18 



suggested an economic threshold level of 1 nymph per 25 flower clusters, which 

 would provide a starting point for insect monitoring techniques (8). 



Techniques for reducing herbicide use remain poorly developed in all 

 crops. To date, there has not been even a survey of the major weed species 

 affecting strawberry beds, though a survey is planned for this year. It may be 

 possible to reduce herbicide use in new plantings by using a dieback cover crop 

 during the previous season. Spot treatments rather than broadcast treatments 

 may be an effective way to reduce herbicide use post-planting. 



Anecdotal evidence and experience in other IPM programs in the state 

 indicate that spray coverage may be one of the most important sources of error 

 in pest management. This can be caused by inaccurate calibration, or by 

 inappropriate equipment and calculations. Such problems could be examined 

 immediately. 



At the outset, we have proposed a number of specific objectives for the 

 program. 



1. Use crop development and weather data to time fungicide applications for 

 fruit rot control, and compare the results with typical calendar-based 

 timing. 



2. Use insect monitoring techniques on three major strawberry pests, 

 tarnished plant bug, strawberry bud weevil, and two-spotted mite, in order 

 to time pesticide applications on the basis of the presence or absence of 

 the pest, and develop information for economic threshold levels. 



3. Determine what weed species are important in strawberries in 

 Massachusetts, and determine the efficacy of present control 

 recommendat ions . 



4. Test alternative fungicides against fruit rots, develop improved timing 

 for fungicide application via epidemiological data, and test alternative 

 cultural practices designed to reduce fruit rot. 



5. Examine present sprayer calibration and equipment, and determine whether 

 inaccuracies or inappropriate techniques exist. If they do, suggestions 

 on how to improve sprayer efficiency and calibration will be made. 



6. Develop appropriate expert system delivery systems for the IPM 

 information, using the INFONET electronic mail system to access Regional 

 Extension staff and interested growers. 



7. Distribute pest messages on current status of pest problems and crop 

 development on a weekly basis prior to and during harvest, and at longer 

 intervals as needed thereafter. 



The first year of the program we are concentrating on a survey of current 

 pest management practices, and beginning the testing of reduced pesticide 

 recommendations. With a limited number of growers in the Connecticut Valley, 

 we have established small sections of fields which will be treated as IPM 

 plots. These plots will be treated separately from the rest of the grower's 

 field. These plots will also be areas where pest pressure is most intensively 



