A Survey of Production and Pest Management Strategies Used For Gooseberry Production Throughout Three Regions of the United States

Abstract

Twenty-one gooseberry growers, of all sizes, and from three different regions of the United States were surveyed to learn about their production and pest management practices. Growers were interviewed, to identify and understand the pest strategies used today. The data gathered was compiled and analyzed to determine correlations and to determine areas of biological and cultural control of pests where further experimental research is needed. Since Ribes hiretellum Michaux (American Gooseberry) and Ribes uva-crispa L. (European Gooseberry) are considered a minor berry crop in most states, there is little attention given to integrated pest management for them. There are pest issues facing both large and small gooseberry growers, especially the misidentified small gooseberry sawfly, in the Northeast and the Pacific Flatheaded Borer, in the Pacific Northwest. Some smaller growers are reluctant to use pesticides on their crops Recommendations are presented for areas of further field and laboratory testing to be done in the increased use of beneficial insects and also in creating natural habitats for these beneficial to cohabitate, such as “beetle banks”. This study serves as a general pest management resource for gooseberry growers that reveals current pest issues and also proposes candidates for additional biological control measures for problem gooseberry pests.