Fruit Crops Edition - Cranberry Section

Seasonal updates on diseases, insects, weeds impacting small fruit (blueberry, cranberry, and wine grape). Fruit Pest Alerts are also available via this category feed.
 
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Suppression of cranberry seed germination with preemergence herbicides

Self-pollination or cross-pollination between undomesticated cranberries and selected cultivars occur frequently and produce fruits containing fertile seeds. Seedlings germinating from these seeds are off-type varieties that may have lower fruit yield potential and higher vegetative vigor. Contamination by off-type varieties may result in decreased long-term productivity of planted cranberry beds and loss of profitability for the New Jersey cranberry industry in an increasingly competitive environment.

In response to questions from New Jersey growers on the efficacy of preemergence herbicides at controlling off-type cranberry seedlings, we recently conducted an experiment at the Marucci Center for screening currently labeled preemergence herbicides.

Seeds were collected from three different varieties (Haines, Mullica Queen, and Stevens), stratified at 3°C for 2 months, and seeded on Petri dishes containing preemergence herbicide mixed in agar. The trial was replicated 5 times and two different runs were conducted during the winter 2018-2019. Cranberry seed germination was quantified several times a week and the experiment was terminated by 40 days after seeding cranberry seeds.

Three different petri dishes of seeds under a microscope

 

 

 

 

 

Results: Callisto, regardless of rate applied, did not provide any control of cranberry seed germination compared to the untreated check. Similarly, Evital 5G did not reduce seedling emergence more than 17% when used at the highest labeled rate (160 lb/A). Devrinol DF-XT had higher activity, reducing seed germination by 30% at 12 lb/A and by 50% at 18 lb/A. However, only the 12 lb/A rate is labeled for sandy beds. Casoron 4G was the most effective treatment with complete inhibition of cranberry seed germination at 50 or 100 lb/A. Similar results were noted by Dr. Jed Colqhoun in Wisconsin on cranberry grown on peat plugs for Casoron and Callisto. However, Devrinol was noted having no activity on cranberry seed germination in the WI study. This might be caused by organic matter binding of the herbicide in peat plug, which is less of a problem in agar. The study will be continued this summer by looking at germination of seed grown in a mix of sand and peat moss and treated with some of the preemergence herbicides mentioned here.

Graph of cranberry germination after treatment

These results highlight the need for rotating preemergence herbicide with different modes of action, not only for preventing the onset of herbicide resistant weed species, but also for expanding the spectrum of weeds controlled by these herbicides, including off-type cranberry seedlings.

 

Beating the Bugs in the Bogs: Fertilizer Affects Cranberry Resistance against Insect Pests

Fertilizer rates

Figure 1. Fertilizer rates

Cranberry plants originate from relatively nutrient-poor environments, but commercial cranberries receive fertilizer to improve plant growth and yield. Increased fertilizer use may influence plant resistance to insect pests.

At the P.E. Marucci Blueberry & Cranberry Research Center, a study by Elvira de Lange, Vera Kyryczenko-Roth, Jennifer Johnson-Cicalese, Joan Davenport, Nick Vorsa, and Cesar Rodriguez-Saona looked in detail at the effects of fertilizer on herbivore resistance in greenhouse-grown cranberry plants. Six cranberry varieties were tested: Howes, Early Black, Potter, Stevens, Franklin, and Crimson Queen. The fertilizer regimes were 0, 0.5, 2, and 4g NPK controlled-release fertilizer.

We first confirmed that increasing fertilizer rates enhanced nutrient availability in cranberry leaves. Indeed, N concentrations in plants exposed to the highest (4g) fertilizer rate were almost 3 times higher than those in plants without (0g) fertilizer. Also, we confirmed that increasing fertilizer rates enhanced plant growth. Indeed, upright lengths and weights of plants exposed to the highest fertilizer rate were 5 and 10 times higher, respectively, than those of plants without fertilizer (Figure 1).

Then, we studied the effects of fertilizer on weight gain and mortality of three important insect herbivores: spotted fireworm, sparganothis fruitworm, and gypsy moth (Figure 2). Cranberry uprights were encased with a small transparent plastic cage, with tops and bottoms made out of foam (Figure 3). One larva was placed per cage, and weighted after 7 or 14 days. All three herbivores gained more weight on plants subjected to higher fertilizer rates – for all cranberry varieties. Also, the herbivores experienced lower levels of mortality on plants subjected to higher fertilizer rates. This improved insect performance on plants with high nutrient availability may be due to improved quality of the plants as a food source, and/or reduced levels of defensive compounds.

