. http://covercrops.cals.cornell.edu/decision-tool.php • Dairy One (Cornell Recommendations). https://dairyone.com/services/agronomy-services/about-agronomy-services/ • Diseases, Pests, and Beneficial Organisms of Strawberry, Raspberry, and Blueberry. 2013. Lambert, L., Carisse,O., Laplante, G. Hand Vincent, C. https://my.apsnet.org/APSStore/Product-Detail.aspx?WebsiteKey=2661527A-8D44-496C-A730- 8CFEB6239BE7&iProductCode=02301 • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. National Organic Program. Title 7 Agriculture. Part 205. www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text- idx?c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title07/7cfr205_main_02.tpl 65 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 40 Protection of Environment. Part 170. Worker Protection Standard. https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi- bin/retrieveECFR?gp=1&SID=b3edef346e5deb639d0bc5598aeab1b4&ty=HTML&h=L&mc=true&n=pt40.24.170&r • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 40 Protections of Environment. Part 152.25(b) Exemptions for pesticides of a character not requiring FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) regulation. https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text- idx?SID=1e758d7334fa8245d1c4d19a6af9d877&node=pt40.24.152&rgn=div5#se40.26.152_125 • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 7 Agriculture. Part 205. National Organic Program. §205.600-606. The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-205/subpart-G • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 7 Agriculture. Part 205. National Organic Program. §205.204. Seed and planting stock practice standard. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-205/subpart-C/section-205.204 • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 7 Agriculture. Part 205. National Organic Program. §205.103. Record keeping by certified operations. https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi- bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=7f3fb88fbfdfaed19f3107ca4f8c0b06&mc=true&n=sp7.3.205.b&r=SUBPART&ty=HTML#se7.3.205_ 1103 • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 7 Agriculture. Part 205. National Organic Program. §205.601. Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production. https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text- idx?SID=84e4358ff3279efbd444df9db261e0bf&mc=true&node=se7.3.205_1601&rgn=div8 • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 7 Agriculture. Part 205. National Organic Program. §205.206. Crop pest, weed, and disease management practice standard. https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text- idx?SID=84e4358ff3279efbd444df9db261e0bf&mc=true&node=se7.3.205_1206&rgn=div8) • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 7 Agriculture. Part 205. National Organic Program. §205.2. Terms defined. https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=84e4358ff3279efbd444df9db261e0bf&mc=true&node=se7.3.205_12&rgn=div8 • Elements of IPM for Strawberries in New York. 2010. NYS IPM Program, Cornell University. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/42722 • Exclusion Barriers for Management of Black Vine Weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, in First Year Strawberries. 2006. J.H. Tolman, et al. Ontario Berry Grower. Vol. 3. May 2006. https://cpb-us- e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.cornell.edu/dist/0/7265/files/2017/01/strawberryrootweevilexclusion-1zyihwa.pdf • FSMA Final Rule on Produce Safety: Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). United States Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/fsma-final-rule-produce-safety • Gray Garden Slug. 1988. Goh, K. S., Gibson, R. L., Specker, D. R. Fruits IPM Fact Sheet. New York State IPM Program. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/42370 • Guidance & Instructions for Accredited Certifying Agents & Certified Operations. National Organic Program. United States Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS NOP). https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/handbook • Guide for Organic Crop Producers. 2012. Pamela Coleman. National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, ATTRA. https://attra.ncat.org/product/guide-for-organic-crop-producers/ • How to Comply with the 2015 Revised Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides. (2016). 146 pp. United States Environmental Protection Agency. USEPA. http://www.pesticideresources.org/wps/htc/htcmanual.pdf also online at http://pesticideresources.org/wps/htc/index.html • Insect Diagnostic Laboratory at Cornell University. http://idl.entomology.cornell.edu/ • Instruction Organic System Plans, Organic System Plan Updates, and Notification of Changes. National Organic Program. United States Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA: AMS). https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2615.pdf • Leather Rot. 1991. Wayne F. Wilcox. Fruits IPM Fact Sheet. New York State IPM Program. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/43107 • Low Tunnel Strawberry Production Guide. 2018. Orde, K., B. Sideman, M. Pritts, and K. Demchak. University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Publication. https://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource007429_Rep10703.pdf • Marsh Slug. 1988. Goh, K. S., Gibson, R. L., Specker, D. R. Fruits IPM Fact Sheet. New York State IPM Program. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/42372 66 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES • Meadow Spittlebug. 1988. Spangler, S., Agnello, A., Schaefers, G. Fruits IPM Fact Sheet. New York State IPM Program. