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Northwest Berry Foundation

Last Call 7/30/20 by Greta Dupuis

Week 31
August 5, 2020
Tom Peerbolt
Northwest Berry Foundation
WHAT'S INSIDE
Regional Reports
Listening to the recent podcast from the USHBC, I was struck again by
Industry Resources the accelerating pace in the development of our electronic methods of
communication. This particular podcast, hosted by Rod Cook and Kasey
Industry News Cronquist, first gave real-time reports on blueberry crop status from around
the country. This included Washington (Brian Sakuma) and Oregon (Doug
Industry Calendar Krahmer), which was of immediate interest and then had a brief discussion
(~20 min.) on the present state of using machines for harvesting blueberries
Pest & Disease Alerts for the fresh market. Great information.
Pest Management I need to especially compliment Noel Sakuma, Oregon Berry Packing’s
farm manager, for his willingness to share his hands-on, field trial-based,
knowledge on this developing topic. Brian Foote with Korvan also shared his
knowledge on machine development for fresh. Go here for the link to the
podcast. This is a targeted, very useful implementation of communication
technology that could impact your bottom line. Give it a listen and maybe
subscribe to the Behind the Blue newsletter.
Subscribe >> Please let me know of other podcasts you’re finding useful. I do believe it’s
time to add podcast links as a regular feature of the Small Fruit Update!

Thanks,

Thank you to our sponsors

The Small Fruit Update is a weekly publication brought to you by the

region's berry commissions and councils. Thank you to the following
groups for their continued support of this publication!

Washington British Columbia

Small Fruit Update is Washington Red Raspberry Commission B.C. Strawberry Growers Association
produced once a week Washington Blueberry Commission Raspberry Industry Development Council
during the growing B.C. Blueberry Council
season and then Oregon
bimonthly outside the Oregon Raspberry & Blackberry National
growing season. Commission North American Blueberry Council
Oregon Blueberry Commission North American Raspberry &
Oregon Strawberry Commission Blackberry Association
 R EG I O N A L F I E L D R E P O RTS 2

WESTERN OREGON, WILLAMETTE VALLEY

• Blueberries (8/4): The mid-season overlap is heavy upon us. Many reports of fruit hanging for
longer period on plants. This is a source for SWD that adds to the risk factors we already have.
The heat last week had a positive effect on SWD pressure, but this week has already bumped
back to pre-heat levels.

• Strawberries (8/4): Day neutrals are busy dodging sunburn and all the pests, though not much
spider mites yet. I've probably jinxed it and with the hot days we've had I'm sure that is next on
the management list sooner rather than later.

NORTHERN WASHINGTON, WHATCOM & SKAGIT COUNTY (8/4) From Tom Walters,
Walters Ag Research, Anacortes, WA:

• Raspberries: Raspberry harvest is done, except for late varieties like Wakefield. With the warm
weather we’ve had, mites and yellow rust are flaring up, so be sure to check fields and treat as
needed.

• Blueberries: I’m seeing smaller size than usual in the early Bluecrop, and the warm weather has
not helped firmness.

NORTHWEST WASHINGTON (8/4)

• Strawberries: Demand is high but labor is an issue for many. Albions are into second pick of
second flush. Plenty of blooms!

EASTERN WASHINGTON (7/30) From Alan Schreiber, Executive Director of the Washington
Blueberry Commission:

• Blueberries: Picking second pass of Aurora and growers are waiting on Last Call to ripen.
Quality of fruit has been outstanding. Good enough that Liberty has been picked for the fresh
market. Temperatures this week are in the triple digits with 109 degrees forecasted for Friday. As
a result, growers are aggressively picking fruit and using a lot of overhead cooling.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, FRASER VALLEY (8/3)

• Blueberries: The last two weeks has seen the main blue surge of Dukes harvested. There's still
some out there to come in but for the most part we're moving into Bluecrop, Reka, Draper and
then Calypso a bit later. The big heat of last week did cause some softness issues. Most packing
plants were getting pretty stretched due to incoming volumes. But plant intakes should start to
level off as volumes change with the switch to other varieties. Yields appear to be definitely off
and, subsequently, remaining fruit will be in demand. SWD pressure remains high so growers
really need to maintain strict spray schedules. Temperatures are going to be much more
moderate this week so stress on the hanging fruit should be much reduced. There is even a
chance of some late week showers. Not sure that's something we really want to see.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, FRASER VALLEY (8/4)