To study a possible reduction in levels of defensive compounds, we measured levels of proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberry leaves. PACs are involved in defenses against herbivores, as well as microbes. Increased fertilizer rates reduced PAC levels for all cranberry varieties, which may account for the observed increases in larval weight gain. However, gypsy moth larvae gained the most weight when feeding on Franklin, the variety with the highest PAC levels, and gained the least weight when feeding on Potter, the variety with the lowest PAC levels. Thus, at least for gypsy moth, additional defensive compounds are likely involved in cranberry resistance to insect pests.

Studying the effects of fertilizer on resistance to herbivorous insects in cranberry may contribute to the development of better practices for integrated pest management, and help to optimize cranberry health and yield.

Cranberry pest

Figure 2. Cranberry pest

This study is published in Agricultural and Forest Entomology: https://doi.org/10.1111/afe.12335

We thank Rob Holdcraft, Kristy Adams, Dan Rice, and Lindsay Wells for assistance with the experiments. Funding was provided by Hatch Project No. NJ08192 and the New Jersey Blueberry and Cranberry Research Council Inc.

Insect cages

Figure 3. Insect cages

Beating the Bugs in the Bogs: Attracting Beneficial Insects

Cranberry plants produce volatiles when attacked by herbivorous insects, which can be used by beneficial insects, such as predators and parasitoids, to find food or hosts. Synthetic volatiles could potentially attract additional beneficial insects to cranberry fields, reducing insect damage and resulting in reduced yield losses. These volatiles could be used also to monitor the abundance of beneficial insects in agro-ecosystems.

At the P.E. Marucci Blueberry & Cranberry Research Center, a study by Drs. Elvira de Lange, Jordano Salamanca, James Polashock, and Cesar Rodriguez-Saona looked in detail at the emission of volatiles in different cranberry varieties (Figure 1), as well as the effects of synthetic volatiles on attraction of natural enemies of herbivores.

To study plant volatile emissions, we placed greenhouse-grown cranberry plants in bags, and sucked air out of the bags with small pumps (Figure 2). The air passed through a trapping filter with an adsorbent material, trapping the volatiles. Analysis revealed that volatile emissions in response to herbivory differed among cranberry genotypes. At the molecular level, we studied the expression of genes that are involved in the biosynthesis of these volatiles. We harvested leaf material, and found that the expression of two genes associated with volatile biosynthesis did not differ among the cranberry genotypes. These results indicate that other, not yet identified, genes may play a role in regulating volatile emissions in cranberry plants.

In the field, we placed yellow sticky traps (Figure 3), with or without a vial containing synthetic volatiles. We found that the volatile methyl salicylate, alone or in combination with other volatiles, increased the number of syrphid flies captured on the sticky traps by 6-fold. However, methyl salicylate repelled some natural enemies (i.e., megaspilid wasps). Similarly, the volatile

Cranberry genotypes

Figure 1. Cranberry genotypes

(Z)-3-hexenyl acetate repelled ladybeetles. Thus, the responses of natural enemies to synthetic volatiles in cranberry beds varied from repellency to attraction.

Experimentally changing plant volatile emissions may have some positive effects on biological control by attracting natural enemies, but can also have some serious negative consequences. Not only beneficial insects could be attracted, but herbivorous insects could be attracted as well. Also, certain natural enemies could be repelled. There is a possibility that when volatiles are present, but prey or hosts are absent, natural enemies learn to stop responding to the presence of volatiles. Our results indicate that, when practiced with care, synthetic volatiles may contribute to sustainable pest management practices in cranberry through the monitoring and recruitment of desirable natural enemies.

Volatile collection apparatus

Figure 2. Volatile collection apparatus

This study is published in the Journal of Chemical Ecology: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-018-1043-0.

We thank technicians Vera Kyryczenko-Roth, Rob Holdcraft, and Kristy Adams, as well as the summer students in 2014 and 2015, for assistance with the experiments. Funding was provided by Hatch Project No. NJ08192 and the New Jersey Blueberry and Cranberry Research Council Inc., Cranberry Institute, Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association, Canadian Cranberry Growers Coalition, and Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.

Sticky trap baited with synthetic volatiles

Figure 3. Sticky trap baited with synthetic volatiles

 

South Jersey Tree Fruit Twilight Meeting – I

When: March 27 @ 7 PM

Where: Gloucester County Extension Office, 1200 N. Delsea Drive, Bldg. # A, Clayton, NJ 08312

7:00 PM: Welcome Remarks and Updates.

Hemant Gohil, Gloucester County Agricultural Agent, Rutgers NJAES

Comprehensive Understanding of Spotted Lantern Fly in Orchard Crops

Heather Leach, Spotted Lantern Fly Extension Associate, Penn State University.                                                                                             Invited Speaker, Heather leach is specialist on Spotted Lanternfly (SLF). She will speak on the comprehensive understanding of  SLF  priorities from every perspective and provide latest information on biology, behavior and effective management techniques.

Pesticide Record Keeping Update. 

