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Elements of IPM for Fresh Market Asparagus in NY State

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E=Established planting; N=New planting

MAJOR PESTS
Insects Diseases Weeds
asparagus beetle Fusarium crown and root rot annual grasses
white and dark sided cutworms purple spot (Stemphyllium) annual broadleaves
asparagus aphids rust perennial grasses
    perennial broadleaves
Other    
slugs    

 

A. Site Preparation Priority Points Acreage Goal Achieved
N 1) Select rust resistant and Fusarium tolerant variety (Jersey General, Jersey Giant, Jersey King, Jersey Knight) H 10 50%  
N 2) Avoid planting on sloped ground M 5 50%  
N 3) Select site with very well drained (sandy if possible) soil. H 10 100%  
N 4) Avoid history of crops susceptible to Fusarium        
- no asparagus, corn or sorghum for 8 + years H 10 50%  
- no asparagus for 8 years or corn/sorghum for 4   8    
N 5) Eliminate any perennial weeds. Identify weeds and select appropriate controls. H 10 100%  
N 6) Soil test and fertilize according to the test results. Adjust soil pH to 6.3-6.8. H 10 100%  
N 7) Utilize green or animal manure in year before planting to increase organic matter. M 5 100%  
B. Planting        
N 1) Use only crowns which are certified free of Fusarium. H 10 50%  
N 2) Plant to a depth of 8 inches on sandy soils; 4-6 inches on heavier soils. H 10 100%  
N 3) Use 30 pounds/acre P2O5 in bottom of furrow. M 5 50%  
N 4) Do not plant asparagus on ground needing nematicide treatment. H 10 100%  
N 5) Irrigate in year of establishment if needed M 5 100%  
C. Nutrient Management      

 
N,E 1) Soil test every 3 years H 10 50%  
N,E 2) Lime and apply potassium according to soil test. H 10 50%  
N,E 3) Maximum of 75 pounds of N per year post harvest. H 10 50%  
D. Pest Monitoring and Forecasting        
N,E 1) Scout several times a week for insects and foliar diseases during spear production (asparagus beetle, cutworms, slugs). Scout weekly during fern production (asparagus beetle, purple spot, rust) H 10 100%  
N,E 2) Use available thresholds for diseases and insects H 10 50%  
N,E 3) If serious disease is observed chop ferns after senescence and use shallow tillage to incorporate. If no disease observed then chop brush and do not till. H 10 50%  
N,E 4) Make a weed map/list annually and choose herbicide/tillage strategy according to weed species and populations. See the Weed Assessment List available for use in satisfying this element. H 10 100%  
N,E 5) Split the application of herbicide between pre and post harvest. M 5 25%  
N,E 6) For large fields(>5 acres) make use of border and hot spot sprays for asparagus beetle control. M 5 25%  
N,E 7) Chose effective labeled pesticides with the least environmental and beneficial organism impact (EIQ) H 10 50%  
N,E 8) Calibrate sprayer at least once per season H 10 100%  
N,E 9) Keep complete records of soil tests, fertilizer applications, cultural practices, weed maps, scouting results. and pesticide applications. H 10 100%  
E. Harvesting        
N 1) Do not harvest until the second or third year of crop depending on the vigor of the planting. (3 weeks of harvest year 2; 6 weeks year 3) H 10 100%  
N,E 2) Do not harvest spears less than 3/8 inch diameter. Remove small spears as needed to prevent overgrowth. H 10 50%  

revision date: 2001

Total Points:

New plantings - 230

Established plantings - 120

80%

New plantings - 184

Established plantings - 96

TO LEARN MORE...

Specific information about the use of these IPM elements can be found in the following publications:

Integrated Crop and Pest Management Guidelines for Commercial Vegetable Production.

A Method to Measure the Environmental Impact of Pesticides. 1992. New York Food and Life Sciences Bulletin Number 139.

Contact the Frank A. Lee Library to view these publications.