Jan 26, 2021
Pollination and biocontrol in lit strawberry crops

In the case of strawberry cultivation under artificial lights, most growers choose to introduce biological pest control, just as they do in an unlit crop.

“Growers who extend the cultivation or harvest in winter can also rely on our package of beneficial mites like Phytoseiulus-System, Californicus-System and ABS-System to control spider mite and thrips. Bumblebees are there to support pollination, however they need some extra care and attention,” Eline Braet, Biobest advisor, said in a news release.

In lit crops the bumblebees are ready to pollinate the strawberry flowers. However, they are less able to navigate their way around in the lit crop.

“Bumblebees need daylight for orientation – they are less able to navigate in artificial light,” Braet said. Biobest has a solution – we advise only opening the nest sliders between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This can be easily automated with our system of bumblebee racks.”

 Combination of predatory mites against spider mite

 Furthermore, the strategy to control spider mite is similar to that in the unlit crop. During winter spider mites and thrips continue to be the main pests, although they develop less quickly at lower temperatures. To control spider mite, Braet recommends a combination of the predatory mites Phytoseiulus-System and Californicus-System.

“If the pest pressure is high, we recommend repeating the introductions of the voracious Phytoseiulus persimilis.”

ABS-System against thrips

 To control thrips, Eline recommends growers to use ABS-System. These Amblyseius-Breeding-System sachets contain feed. This enables Amblyseius cucumeris to multiply inside, ensuring a continuous release of predatory mites over several weeks. In Braet”s experience, these mites can keep the pest pressure down throughout the entire crop.

“A crop that finishes clean will benefit the next crop cycle,” she said.

No glue residues

Strawberry growers generally deploy sticky traps, or sticky rolls – such as Bug-Scan Roll Yellow – to monitor thrips and whitefly. “For ease of use, Biobest supplies plastic clips that enable growers to attach the rolls easily to the poles – thus eliminating annoying glue residues,” Braet said.

Strawberry growers generally deploy sticky traps, or sticky rolls – such as Bug-Scan Roll Yellow – to monitor thrips and whitefly. Photo: Biobest

 

 




Current Issue

VGN April Cover

Insect Eavesdropper allows growers to “hear” what’s happening in fields

Managing wildlife on the farm

Southwest Florida’s Worden Farm manages challenges

Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association says farewell to leader

Southeast Regional Show recognizes leaders

Veg Connections: Biopesticides and beneficial insects

Business: Why do most succession plans fail?

60 years of advocating for agricultural employers

Keeping CSA members engaged and loyal

see all current issue »

Be sure to check out our other specialty agriculture brands

produceprocessingsm Organic Grower