George Hamilton, Extension Specialist in Pest Management, Rutgers NJAES

Food Safety Issues Related to Tree Fruit Production.

Wes Kline, Cumberland County Agriculture Agent, Rutgers NJAES

Management of Scale Insect in Peach

Anne Nielsen, Extension Specialist, Fruit Entomology, Rutgers NJAES

Early Season Disease Control

Norman Lalancette, Extension Specialist, Tree Fruit Pathology, Rutgers NJAES

Scouting Observations and IPM of Early Season Pests

Dave Schmitt and Dean Polk, State-wide Fruit IPM Agent, Rutgers NJAES

9:30 PM Pesticide re-certification credits application and Adjourn

Light fare will be provided. Please call Joan Medany jmedany@co.gloucester.nj.us or call 856-224-8030 if you are planning to attend.

This site is accessible to the physically impaired. If an additional assistance is needed, please contact Hemant Gohil (Program Organizer) at 856-224-8029 prior to the meeting.

South Jersey Tree Fruit Meeting

Date:              March 6, 2019 @ 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Location:        RAREC, 121 Northville Road, Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Registration: Required, by February 28th Contact: Karen Holton (holton@njaes.rutgers.edu), (856) 455-3100 x4104

Cost / person: $15.00 (Checks preferred, made out to Rutgers University), lunch included.

Pesticide Credits: Core (2); 1A (07); 3A (07); 3B (01); & PP2 (07) (Applied)

PROGRAM

8:00 am    Registration

                 Coffee and pastries

8:25 am   Welcome and Opening Remarks and update.

                Hemant Gohil, Agriculture Agent, Rutgers Co-op. Extension, Gloucester County

8:30 am   A Year that was – Environmental Stress effects on Peach Development.

                 Daniel Ward, Extension Specialist in Pomology, Rutgers NJAES.

9:00 am  Key Pest Issues in 2018, and Possible Reasons.

                Dave Schmitt, Fruit IPM Program Associate, Rutgers NJAES

9:15 am   Peach Brown Rot:  Improving Disease Control and Fungicide Resistance Mgmt.

                 Norm Lalancette, Extension Specialist in Tree Fruit Pathology, Rutgers NJAES

10:00 am  Break – Coffee and pastries

10:15 am  IPM tactics and beneficial insects in tree fruit.

                  Anne Nielsen, Extension Specialist in Tree Fruit Entomology, Rutgers NJAES

10:45 am  Dealing With Spotted Wing Drosophila and Scale Pests.

                  Dean Polk, Statewide Fruit IPM Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

11:15 am  Plum curculio biology and management.

Clement Akotsen, Post-doc Research Associate, Rutgers NJAES

11:45 am   Industry Updates and NJ Peach Promotion Council Updates.

12:00 pm   Lunch

1:00 pm    How Herbicide Resistance affects Weed Managing in Tree Fruit Production.

                  Thierry Besancon, Extension Specialist in Weed Science, Rutgers NJAES

1:30 pm    Pesticide Storage and Spills: Managing Risk.

                  Pat Hastings, Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinator, Rutgers NJAES

2:00 pm    Overview of Managing Orchard Soil Health.

                  Megan Muehlbauer, Agriculture Agent, Rutgers Co-op. Extension, Hunterdon Co.

 2:30 pm   Fruit Quality and Post-harvest Evaluations of New Peach Varieties.

                  Hemant Gohil, Agriculture Agent, Rutgers Co-op. Extension, Gloucester County   

3:00 pm    Open Session – Grower Questions and Discussion.

Spotted Lanternfly Basics Webinars

In conjunction with the New York State IPM Program and the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Northeastern IPM Center will host a collection of webinars, titled “Spotted Lanternfly Basics.” Each webinar will focus on, and be tailored to, a specific commodity group:

Spotted Lanternfly Basics for Grape and Apple Industries (Feb. 26, 2019, 1:00 p.m.). Registration link: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d_3KfxQ9SuKHyhk6pM7NCA

Spotted Lanternfly Basics for Hops, Berry, and Vegetable Growers (Feb. 26, 2019, 10:00 a.m.). Registration link: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ONViZLocSBCOKIv-sjoZVg

Spotted Lanternfly Basics for Christmas Tree Growers (Mar. 4, 2019, 10:00 a.m.). Registration link: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7eehVeBvSBOgM3aTXOtaew

Spotted Lanternfly Basics for Nursery, Greenhouse, and Landscape Industries (Mar. 4, 2019, 1:00 p.m.). Registration link: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u5mYQOHMSESWFcNoftt2Nw

All webinars will follow a similar format that covers spotted lanternfly biology, identification, and hosts, monitoring and management strategies, and a regulatory update. While the content may be relevant to audiences throughout the Northeast, management practices covered will be specific to New York. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions.

For more information and registration links, go to:

http://neipmc.org/go/mYey