Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Wild Blueberry

Importance of IPM

coloful bee boxes in field for pollination with pinetree windbreaks in the background
By using IPM we provide living habitats for soil organisms, pollinators, and wildlife while still producing high-quality wild blueberries.

Integrated pest management aims to prevent outbreaks rather than treat infestation through a combination of cultural, mechanical and chemical techniques. IPM tactics should embody all available management options to reduce or maintain pest populations at a tolerable level without complete eradication of the pest.

The combination of techniques is key.

The continual use of a single chemical can lead to resistance in pest populations creating a more difficult situation to manage. Check out the NRCS Program: Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management

The IPM Approach:

  1. Scout and Monitor for early detection.
  2. Properly identify the plant stage prior to taking action.
    1. Maine Wild Blueberry Phenology Guide
  3. Properly identify the pest prior to taking action.
    1. A pesticide application should target a susceptible life stage.
  4. Develop a response method – specific to the pest and population level.
  5. Record response methods for future reference.
  6. Use predictive models when possible.
  7. Use the economic threshold in deciding when chemical management is necessary.
  8. Use chemical management only when there are no other means of control (mechanical or cultural).

Weather and Crop Modeling Tools

Past, Present, and Future Weather:

Fruit and Vegetable Crops

An organism should NOT be classified or treated as a pest until it really is one.

— Wild Blueberry Pesticide Applicators Guide

Identification by Pest

Tipmidge on blueberry stem with dimpled leaves, starting to unravel
Emerging Pests
Commercially managed bees crawling over a multiple screens
Pollinator Insects

Crop and Pest Tracking

image of the agrinet icon with login (BB) and Password (Grower)
Agrinet. Login: BB Password: Grower
Weedy colorful blueberry field with reds and purples full of yellow grasses
Integrated Crop Management - Field Scouting

Management , By Pest

Reducing Inputs

Spotted wing drosophila larval stages
2021 Summary of Insecticide Performance Against SWD; An Aid in Crop Protection and Resistance Management (PDF)

Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.

© 2021

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