insect management in blueberries - wsu whatcom county...

Insect Management in Blueberries

Alan SchreiberAgriculture Development Group, Inc.

Eltopia, Washington

An independent, private agricultural research and information service

Managing SWD in Blueberries without MRL ViolativeInsecticide Residues

Alan Schreiber, and others…Agriculture Development Group, Inc.

Eltopia, Washington


Managing SWD in red raspberries without violating MRLs

◼ Started a project in 2017 with red raspberries.

◼ Using WBC funded research to develop organic SWD control using blackberries.

◼ Start with conventional, harder insecticides and then switch to tolerance exempt products later in the season.

◼ Finishing up a second year’s research in red raspberry, first year results looked very good.

◼ In 2018, we started a project to see if we could do the same in blueberries.

Trial was conducted in Franklin County, WA

◼ Elliot - this variety was chose because it is later and was more at risk for having SWD. Blackberry trial 400 feet away had very high SWD populations.

◼ Over the row sprayer.

◼ This trial was also conducted in Michigan by MSU, Rufus Issacs.

◼ Overall coordination provided by the IR-4 Project’s Michael Braverman.

◼ Treatment protocol reviewed by industry representatives.

◼ Samples taken 1 hour after application. Frozen. Sent to Synergistic Pesticide Lab.

◼ Harvest date was August 2.

Treatment Scheme

Weeks before first harvestFirst Harvest Weeks after first harvest

Treatment 3 2 1 0 1 2 3

1 Danitol Imidan Danitol Delegate Delegate Grandevo Delegate

2 Danitol Delegate Delegate Grandevo Delegate Delegate

3 Lannate Delegate Delegate Grandevo Delegate Delegate Grandevo

4 Lannate Delegate Delegate Grandevo Delegate Delegate

5 Malathion Malathion Delegate Grandevo Delegate Delegate Grandevo

6 Lannate Danitol Imidan Lannate Danitol Imidan

7 Sample untreated blueberries near the trial for residue samples

There are two parts to this trial, efficacy and insecticide residues.

There were virtually no SWD in this trial. Very frustrating.

DanitolUS/TAI – 3CAN – 0JAP - 5

A B C D E F GApplication

Date: 12-Jul 19-Jul 27-Jul 2-Aug 9-Aug 16-Aug 23-Aug

Trt 1 Danitol Imidan Danitol Delegate Danitol Danitol Grandevo

ImidanUS – 10CAN –5JAP – 10TAI-.01

DelegateUS - .25CAN - .5JAP/TAI - 0


A B C D E F G

Application

Date:12-Jul 19-Jul 27-Jul 2-Aug 9-Aug 16-Aug 23-Aug

Trt 1 Danitol Delegate Delegate Delegate Delegate Grandevo


LannateUS/CAN is 6JAP is 1TAI is 2



Trt 1 Lannate Delegate Delegate Grandevo Delegate Grandevo Grandevo





Trt 1 Lannate Delegate Delegate Delegate Grandevo Grandevo Grandevo

MalathionUS – 8CAN - 8JAP - .5TAI - .01


A B C D E F G

Application


Trt 1 Malathion Malathion Grandevo Delegate Grandevo Delegate Grandevo



A B C D E F G

Application


Trt 1 Lannate Danitol Imidan Lannate Danitol Imidan

ImidanUS – 10CAN – 5JAP – 10TAI - .01

This is the results of year two

◼ We have showed that we can substitute tolerance exempt insecticides that can produce blueberries with pesticide residues that are below MRLs of key foreign markets.

◼ The problem is that we need to also show efficacy and we did not have insect pressure.

◼ Year three work would focus on refining use patterns and doing it in a location that has SWD pressure.

Developing Organic Controls for SWD in Blueberries

Nowhere is the SWD a bigger problem than in organic blueberries.

◼ By the end of 2018, Washington will have more than 5,000 acres of organic blueberries worth more than $80 million.

◼ In 2018, Washington produced 30 million pounds of organic blueberries-as much as the rest of the country combined. At least 24% of WA BB production is certified organic.

◼ California and Oregon collectively produced PROBABLY another 20 million pounds.

◼ West Coast represents more than 95% of organic blueberry production in North America.

◼ Growers have been largely reliant on a single product – Entrust.

◼ The Entrust label requires growers to alternate; but effective rotational products are not available.

