- 7 



Control 



Materials for control of plant buj^s should be applied at Pink, Petal Fall, 

 Shuck-spllt, I, H, and III Covers. The effective materials Include DDT, 

 dieldrin, and parathion. On the basis of limited observations, Guthlon also 

 appears to be effective. 



In some cases, where the oak and hickory plant bugs are a severe problem, 

 additional applications are required in the Later Cover sprays in July, 



- — William D, Tunis 



Extension Entomologist 



I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 



WHAT IS HAPPENING TO STRAWBERRY GRWING IN MASSACHUSETTS? 



Most of the larger strawberry growers in Massachusetts are using pro- 

 gressive methods and are obtaining good yields. On the other hand, there are 

 many small growers who are not getting such good yields. Evidence of this is 

 contained in the low average per acre yield of strawberries for the state. The 

 area in strawberries has decreased till during the past few years it has re- 

 mained at or near 500 acres a year. What are the reasons for the acreage 

 decline and poor yields? 



First, let's look at the area situation. The reduction in acreage is not 

 surprising when all the facts are considered. The following factors are 

 involved: 



First, with the urbanization of many farming areas, strawberry fields have 

 been converted to house lots or are being swallowed up by industrial areas. 

 This trend will continue and eventually result in a further reduction in straw- 

 berry acreage or a removal of the producing areas farther away from urban 

 centers. 



Second, labor for picking the crop is becanlng increasingly difficult to 

 obtain. This has discouraged some growers. Others have adopted the "pick-your- 

 own" method of marketing and find it very satisfactory. 



Third, many of the children of strawberry growers not only have no Interest 

 in strawberry growing, but also have no interest in agriculture. 



Fourth, competition from other areas is keen, especially from California, 

 It has been reported that California growers can ship berries across the con- 

 tinent, undersell local berries and still make a profit. This is a situation 

 which has developed during the past five years. Previous to that California 

 shipped few berries east. 



Fifth, overproducing In local areas with consequent drastic cutting of 

 prices. This usually occurs at the peak of the season, in good years, where a 



