Aphids and spider mites are being observed in multiple strawberry fields where freeze protection covers have remained in place for extended periods after the two winter storms we experienced in the last few weeks.
The warm, protected environment under the covers can favor pest buildup, and it is common to see an increase in winged aphids once the covers are removed (Fig. 1). In some cases, established aphid colonies may already be present within the canopy, particularly in the midsections of plants where they are less visible. Spider mite populations can also increase under these conditions. For this reason, it is important to thoroughly scout fields after cover removal, including checking the midparts of plants and sampling across the entire field to assess infestation levels and determine whether management actions are needed. Aphid infestations in strawberries rarely require insecticide applications; however, populations exacerbated by extended periods with row covers that show more than 30% infested sampled plants may require action measures.