◼ Addressing this issue has been a top priority for the Washington blueberry industry.

Entrust 24c label for Washington states:

Application Rate: Apply 4 to 6 fl oz of Entrust SC per acre as a foliar spray to control spotted wing drosophila. The amount of Entrust SC applied per acre will depend upon plant size and volume of foliage present and pest pressure. Use a lower rate in the rate range for light infestations and/or small plants and a higher rate in the rate range for heavy infestations and/or larger plants. Heavy infestations may require repeat applications, but follow

resistance management guidelines.

Resistance Management: Do not make more than two consecutive applications of Group 5 insecticides

(spinetoram and spinosad). If additional treatments are required after two consecutive applications of Group 5 insecticides, rotate to another class of effective insecticides for at least one application.

The Specter of Resistance Looms

◼ Growers have a single product they know works; Entrust (spinosad).

◼ As a result, there is over reliance.

◼ California organic berry growers have faced SWD for a longer period of time than eastern Washington growers and they have resistance to spinosad.

◼ Oblique banded leafroller has developed resistance in one organic apple orchard in Washington.

The Future of Washington Organic Blueberries

◼ Most organic blues in WA are Dukes, are early and largely have escaped SWD so far.

◼ Large acreages are being planted to Draper and later varieties that are more at risk from SWD.

◼ The old Entrust label will not protect these later varieties; the new Entrust label will not protect any blueberries season long.

◼ In areas of longest and heaviest use in Washington there are anecdotes that Entrust is not giving the level of control it once was.