• Blueberries: Moving through 2nd pick of Reka, 2nd pick Bluecrop by end of the week and 3rd
on Duke after Reka. Some Draper being harvested currently as well. Looks like 1st pick Valor will
be around / just after 2nd pick Bluecrop. Some have said 1st pick of Elliot may start in a couple
weeks in the eastern Valley. Temperatures have been good but possibly more rain coming
Thursday. Hopefully not too much. Volumes certainly down from an average crop.
 B LU E B E R RY D E V E LO PM E N T 3

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Photos are from same fields on close to the same day from each year

PATRIOT BLUEJAY DUKE DRAPER TOP SHELF LIBERTY AURORA LAST CALL

Har vested Har vested Har vested Har vested

Week 30: 7/31/20
on 6/29/20 on 7/11/20 on 7/17/20 on 7/22/20
Har vested Har vested
on 7/14/20 on 7/17/20

Har vested Har vested Har vested Har vested

Week 30: 7/27/19 on 6/28/19 7/13-18/19 7/20 -26/19 7/13-18/19

Har vested Har vested

7/13-18/19 7/13-18/19

Har vested Har vested Har vested Har vested

Week 30: 7/27/18
on 6/27/18 on 7/6/18 on 7/12/18 7/21-26/18

Har vested Har vested

on 7/6/18 on 7/12/18

Har vested Har vested Har vested

Week 30: 7/28/17 on 6/30/17 on 7/7/17 7/15-20/17

Har vested Har vested

7/15-20/17 7/15-20/17

PATRIOT BLUEJAY DUKE DRAPER TOP SHELF LIBERTY AURORA LAST CALL
 I N D U ST RY R E S O U RC E S 4

Join the The Northwest Berry Foundation team!

The Northwest Berry Foundation is looking for an enthusiastic

person to join our team! We are currently looking for a graphic
web designer to fill a contractual position. This position will
design, expand, and maintain a new website for our partner, the
Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research.

Click here for the full job description

and application details

North America Raspberry and Blackberry Association Updates

• NARBA is considering holding the 2021 conference virtually. Click here to

participate in their survey to give your thought about going virtual.

• Full 2020 Caneberry Pricing and Marketing Survey Report is now available for
NARBA members and those who participated in the survey. Visit the Members
Only page to view the full report.

Podcasts for the Industry

• The Business of Blueberries: A brand new podcast brought to you by the U.S.
Highbush Blueberry Council hosted by Kasey Cronquist and Rod Cook.

• Episode 7: Mechanical Harvesting Technology (7/29)

• PolliNation: A podcast from OSU Extension Service that tells the stories of bold strides
on improving pollinator health. Hosted by Dr. Andony Melathopoulos.

• Episode 147: Christina Groziner - BeeScape (August 2020)

Blueberries Raspberries
• Blueberry IPM Newsletter (7/31, BC • Raspberry IPM Newsletter: Season
Blueberry Council) Summary (7/24, BC Raspberry Council)

COVID-19 Resources
Identifying risks for COVID-19 exposures in the agriculture workplace (7/28, Fruit Growers News)

Webinar: Navigating COVID-19 during berry harvest and packing ( June 2020, WSU)

Guidance for U-Pick Farms during the COVID-19 Pandemic (May 2020, ODA)

