THE 'RACER' PROJECT- A BLUEPRINT FOR RUBUS IPM RESEARCH

S.C. Gordon, J.A.T. Woodford, A. Grassi, H. Höhn, T. Tuovinen
Reduced Application of Chemicals in European Raspberry Production ('RACER') was a 2-year project funded by EU-CRAFT/BBW (Switzerland) that brought together commercial and scientific partners from seven European countries. The aim was to develop suitable monitoring and/or forecasting methods to detect a range of arthropod pests of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), and a standardised system to detect post-harvest fungal rots. This multi-centred approach, with specific objectives set by industry, is a blueprint for future research on sustainable raspberry production in Europe. Existing monitoring systems were modified for use in local environments. Sticky white traps (Rebell® bianco), developed in Switzerland, were used to monitor raspberry beetle (Byturus tomentosus), a serious pest of raspberry in Northern Europe. A spray threshold was developed, based on the number of adult beetles caught in the period up to flowering. Trap efficiency has been further improved by use of natural plant odours. Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), a pest of warmer growing regions, was controlled by use of naturally occurring or artificially introduced predatory mites. The raspberry cane midge (Resseliella theobaldi), a major pest of raspberry in many locations in Europe, can be controlled effectively by accurately timed insecticides applied to raspberry canes at the onset of egg-laying in the spring. A model developed in the UK was tested at geographically distinct locations in Europe. Analysis showed the utility of the model in a range of different environments, but indicated that it would require 'fine-tuning' for specific regions. At least five species of Otiorhynchus weevils, including some new to Rubus, have been found on raspberry. Nocturnal beating of foliage in the spring was the most effective method to collect weevils to assess population size. A standardised post-harvest rot assessment method was also developed. This method provides growers, packers and processors with a comparative method to assess potential shelf-life of fruit destined mainly for the fresh-fruit market. To implement the findings of this IPM project, training workshops for local growers, extension workers and specialists were held in several countries participating in this initiative.
Gordon, S.C., Woodford, J.A.T., Grassi, A., Höhn, H. and Tuovinen, T. (2002). THE 'RACER' PROJECT- A BLUEPRINT FOR RUBUS IPM RESEARCH. Acta Hortic. 585, 343-348
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2002.585.57
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2002.585.57
Monitoring, forecasting, raspberry beetle, two-spotted spider mite, raspberry cane midge, weevils, post-harvest rots
English

Acta Horticulturae