Eastern Washington trial site - blackberry

2017 Research Results

Days After First and Last Application35 7Trt No. Treatment Rate of Application

# of Apps. 12-Sep

12Veratran D 15lb/a ABCDE 58.5f

3Grandevo WDG 3lb/a ABCDE 73.0ef

17Venerate+NuFilm P 1gal/a ABCDE 80.0def

21Venerate+Su+Nufilm 0.75gal/a AGHIJK 83.8c-f

18Grandevo WDG+nuFilm 3lb/a ABCDE 87.8c-f

16Jet Ag 1% v/v ABCDE 88.3c-f

10Venerate XC+Su 1gal/a ABCDE 90.5c-f

19Venerate+Su+NufilmP 1gal/a ABCDE 93.0c-f

9Entrust/Venerate+Grandevo 6/1+3gal+lb/a aBcDe 98.8cde

8Entrust+Veratran+Su 3+15oz+lb/a abCDe 99.3cde

15Grandevo=Su 1lb/a ABCDE 100.0cde

22Grandevo+Su+Nufilm 0.67lb/a AGHIJK 102.8cde

14Entrust/Grandevo+Veratran 6+3/15oz+lb+lb/a DE 106.0cde

2Venerate xc 1gal/a ABCDE 111.3cde

6Entrust +Veratran 6+15oz+lb/a AcBdE 112.5cd

13Entrust+Venerate+SU 6+1oz+gal/a ABCde 113.3cd

20Grandevo+Nufilm P+Su 1lb/a ABCDE 113.5cd

7Grandevo+Entrust+Su 6+3oz+lb/a abCDe 115.5cd

1Untreated check 118.3bcd

11Entrust+Venerate XC 6+1gal/a aBcDe 120.8bc

4Entrust sc 4.5oz/a ABCDE 155.3ab

5Entrust+Grandevo 6+3oz+lb/a AcBdE 161.8a

Comparison of 22 Berry SWD Management Programs

Trt Treatment Rate of # of Total SWD/20 berries

No. Name Application applications over 35 day period

12 VERATRAN D 15lb/a ABCDE 116.8b

3 Grandevo WDG 3lb/a ABCDE 126.5b

21 Venerate S w Nufilm 1gal/a AGHIJK 145.0ab

17 Venerate S Nufilm 1gal/a ABCDE 148.0ab

14 Entrust R Grandevo/Venerate 6 - 3/15oz/a - lb/gal/a ABCDE 150.0ab

16 Jet Ag 1% v/v ABCDE 164.3ab

8 Entrust R Veratran S 6-15oz/a-lb/a ABCDE 165.5ab

9 Entrust R Grandevo/Venerate 6-3-1oz-lb-gal ABCDE 175.0ab

10 Venerate S 1gal/a ABCDE 176.3ab

19 Venerate S w Nufilm 1gal/a ABCDE 179.0ab

6 Entrust R Veratran 6-15oz/a-lb/a ABCDE 180.0ab

7 Entrust R Grandevo S 6-3oz/a-lb/a ABCDE 180.3ab

2 Venerate XC 1gal/a ABCDE 184.3ab

1 Untreated check 190.3ab

20 Grandevo S w Nufilm 0.75lb/a ABCDE 191.3ab

22 Grandevo S w Nufilm 0.67lb/a AGHIJK 192.8ab

18 Grandevo w Nufilm 3lb/a ABCDE 193.3ab

11 Entrust R Venerate XC 6-1oz/a-gal/a ABCDE 196.8ab

15 Grandevo S 1% v/v ABCDE 210.3ab

13 Entrust R Venerate S 6-1oz/a-1 gal ABCDE 216.0ab

4 Entrust SC 4.5oz/a ABCDE 219.3ab

5 Entrust R Grandevo 6-3oz/a-lba ABCDE 246.8a

Things we learned in 2017.◼ Veratran looks very promising. Organic certified. Not

registered on berries. Would like to obtain via the Section 18 process.

◼ Grandevo has significant activity against SWD.

◼ In 2017, we reduced sugar concentration from 12.5% to 1% and it was not nearly as effective.

◼ Jet Ag has activity. Not a stand alone product, but works well as a tank mix.

◼ Nufilm improved activity of Venerate.

◼ Nufilm seem to interfere with the activity of Grandevo.

How to use this information.Each year we further refine organic SWD control programs.

◼ Start early – do not let SWD get established.

◼ Use higher rates.

◼ Entrust is key.

◼ Rotate with Grandevo or Venerate.

◼ Include NuFilm P when using Venerate.

◼ Mix in Grandevo with sugar at more than 1%.

◼ Corn syrup with Entrust may help.

◼ Including Jet Ag in the mix should help.

◼ In conclusion, rotate, higher rates, tank mix, start early, short intervals.

◼ Try to get access to Veratran as soon as possible.

2018 Results

◼ SWD pressure was extremely high… highest we have seen in years. (These plots were 400 feet from the blueberries that had no SWD.)

◼ Included some conventional products for comparative purposes.

◼ Included some experimental treatments that may be organic certifiable.

◼ Pressure was really, really high.

25 SWD Insecticide Programs in 2018Trt Treatment Rate ApplNo. Name of Applic. Code

1 IKI-3106+Acetamiprid 52 g ai/ha ABCDE2 IKI-3106+Acetamiprid 78 g ai/ha ABCDE3 IKI3106 100SL 60 g ai/ha ABCDE4 Voliam Flexi 168 g ai/ha ABCDE5 Minecto Pro 143 g ai/ha ABCDE6 Grandevo/NuF/sugar 3 lb/a ABCDEF7 Venerate/NuF/sugar 3 qt/a ABCDEF8 Jet Ag/Grandevo/NuF/Sugar 1.2+3 % v/v+lb ABCDEF9 Jet Ag/Venerate/NuF/Sugar 1.2+3 % v/v+qt ABCDEF

10 Experimental 4 fl oz/a ABCDEF11 Experimental 8 fl oz/a ABCDEF12 Experimental 11 fl oz/a ABCDEF13 Experimental 22 fl oz/a ABCDEF14 AZERA 2.5 pt/a ABCDEF15 ENTRUST SC 6 fl oz/a ABCDEF16 VERATRAN D 15 lb/a ABCDEF17 ENTRUST SC/r/w Exp. 6 fl oz/a ACE18 ENTRUST SC 6 fl oz/a ABCDEF19 Ecotec 4 pt/a ABCDEF20 Delegate 4.5 oz/a ABCD21 Delegate 6 oz/a ABCD22 Entrust SC 6 fl oz/a ABCDE23 Exirel 13.5 fl oz/a ABCD24 Warrior II 2.56 fl oz/a ABCD