Handling COVID-19 Guidance for U-Pick Farms (West. Reg. Center to Enhance Food Safety)
 I N D U ST RY N E WS
The Weather Cafe®
Click here for Rufus
La Lone's longrange
forecasts for the
PNW®
Featured Links
Blueberry boom: Worldwide growth creates
challenges for NW producers (7/31, Agronometrics)
Washington farm investigated in wake of COVID-
19 death (7/27, Capital Press)
U.S. crop yields threatened by decline in bee
population (8/3, Fresh Fruit Portal)
B.C.: Blueberry plant faces COVID-19 (7/1, Country
Life in BC)
Highbush blueberry study shows direct, indirect
value of industry (8/3, The Packer)
Washington
Western Innovator: Switching from berries to
grass seed (7/31, Capital Press)
United States
Florida Ag leaders call for new protections from
influx of product from Mexico (7/27, Growing
Produce)
Maine lowbush blueberries: COVID-19 cases
among blueberry workers worsen farm labor
shortage (8/3, Press Herald)
Fresh Market Blackberries
Why the ‘Ouachita’ blackberry is truly outstanding
(7/30, Growing Produce)
Strawberries
Strawberry production holds its own amid virus
precautions (7/31, Western Farm Press)
SWD management
Spotting alternative controls for SWD (7/28, Good
Fruit Grower)
Research Update
Pulsed-drip irrigation for raspberries (7/14,
Growing Produce)
Pesticides
Oregon proposes rule to restrict use of
chlorpyrifos (7/30, Capital Press)
5
Degree Day
Information
Click here for
Dr. Len Coop's
Northwest Degree Day
Information
Carbaryl products become restricted-use on
August 1 in California (7/27, Western Farm Press)
Invasive species
Washington traps first Asian giant hornet (7/31,
Capital Press)
Giant hornet fears have ‘no basis in reality’,
scientist says (7/31, Western Farm Press)
Labor
Washington farms ask for record number of
foreign workers (7/31, Capital Press)
Companies
Naturipe adds recycle label on packaging (7/31,
The Packer)
Fall creek adds regional director for Mexico (7/29,
Fresh Fruit Portal)
Trade
Chilean fresh fruit consumption rises
significantly in key global markets (7/31, Fresh
Fruit Portal)
Blueberry exports to Chile now open for
California, Oregon, Washington
• Read full article from North American
Blueberry Council here.
Gov. Kate Brown announces launch of new
programs to assist OR agricultural workers
• Read full article from Oregon Blueberry
Commission here.
 I N D U ST RY C A L E N D A R 6

AUG 12
The IPM Hour presented by the Western IPM Center. 12-1PM. Silvia Rondon, an
extension entomology specialist at OSU, will discuss "Response from an Extension Entomology Irrigated Crop
Faculty to a New Era of Research and Educational Delivery." Walt Mahaffee, a research plant pathologist with
the USDA-ARS, will discuss "Finding Needles in Haystacks: Inoculum Monitoring as a Decision Aid." Click here
for zoom link.

SEPT 9
WA Red Raspberry Commission Board Meeting. 1-5PM. This meeting will be held through
Zoom. If you would like to attend, please contact the commission (henry@red-raspberry.org) and they'll send
you the meeting link.

SEPT 28 - OCT 1
NABC/USHBC Virtual Conference & Expo. 7AM-6PM. This year, the North American
Blueberry Council (NABC) and U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) are expanding their reach by going
virtual, showcasing industry leaders and gathering up the most important people in business, tech, genetics,
innovation and more! Register for free today.

OCT 27-29
Nutrient cycling, soil health, and Food Safety Virtual Conference. Nutrient cycling
and recycling, fate and transport of nutrients across multiple landscapes of agriculture, and food safety related
to water irrigation management will be the focus of the conference. An emphasis will be placed on adoption of
innovative technology and building relationships which will promote recycling of manure nutrients via crops
and forages. View event details here. Register for this event here.

OCT 28
WA Red Raspberry Commission Board Meeting. 1-5PM. This meeting will be held through
Zoom. If you would like to attend, please contact the commission (henry@red-raspberry.org) and they'll send
you the meeting link.

DEC 7-9
Global Berry Congress. This event had been moved to December in response to COVID-19. The
leading annual event for the international soft fruit business. Rotterdam, Netherlands. View program and
registration details here.

Blueberry harvest 8/14/18 by Tom Peerbolt

 N U T R I E N T M A N AG E M E N T 7
Thanks to Bernadine Strik (OSU) and Lisa Wasko DeVetter (WSU) for supplying all of the following information.

This week is the critical time of the year when tissue nutrient sampling and testing needs to take place
(about July 24-August 7). I thought I’d emphasize what we know and how to do it.

