Agriculture: Strawberry Pest Management Guidelines

Prebloom

This year-round IPM program covers the major pests of strawberry fruit-production fields in California. Pest management activities for strawberry nurseries are discussed only as they impact pest problems in the field.

About Prebloom

Confirm correct planting, note any need for replanting.

Monitor for spider mites and caterpillars

  • Keep records (PDF), and manage as needed according to the Pest Management Guidelines.

Monitor for other insects and mites and flag locations with problems:

  • Aphids
  • Cyclamen mite
  • Whiteflies

Look for diseases and flag locations with problems:

  • Angular leaf spot
  • Anthracnose
  • Common leaf spot
  • Leaf blotch
  • Phytophthora crown and root rot
  • Powdery mildew
  • Red stele root rot

Look for vertebrate pests and flag locations with problems:

  • Deer
  • Ground squirrels
  • Moles
  • Pocket gophers
  • Voles

Survey for weed emergence.

  • Apply preemergence herbicide as needed according to the Pest Management Guidelines.
  • Handweed as needed.

Remove runners in summer plantings as needed.

Consider monitoring salinity of irrigation water.

Monitor soil moisture and irrigate as needed.

Apply fertilizer as needed.

Text Updated: 07/18
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