2018 Efficacy of 25 SWD Treatments in Blackberry (# per 20 fruits)Trt Treatment Rate Appl 19-Jul 26-Jul 2-Aug

No. Name of Applic. Code 0 0 7 7 14 7

13 Experimental 22 fl oz/a ABCDEF 0.3a 0.8b 3.5f

20 Delegate 4.5 oz/a ABCD 0.0b 0.8b 4.0f

8 Jet Ag/Grandevo/NuF/Sugar 1.2+3 % v/v+lb ABCDEF 0.0b 0.0b 4.8f

17 Entrust SC/r/w Exp. 6 fl oz/a ACE 0.0b 0.3b 5.3ef

18 Entrust SC 6 fl oz/a ABCDEF 0.3a 0.5b 7.5def

1 IKI-3106+Acetamiprid 52 g ai/ha ABCDE 0.0b 2.0ab 8.5def

5 Minecto Pro 143 g ai/ha ABCDE 0.0b 0.8b 8.8def

4 Voliam Flexi 168 g ai/ha ABCDE 0.0b 0.5b 9.0def

21 Delegate 6 oz/a ABCD 0.0b 0.3b 9.8def

16 Veratran D 15 lb/a ABCDEF 0.0b 0.0b 10.3c-f

2 IKI-3106+Acetamiprid 78 g ai/ha ABCDE 0.0b 0.0b 10.5c-f

24 Warrior II 2.56 fl oz/a ABCD 0.0b 0.0b 11.3c-f

6 Grandevo/NuF/sugar 3 lb/a ABCDEF 0.0b 0.8b 11.5c-f

22 Entrust SC 6 fl oz/a ABCD 0.0b 0.0b 12.3c-f

3 IKI3106 100SL 60 g ai/ha ABCDE 0.0b 0.5b 12.3c-f

15 Entrust SC 6 fl oz/a ABCDEF 0.0b 1.5ab 12.5c-f

23 Exirel 13.5 fl oz/a ABCD 0.0b 0.8b 12.5c-f

9 Jet Ag/Venerate/NuF/Sugar 1.2+3 % v/v+qt ABCDEF 0.0b 1.0b 13.5c-f

7 Venerate/NuF/sugar 3 qt/a ABCDEF 0.0b 0.3b 16.0b-e

12 Experimental 11 fl oz/a ABCDEF 0.0b 0.3b 17.8a-d

14 Azera 2.5 pt/a ABCDEF 0.0b 3.5a 21.0abc

19 Ecotec 4 pt/a ABCDEF 0.0b 1.0b 25.0ab

11 Experimental 8 fl oz/a ABCDEF 0.0b 1.8ab 27.8a

25 Untreated 0.0b 1.5ab 28.3a

10 Experimental 4 fl oz/a ABCDEF 0.0b 0.0b 28.8a

2018 Season Long Total SWD Numbers (# per 20 fruit)Trt Treatment Rate Appl total #

No. Name of Applic. Code

24 Warrior II 2.56 fl oz/a ABCD 159.3f

21 Delegate 6 oz/a ABCD 165.3ef

22 Entrust SC 6 fl oz/a ABCDE 168.0def

17 ENTRUST SC/r/w Exp. 6 fl oz/a ACE 170.3def

1 IKI-3106+Acetamiprid 52 g ai/ha ABCDE 173.5def

2 IKI-3106+Acetamiprid 78 g ai/ha ABCDE 174.3def

18 ENTRUST SC 6 fl oz/a ABCDEF 186.8c-f

16 VERATRAN D 15 lb/a ABCDEF 202.8c-f

20 Delegate 4.5 oz/a ABCD 203.0c-f

15 ENTRUST SC 6 fl oz/a ABCDEF 211.8b-f

9 Jet Ag/Venerate/NuF/Sugar 1.2+3 % v/v+qt ABCDEF 221.5b-f

3 IKI3106 100SL 60 g ai/ha ABCDE 232.8b-f

4 Voliam Flexi 168 g ai/ha ABCDE 235.8b-f

8 Jet Ag/Grandevo/NuF/Sugar 1.2+3 % v/v+lb ABCDEF 241.5b-f

23 Exirel 13.5 fl oz/a ABCD 257.3b-f

6 Grandevo/NuF/sugar 3 lb/a ABCDEF 258.0b-f

7 Venerate/NuF/sugar 3 qt/a ABCDEF 259.5b-f

5 Minecto Pro 143 g ai/ha ABCDE 260.8b-f

14 AZERA 2.5 pt/a ABCDEF 265.3b-f

25 Untreated 269.3b-e

19 Ecotec 4 pt/a ABCDEF 275.3bcd

12 Experimental 11 fl oz/a ABCDEF 290.3bc

13 Experimental 22 fl oz/a ABCDEF 315.0ab

11 Experimental 8 fl oz/a ABCDEF 406.8a

10 Experimental 4 fl oz/a ABCDEF 409.5a

Summary◼ These results will be used to further refine organic SWD

control recommendations.

