Raspberry IPM Newsletter

August 16th, 2019

Please note: The following recommendations are based on field monitoring data from select Fraser Valley raspberry
fields. Not all recommendations listed in this newsletter are applicable to all fields. Every raspberry field has a
unique pest complex. Field monitoring is strongly recommended before making any pest management decisions.

Plant Development & Season Summary Emerging Pest Trapping: Brown

As the raspberry season comes to a close, continue
to watch for spider mite levels with the increased
heat of the past couple days. Apply post-harvest
sanitation measures for SWD, especially if the
harvested fields are adjacent to other berry crops
that have yet to be picked.
The Meeker varieties were hit hard with cold damage
in the beginning of the season but managed to have
good growth and good fruit size in the end.
Pest summaries
Spotted wing drosophila: It was
predicted to be a high SWD pressure
year based on the winter hedgerow
Average # of SWD
Marmorated Stinkbug
A few BMSB adults were caught in some
raspberry fields again this week. As the
season comes to a close for summer
raspberries, traps have now been removed.
Very low numbers of BMSB were caught on
the monitoring traps set on the edges of 6
indicator fields. There were no adults of
eggs found when monitoring these fields
Average # of SWD caught in raspberry fields in 2019
80
70
60

trap catches conducted from 50

December to the end of May. Female 40
SWD were caught the first week traps
30
were set out (June 21-28) and steadily
increased throughout the season, with 20
a drastic increase in late July-early 10
August. Larvae were being caught in 0
harvest fruit throughout the season, at June 21- June 28- July 5- July 12- July 19- July 26- Aug 2-9 Aug 9-
higher levels than in past years. The 28 July 5 12 19 26 Aug 2 16
larvae continue to be found in berries Date (weekly)
throughout the harvest period.
Photo by A. Kang
Average Average
Region #females/trap #males/trap
Langley 17 35
Photo by N.
Abbotsford 8.3 8.3 Charbonneau Photo by A. Vadnais

Spider mites: Spider mites were seen at low levels for most of the
season this year, likely due to the cooler year compared to the past
couple seasons. Levels have begun to increase over the past two weeks
as harvest finished and the daily temperature has been high. Mite
predators were found as well, and have begun to be seen at higher
Photo by A. Vadnais
levels the past week, increasing with the spider mite field populations.
Fruitworm beetle: Adult feeding damage was observed in a couple fields this
season at relatively low levels, in fields where they have been present before. The
larvae are a major harvest contaminate and if they were found in the berries it is
important to note the fields for management during bloom next season.
Always consult your packer for information on MRLs and pesticide products for various markets
before applying pesticides.
1
 Weevils: Both clay coloured and black vine weevil feeding damage was observed
at low levels in the indicator fields this summer, with very low numbers of adults
found when using a beat-sheet for monitoring during green and ripe berry. This is
a localized pest and should be monitored for in each individual field.
Root Rot: Mostly moderate to high levels of root rot were observed in fields Photo by A. Kang

that have been previously affected with this disease. As the season
progressed, the stressed plants became more obvious as the roots were
unable to support the water needs of the plant during periods of hot
weather. Stunted growth and dying leaves were observed in affected fields.
Yellow Rust: Yellow rust was observed at moderate to high levels in most
fields monitored, and began releasing spores in early May. With sporadic
periods of wet weather, levels continue to increase and remain moderate to
high this week as well.

Post-Harvest Recommendations
➢ Continue to monitor for spider mites and only apply a spray if levels steadily increase and are a concern. Spray
options include Apollo (15 day PHI), Acramite (1 day PHI), Kanemite (1 day PHI), Agri-mek (post-harvest),
Pyramite or Nexter (post-harvest), and Oberon (3 day PHI). Refer to the product label and check with your
packer/processor regarding pesticide use restrictions (including for export markets) before making a pesticide
application. Note: Apollo is not acceptable for some markets. Check with your packer before using.

➢ Plan for your post-harvest SWD clean up spray to protect any adjacent ripening fields.

➢ Prune out any diseased canes and maintain good air circulation to reduce the risk of further infections,
especially if cane infections have been an issue in past years.

➢ Take post-harvest nitrate tests after crop harvest or consult with your field representative.

➢ Clean up garbage left in the fields, return any empty flats to the processor and repair any broken posts caused
by harvest machinery.

➢ Continue irrigation in the fields to promote healthy growth and cultivate between the rows for weed control,
also to prepare for a cover crop to be planted over the winter.

➢ If required, prepare to spray for crown borer between late October and early spring. Spray options include
Altacor and Diazinon.

The above recommendations are based on the BC Berries Production Guide and/or local IPM monitoring experience. Always
consult your packer for information on MRLs for various markets before applying pesticides.
Check berry production guide available at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriservice-bc/production-guides
Read the product labels for complete user information. Pesticide labels can be found at:
http://pr-rp.hc-sc.gc.ca/ls-re/index-eng.php