Recommended Timing & Frequency of Testing

Tissue Sampling Soil Sampling

• Every year at the same time –for blueberries
and floricane raspberries and blackberries.
This is the last week in July through the first
week in August.
• For analyzing problem situations—take
samples from both healthy and unhealthy
areas of the field for comparing.
Recommended Protocols for Tissue Testing
• Blueberries: Collect the most recent, fully-
expanded leaf with the petiole attached (leaf
stem) only from shoots below where fruit is/
was located.
• Raspberries & Blackberries: Collect the
most recent, fully-expanded leaf with the
petiole attached (leaf stem) only from the
primocanes (about 12 inches from the tip).
• Always before planting.
• For analyzing problem situations.
• Every few years for maintenance.
Recommended Protocols for Soil Testing
• All crops: Pre-planting soil testing is
critical. Adjusting soil pH & incorporating
nutrients (like potassium and phosphorus)
that don’t move readily from surface
applications should happen before planting.
• Strawberries: For annual/short term
crops like strawberries, soil testing is
usually the only method used for adjusting
nutrient programs. After renovation is
recommended for multi-year plantings.
Comments for Soil Testing

Comments for Tissue Testing • Soil testing to diagnose problems: Most

• Cultivars should be sampled separately, as
should any problem areas in the field.
• If they are covered with dust, rinse them
briefly and let them air dry; otherwise do
not wash.
• All blueberry and floricane fruiting
caneberry cultivars, regardless of ripening
time, should be sampled in the window of
late-July to early-August.
• Leaf nutrient concentrations naturally
change throughout the season (from spring
to autumn) so these published standards are
NOT applicable if you sample tissue outside
the late July-early August sampling time.
useful when combined with in-field
observations, results of annual leaf tissue
sampling, and a history of a fertility
program and other soil/tissue tests.
• Seasonal timing: Fall or spring is common
but be mindful of where fertilizers are
placed (i.e., avoid fertilizers) and/or
collecting surface organic matter (e.g.,
sawdust, mulch). It’s very important to be
consistent! There can be big differences if
you test in the spring in one year and fall in
the another. Don’t test in spring after any
fertilization.
• Location of sampling: Between the
dripline and base of the plants & enough to
be representative of the entire field. Move
any mulch aside before collecting a soil
sample.

Considerations

• It’s best to pair results of tissue tests with in-field observations when deciding on whether or not
to modify a nutrient management program.
P E ST A N D D I S E A S E A L E RTS , W E E K 31
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Spotted Wing Drosophila: Continued Pressure

SWD pressure this season is at unprecedented levels. The hot weather last week had a positive
effect on SWD pressure. However, with temperatures below 90F this week, SWD will continue
to be the greatest threat to berry crops. Be prepared for much tighter spray intervals than what
you’ve historically used at this time of year. Continue to monitor hotspot areas with frequent
fruit sampling and treat fields that may have leftover fruit (i.e. Legacy).

• A quick, 7-step guide for detecting SWD larvae in fruit

• A detailed guide for testing fruit for the presence of SWD larvae
• Emerging Pest: SWD- A berry and stone fruit pest

SWD larvae 9/4/09 SWD larvae in SWD larvae in

by Julie Pond blueberry 9/4/09 raspberry puree 8/11/10

Mummyberry in Blueberries

Continue scouting for mummy berries on fruit clusters. Often times

diseased berries will fall to the ground before healthy berries are harvested.
Plant stage, environmental conditions and history of mummyberry
pressure should be considered when making management decisions. For
management options visit this link.

Birds
Mummyberry 7/23/20
As more fruit begins to ripen, birds become a frequent problem. Be sure to by Mike Pinker
have a bird management technique in place that is effective for your farm.
Visit this link for a Grower's Guide for Bird Management in Berry Fields.

