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Organic Controls for Common Strawberries Pests

Strawberries are commercially grown in over a dozen states but California and Florida account for the majority of US strawberries. Commercial strawberry traces its ancestry to two species, F. chiloensis and F. virginiana, that are native to the world. Strawberry cultivation, marketing and pest control practices vary depending on geographic location. In the North East and the Midwest, the crop is raised on small farms along with diverse other crops and with minimal pest control. The most common strawberry pests are slugs, two-spotted spider mite, spittlebugs and tarnished plant bugs. Organic tactics for individual pests are outlined below.

Slugs

Slugs generally cause damage at night and are more problematic during damp weather. Remove leaves and other plant debris from the area to eliminate hiding places and prevent slug damage. Trap slugs with a board. Lay a barrier of diatomaceous earth (DE) inch wide and 3 inches away from the plant and around the base of a plant. The material is an irritant to the skin of slugs, and they won’t cross it.

Two-Spotted Spider Mite

In strawberries, the two spotted spider mite can be suppressed with augmentative releases of the introduced predator mite, Phytoseiulus Persimilis Athias-Henriot. P. persimilis is commercially available from several sources either mixed with vermiculite or on bean plants that are placed among strawberry plants.

Spittlebugs

Spittlebugs often will not kill a plant, but severe infestations may stunt berries or weaken the entire plant. Use a homemade spray made from garlic or hot pepper mixed with water to spray plants. Use neem oil or a citrus-based insecticidal oil to prevent infestations.

Tarnished Plant Bugs

Strawberries are attacked by the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus Knight. To suppress Lygus populations use a tractor mounted vacuum device, the BugVac. To control of Lygus nymphs in strawberries use the fungal pathogen Beauveria Bassiana Vuillemin.

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