◼ Veratran is likely to be the next Entrust. Want to obtain a Section 18, unfortunately it has some regulatory hurdles that are significant. Requires time and money.

◼ For now, need to continue to work with Entrust rotated with Grandevo, Venerate, sugar and Jet Ag.

◼ Need to find some more active ingredients.

◼ It is hard to find a new organic insecticide that is effective.

◼ I feel like half of the value of this work is screening out products being sold to growers that do not work, such as Ecotec and Azera.

We would like to continue this work in 2019.

New products.

New programs.

Learn more about affect of sugar.

Mites in Blueberries

Alan SchreiberAgriculture Development Group, Inc.

Eltopia, Washington


Historically, mites have not been thought of as a pest of blueberries.

◼ Prior to 2017, mites and blueberries were never mentioned in the same sentence.

◼ No mention of mites in the PNW Handbook or any other description of pests of blueberries.

◼ About five years ago, two-spotted spider mites became a recognized pest of blueberries in Georgia.

◼ After they started looking, blueberry bud mite, broad mites and southern red mite were also found to be damaging blueberries throughout the southeastern US.

◼ Mites in the southeastern U.S. have become a primary arthropod pest(s) of blueberries.

In 2017, there was the first report of two-spotted spider mites in blueberries in Washington.

◼ In the Whatcom County area.

◼ I did not know what to make of it.

◼ Then in 2018, there were widespread reports of mite damage on blueberries.

◼ Did a little tour of mite damaged fields in August of 2018.

◼ It was quite easy to find. Often at the end of rows or along roadsides. Classic mite distribution.

The damage is consistent.

◼ Mites move from vegetation between the rows and on weeds to the lower part of the plant.

◼ Feeding on shoots and leaves.

◼ Moves out from there.

◼ The damage is really remarkable and seems like it would be quite significant.

◼ On later varieties, it seems like it could result in reduced sizing of fruit.

◼ On the early, mid and late season varieties the damage could potentially impact production of the next few years.

Because of the mite problems on blueberries in the southeast….

◼ Blueberry growers have submitted some miticide registration projects to

the IR-4 Program.

◼ The first product that was submitted to IR-4 was fenpyroximate (Fujimite,

Nichino America) for control of TSSM and blueberry bud mite. The use

pattern would allow two foliar applications by ground with a 14 day spray

interval and a one day preharvest interval. The registration package has been

submitted to EPA. A registration for this product is expected in 2019 or 2020.

◼ The second product submitted to IR-4 was acequinocyl (Kanemite). The

use pattern allows two applications with a potential of a 14 to 21 day

preharvest interval. The field and laboratory work for this effort is completed

and the final report is under review by QA and the manufacturer, and will be

submitted to EPA soon.

◼ An IR-4 project for abamectin was initiated in 2018 for TSSM and

blueberry bud mite. Field trials for abamectin were conducted in 2018. The

use pattern would be for post harvest applications.

I have been concerned about mites becoming a pest in

Washington due to past five years of warmer and drier

environmental conditions and the products we are using for

SWD control.

However, ……

◼ In the Southeast, miticidal products were selected because of activity against a spectrum of mites, not specifically targeting of TSSM; TSSM was not the primary target.

◼ There are likely mitecides that are more effective against TSSM in Washington than these three products.

◼ I have done efficacy work with almost every miticide on the market for TSSM on potatoes.

◼ Abamectin is registered on potatoes, and abamectin is not the product of choice for TSSM.

◼ Acramite, Oberon and Onager are the preferred products.

I propose

◼ Conduct an efficacy trial, very straight forward. Just need a cooperator with a location.

◼ abamectin (Reaper), fenpyroximate (Fujimite), acequinocyl

(Kanemite), azadiractin (Aza-Direct), bifenthrin (Brigade),

fenpropathrin (Danitol), hexythiazox (Savey), bifenazate

(Acramite) and spiromesifen (Oberon). Other products???

◼ Make the application in perhaps an early variety so it would be

post harvest and residues would not be an issue.

◼ Should be an straightforward.

◼ We do lots of mite trials. Just finished up a Banks grass mite

trial in LeGrande Oregon last week.

insect management in blueberries - wsu whatcom county...

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