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/43209 • Minimum-risk Pesticides Exempted from FIFRA Registration. http://www2.epa.gov/minimum-risk-pesticides • National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) (Formerly named Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas). https://attra.ncat.org/about-us/ • National Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Program. Educational Materials. http://www.gaps.cornell.edu/educationalmaterials.html • National Organic Program. United States Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA: AMS). http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NOP/standards/ProdHandPre.html • National Pesticide Information Center: State Pesticide Regulatory Agency Contact Information. http://npic.orst.edu/mlrDetail.html?lang=en&to=SPE&state=NY#statePesticide • Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA). Cornell University. newa.cornell.edu/ • New York Berry News. 2002-2018 Archives. Pritts, M. ed. Cornell University. https://blogs.cornell.edu/berries/new-york-berry- news/new-york-berry-news/ • New York State Berry Growers Association. nysbga.org • New York State Department Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Bureau of Pesticides Management – Information Portal - Pesticide Registration Data. https://www.dec.ny.gov/nyspad/products?0 • New York State Integrated Pest Management: Fruits. nysipm.cornell.edu/fruits/ • Northeast Cover Crop Handbook. 1994. Sarrantonio, M. Rodale Institute, PA. Online purchase www.amazon.com/Northeast-Cover- Handbook-Health-Series/dp/0913107174 • Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York. www.nofany.org/ • Nursery Guide for Berry and Small Fruit Crops. Cornell University. https://blogs.cornell.edu/berrynurseries/blueberries/ • Nutrient management for fruit and vegetable crop production: Using manure and compost as nutrient sources for vegetable crops. 2005. Rosen, C. J. and Bierman, P. M. University of Minnesota. https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/200639 • Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). www.omri.org. OMRI searchable database. https://www.omri.org/omri-search • Organizations Providing Organic Certification Services. Organic Foods and Farming. New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. https://agriculture.ny.gov/farming/organic-foods-and-farming • Penn State Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory. Pennsylvania State University. https://agsci.psu.edu/aasl • Pest Management Guidelines for Berry Crops. Updated yearly. Cornell University.cropandpestguides.cce.cornell.edu • Pesticide Applicator/Technician Certification. New York State Department Environmental Conservation. https://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/45618.html • Pesticide Environmental Stewardship. Center for Integrated Pest Management. https://pesticidestewardship.org/ • Produce Safety Alliance. Dept. of Food Science. Cornell University. FDA USDA. https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/ • Reducing Deer Damage to Home Gardens and Landscape Plantings. 1994. Paul D. Curtis and Milo E. Richmond. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. http://wildlifecontrol.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/reducing-deer-damage.pdf • Red Stele of Strawberry. 1991. Wayne F. Wilcox. Fruits IPM Fact Sheet. New York State IPM Program. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/43124 • Rodale Institute. www.rodaleinstitute.org/ • Root Weevils. 1988. Spangler, S.; Agnello, A.; Schaefers, G. Fruits IPM Fact Sheet. New York State IPM Program. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/43126 • Season-Long Strawberry Production with Everbearers for Northeastern Producers. Lantz, W., Swartz, H., Demchak, K. and Frick, S. https://www.sare.org/resources/season-long-strawberry-production-with-everbearers-for-northeastern-producers/ • Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory. University of Massachusetts Amherst. www.umass.edu/soiltest/ • Soil Health Testing Services. Cornell Soil Health Lab. https://soilhealth.cals.cornell.edu/ • Spotted Garden Slug. 1988. Goh, K. S., Gibson, R. L., Specker, D. R. Fruits IPM Fact Sheet. New York State IPM Program. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/42387 67 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES • Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) Monitoring Traps. 2016. Juliet Carrol. New York State Integrated Pest Management Program. Cornell Cooperative Extension. https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.cornell.edu/dist/0/7265/files/2017/01/SWDTraps_CornellFruit- 1vwi4oo.pdf • Strawberries: Organic Production. Published 2007 Updated April 2021. ATTRA. https://attra.ncat.org/product/strawberries-organic- production/ • Strawberry Bud Weevil (Clipper). 1988. Spangler, S., Agnello, A., Schaefers, G. Fruits IPM Fact Sheet. New York State IPM Program. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/43131 • Strawberry Production Guide for the Northeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada. 1998. NRAES publication #88. http://www.hort.cornell.edu/fruit/berry-guides/strawberry.pdf Available for purchase from palspublishing.cals.cornell.edu/nra_order.taf?_function=detail&pr_booknum=nraes-88 • Strawberry Sap Beetle. 2009. Loughner, R. and Loeb, G. M. Fruits IPM Fact Sheet. New York State IPM Program. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/43132 • Tarnished Plant Bug. 1988. Spangler, S., Agnello, A., Schaeffers, G. Fruits IPM Fact Sheet. New York State IPM Program. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/52258 • The Mid-Atlantic Berry Guide for Commercial Growers. 2013-14. Rudisill, A. ed. Penn State Extension. College of Agricultural Sciences. pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/MAberryGuide.htm • The Penn State Agronomy Guide. 2021-2022. Penn State Extension. College of Agricultural Sciences. extension.psu.edu/agronomy-guide • USDA National Organic Program Regulations & NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC Guidance and Policy Manuals. Pdf document. https://nofany.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-Regulations-Guidance-Policy-Manuals.pdf • Using Organic Nutrient Sources. updated 2013. Sánchez, E., Richard, R. Penn State University. https://extension.psu.edu/using-organic- nutrient-sources • Wasp and Bee Management: A Common Sense Approach. 