Strawberry is one of the important economic crops in Taiwan. But its production is facing a series of diseases and pests, and very often the farmers resort to excessive pesticide applications that result in serious pesticide residue problems. To avoid the use of organic pesticides in strawberry production, scientists at TARI have developed cost effective integrated pest management measures without use of chemical pesticides. These measures include production of healthy seedlings, cleaning of the production field, monitoring of diseases and pests, and use of non-synthetic pesticide agents.

   First of all, healthy seedlings are produced in the nursery with improved nursery management techniques. After healthy seedlings are transplanted to the production field, all plant debris and weeds in the field are constantly removed to prevent the buildup of pathogen and pest populations. During the growing period, the production field is closely monitored for the type and extent of diseases and pests every week. If any diseases and pests occur, control measures are adjusted and implemented accordingly.

    Some of the practical non-synthetic pesticide control measures are: 1) foliar sprays of neutralized phosphorous acid once a week for three weeks before the raining season to avoid the occurrence of fruit rot; 2) foliar sprays of 0.3-0.5% emulsified sunflower oil at the initial occurrence of powdery mildew to limit the further spread of the disease; 3) application of lime sulfur to control anthracnose; and 4) regular application of botanical pesticide to effectively control spider mites.

    Employment of the above integrated pest management measures shall contribute to producing strawberries without pesticide residues so as to protect the consumer's health as well as to secure environmental integrity.