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STRAWBERRY INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

Extension Education

David Handley
Vegetable & Small Fruit Specialist
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Monmouth

Abstract

\r\n The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Strawberry IPM program was initiated in 1993 to help farmers better manage the challenging pest complex that threatens this high-value crop.  Additionally, we wanted to make strawberry pest management practices more “consumer-friendly” because the crop is nearly always sold fresh to customers at farm stands or as “pick-your own”.  Frequent, preventative pesticide sprays were the typical method employed to control the most common problems threatening strawberries, including tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris), strawberry bud weevil (Anthonomus signatus), two spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) and gray mold (Botrytis cineria).    Through a series of Extension presentations, newsletters and grower visits, the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program introduced pest monitoring techniques for strawberries, including weekly field scouting, and specific action thresholds for each pest to determine when and if to spray. Eight to ten farmer volunteer sites are monitored by Extension IPM scouts each growing season and the pest situation and recommendations for those fields are delivered to over 65 growers statewide through weekly newsletter, e-mail, and blog updates. Additionally, we have worked with growers to adopt alternative strategies such as pest resistant cultivars, biological controls and insect barriers.  Recent program evaluations by growers indicate that nearly all participants have reduced pesticide applications (83%) and costs (100%) as a result of the program.  Additionally, growers now time sprays in response to pest monitoring results, and most have adopted at least one non-chemical alternative pest management strategy. 

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: D. T. Handley*, J. F. Dill
  1. Handley*, D. Vegetable & Small Fruit Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine, 04259
  2. Dill, J. Pest Management Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine, 04473