Strawberries
Overview
Strawberries are grown throughout the year in Australia. The main growing regions are Victoria (in the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula) Western Australia (around Albany, Bullsbrook and Wannaroo), South Australia (in the Adelaide Hills), Queensland (the Sunshine Coast area) and Tasmania.
The primary pests of strawberries are Two-Spotted Mite and the Western Flower Thrips.
Strawberries are also affected by secondary pests such as caterpillars, aphids, Rutherglen Bugs, mirids, slugs, snails and other sap-sucking bugs. Broad Mite, Weevils and whiteflies are minor pests in specific situations.
The introduction of Western Flower Thrips to Australia in 1993 caused a lot of problems for strawberry growers in the southern growing districts of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Growers resorted to regular toxic broad-spectrum pesticides to control Western Flower Thrips. While initial control was adequate, the thrips very quickly developed almost complete resistance and caused a lot of damage. The regular spraying also caused secondary outbreaks of Two-Spotted Mite which also developed resistance to the regular miticide applications in an attempt to control them.
In response, we worked with Paul Horne from IPM Technologies and in 2007, finalised an IPM program that proved so effective, around 90% of the strawberry area in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia use biological controls to manage key pests today. Our program is also well established in Tasmania.
Signs you have Strawberries pests
The key to controlling pests in your strawberries effectively is detecting them early and introducing beneficials at the right moment.
- Two-Spotted Mite. These are present in every strawberry planting. They are extremely damaging to foliage and seriously damage plant health if not well controlled.
- Western Flower Thrips. This pest causes considerable bronzing damage to strawberry fruit and when uncontrolled, can downgrade your fruit quickly and reduce shelf life.
- Aphids or whitefly. Leaves covered with honeydew and sooty mould indicate the presence of aphid and whitefly hotspots.
- Caterpillars. Chewing damage to the foliage, stems and flowers indicate the presence of caterpillars.
- Mirids. These damage the flowers and this leads to the formation of deformed fruit which are downgraded or unsaleable.
- Sap-sucking bugs. High numbers of Rutherglen Bugs or other sap-sucking bugs in the crop are concerning and you should act before damage occurs.
- Broad Mite. These mites distort new leaves and affected plants appear stunted.
Products you can use to control Strawberries pests
Biological Services produces a range of products to control pests in your commercial strawberry crop.
The key to a successful strawberry IPM program is to control Two-Spotted Mite first.
We can advise you on the best approach for your growing environment as temperature, humidity, dust and whether your crop is indoor or outdoor are significant considerations.
Other tips for managing pests in your Strawberries
Obtain healthy and pesticide-free runners from a reputable runner supplier or nursery.
Follow the best irrigation and agronomy practices as healthy plants are less susceptible to pest and disease outbreaks.
Introduce beneficials early as a preventative strategy.
Your local Biological Services consultant can provide year-round, professional crop monitoring and expert IPM program advice.
Get tailored advice for your commercial crop
To speak with one of our qualified consultants about your current commercial crop challenge or to learn about the benefits of the IPM maintenance and monitoring services we provide, contact us.