2011. Gangloff-Kaufman, J., Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service (NRAES) publication no. 185. NRAES Cooperative Extension. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/67191 • Waypoint Analytical. https://www.waypointanalytical.com/AGServices • Weed Ecology and Management Laboratory. Cornell University. weedecology.css.cornell.edu/manage/ • Weeds Of The Northeast. 1997. Uva, R., J. Neal, and J. DiTomaso. Cornell University Press. 397 pp. https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9780801483349/weeds-of-the-northeast/#bookTabs=1 12. GLOSSARY (Adapted from: Wikipedia, www.wikipedia.org/, the free online encyclopedia) Adjuvant – any substance added to the spray tank, (separate from the pesticide) that will improve the performance of the pesticides, (herbicides, insecticides, miticides, fungicides, bactericides), fertilizers etc. by reducing the surface tension of the water and improving spread and coverage. Agroecosystem – all of the living and non-living components, including inputs and outputs, that comprise a spatial and functional coherent unit of agricultural activity. Allelopathy – condition in which one plant emits substances that affect germination, development or growth of other plants in contact with the substance. Annual – a plant that completes its life cycle within one year (germination, flowering, seed production, death). Biennial – a flowering plant that takes two years to complete its biological life cycle. Buffer zone – a physical space of sufficient size that separates two or more areas of activity so that these areas do not affect each other. Cation exchange capacity – (CEC) is the capacity of a soil to retain and substitute cations (positively charged ions, e.g. potassium) between the soil and the soil solution. CEC is a measure of nutrient retention capacity. Compost – a combination of plant, animal and other organic materials that have been decomposed largely through aerobic processes into a substance rich in carbon, nutrients, and biological activity. Crop rotation – the practice of growing, in the same area, in sequential seasons, a series of dissimilar types of crops to avoid the buildup of pathogens and pests that often occurs when one species is continuously cropped. Frost pocket – an area where still air, cooled by ground-level radiation, travels downhill, replaces warm air, and accumulates to form pockets of very cold air in depressions, valleys, and hollows. 68 2022 PRODUCTION AND IPM GUIDE FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES Green manure – a type of cover crop grown for a specific period of time, then incorporated into the soil to add nutrients and organic matter for soil improvement. Humus – organic matter that is well-decomposed, stable, and contributes to soil tilth and cation exchange. Immobilization – is when organic matter decomposes and is absorbed by micro-organisms, therefore preventing it being accessible to plants for periods of time. Immobilization is the opposite of mineralization. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – a management strategy aimed at insects, mites, plant diseases, weeds, and other pests that uses a variety of planned, complementary tactics including: mechanical devices, physical devices, genetic resistance, biological control, cultural practices, and chemical treatment. It is an ecological approach with a main goal of significantly reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides while at the same time managing pest populations at an acceptable level. Macroclimate – refers to the regional climate of a broad agricultural area. It can include an area on the scale of tens to hundreds of kilometers. Mesoclimate – refers to the climate of a particular planting site and is generally restricted to a space of tens or hundreds of meters. Microclimate – refers to the specific environment in a small restricted space such as a row of plants or corner of a field. Mineralization – refers to the process where an organic substance is converted to an inorganic substance that can be taken up by the plant. Nitrogen assimilation – process by which plants expend energy to take up nitrate and ammonium ions and incorporate them into organic molecules required for growth. Nitrogen budget – accounting that quantifies the nutrients entering the farm (e.g. fertilizers, manure, legumes crops, soil residual nitrogen) and the nutrients leaving the farm (crop harvest, runoff, leaching, and volatilization) for the purpose of balancing inputs and exports. Nitrogen fixation – the biological process by which nitrogen gas (N2) in the atmosphere is converted into ammonium compounds that are used by plants. Organic certification – a certification process for producers of organic food and products that requires strict adherence to production standards for growing, storing, processing, packaging and shipping. Perched water table – accumulated water above the level of the local water table because impermeable rock or sediment prevents downward movement of water into the local water table. Perennial –a plant that completes its life cycle (germination, flowering, seed production) over more than one year. Summer annual – an annual plant that germinates, flowers, produces seed and dies within the same growing season. Surfactant – (or wetting agent) a soap-like adjuvant added to water or some other liquid to increase wetting properties by reducing the surface tension of the droplets. Threshold – the density of a pest (insect, mite, plant disease, weed, etc.) at which a control treatment will provide an economic return. Tilth – a term describing soil that is friable, crumbly, and not compacted which allows rainfall to penetrate and roots to grow without obstruction. Wind break – (or shelterbelt) is a planting around the edge of a field consisting of one or more rows of trees or shrubs planted in such a manner as to provide shelter from the wind and to protect soil from erosion. Winter annual – a plant that germinates in the fall or winter, then flowers, produces seed and dies within one year. 69 2022