Scorch Virus in Blueberries

Scorch virus is vectored by aphids. An effective aphid management plan
should be in place to control populations. Control measures are necessary
for reducing population size before reproduction and dispersal begins. Be
sure to continually monitor for this virus closely. Scorch 5/8/07
by Tom Peerbolt
P E ST A N D D I S E A S E A L E RTS , W E E K 31
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Yellow Rust in Raspberries

Summer is the time when another yellow spore stage

(uredinia) starts to appear. This spore stage appears later
in the season as yellow ‘dust’ on the bottom of leaves. This
last stage multiplies quickly and can quickly defoliate
canes if left untreated. Evaluate disease incidence
and stage to determine whether (& when) fungicide
applications are warranted.
Yellow rust 5/7/02
by Tom Peerbolt

Silver Leaf in Blueberries

Silver leaf is a fungal disease that affects stone fruit as
well as blueberries. This disease was first confirmed in
2014 on 'Draper' and 'Liberty' blueberries. Symptoms
have been observed in other varieties as well. Throughout
the summer, infected plants will develop silvery leaves
resulting in reduced growth. For management options visit
this link.

Silver leaf 6/15/18

by Jason Myer

Green Berry Botrytis

Botrytis cinerea is a fungal disease and during extended

wet periods, spores will begin to multiple.

The best "treatment" of this disease is warm, dry weather.

Green fruit rot will start as a brown discoloration and
eventually the entire berry will rot, shrivel and fall off
the berry cluster. Be sure to assess fields during extended
periods of moisture and monitor for any symptoms.
Strawberry Botrytis 5/31/13 by
Jason Myer

Alternaria Fruit Rot

Alternaria can infect fruit beginning at the end of bloom

and throughout the fruit development stage, up until
harvest. Infections remain latent until the fruit ripens.
Infected fruits exhibit a shriveling or caving-in of the side
of the berry and become watery in storage.

Alternaria Fruit Rot by

Caroline Teasdale
 S U M M E R P E ST M A N AG E M E N T
All Crops
• Sample for & treat as needed for SWD
fruit infestation as soon as fruit begins to
color.
• Scout for virus symptoms and send
samples for testing as needed.
• Vole management.
• Weed management.
• Fertility management.
Strawberries
• Scout for Lygus bugs and treat as
needed.
• Can apply phosphite material to
strengthen root system and manage root
rot.
• Scout for root weevils. Adults of black
vine, rough strawberry, and strawberry
root weevils are visible in some fields.
• Scout for strawberry crown moth in
southern strawberries.
• Scout for powdery mildew and treat as
needed.
• Scout for twospotted spider mites and
predatory, beneficial mites.
• Watch for weak growing areas and check
rots for root or weevil larvae.
Blueberries
• Monitor for bird activity. Starlings are
the main concern.
• Scout for blueberry gall midge. Tip
damage from this midge is due to begin
showing up in southern blueberries.
• Scout for Azalea bark scale.
• Scout for leafroller larvae feeding.
• Scout for weevil notching.
• Be sure to have an aphid management
plan in place in areas where Shock virus
transmission is a concern.
• Monitor and treat for mummyberry as
needed. Infected fruit should be visible
within the next few weeks.
10
Caneberries
• Scout for rose stem girdler (RSG). If
fields are known to have RSG pressure
or have been recently planted, monitor
fields diligently in the upcoming weeks.
Management is targeted at the adult
stage to prevent egg-laying.
• Scout for leafrollers. A pest of concern
for export markets and fruit processing.
Be sure to monitor pheromone traps
regularly.
Raspberries
• Scout for Phytophthora root rot and
monitor for cane collapse.
• Scout for twospotted spider mites and
yellow mites.
• Scout for clay colored weevils in
northern areas.
• Scout for yellow rust and assess
treatment options.
• Can apply fungicides to prevent fruit
molds.
• Can apply a phosphite material for
stronger root growth and root rot
prevention.
Blackberries
• Scout for cane and leaf rust and assess
treatment options.
• Scout for purple blotch lesions.
• Can apply fungicides to prevent fruit
molds.
Evergreen Blackberries
• Scout for blackberry rust.
Bird damage 6/7/13 Cane leaf rust 4/5/03
by Jason Myer by Tom Peerbolt
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About the
Small Fruit Upate
This is the sole industry publication
gathering grower and producer
news and weekly field reports to
unite, stabilize, and strengthen the
Northwest berry growing region
(Canada and US).
Production is independent of
government and commerical control
and made possible by the following
commission & councils.
Oregon Red Raspberry 9/3/2019 by Heather Fara Click group to learn more!

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