Affiliation:
1. Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 1881 Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
2. USDA-ARS, United States Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29414, USA
3. Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Fifield Hall, 2550 Hull Road, P.O. Box 110690, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Abstract
Abstract
The twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a key pest of strawberries and many other crops worldwide. Cover cropping, selecting tolerant or resistant cultivars, and biological control are important strategies of an organic management plan. In this study, we examined the effect of summer cover crops and strawberry cultivars on populations of T. urticae and a commercially available predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae), commonly used for T. urticae management in Florida. In the 2013–2014 season, four cover crops and eight strawberry cultivars were screened at the research station and on a commercial organic strawberry farm. The following season, the most promising cover crops (sunn hemp and hairy indigo) and cultivars, ‘Sensation’, ‘Strawberry Festival’, and ‘Winterstar’ were tested at the research station and on two small organic farms. In the 2016–2017, 2017–2018, and 2018–2019 seasons, a 4-way mix of cover crops was compared to sunn hemp and hairy indigo. In 2016–2017, ‘Florida Radiance’ was added to the three previously selected cultivars. ‘Florida Beauty’ replaced ‘Strawberry Festival’ in 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, and ‘Florida Brilliance’ replaced ‘Winterstar’ in 2018–2019. The effects of summer cover crops on both T. urticae and N. californicus were minimal. ‘Florida Brilliance’, ‘Florida Radiance’, ‘Sensation’, ‘Strawberry Festival’, and ‘Winterstar’ had lower T. urticae populations and higher yields in most seasons at most locations. The establishment and abundance of N. californicus was similar on these cultivars and was generally higher where T. urticae populations were higher. Implications for organic strawberry production in Florida are discussed.
Funder
Walmart Foundation
University of Arkansas
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Subject
Insect Science,Ecology,General Medicine