Q--
Any advice about deterring or killing clipper? Organic growing advice appreciated! I've tried Pyrellin E.C. at recommended rates. I'm losing all my buds fast on earliglow, raritan, and sparkle. I know Surround (refined kaolin clay) is labeled for other weevils (plum curc). I was wondering if it would repel clipper as well. Engelhardt did not list strawberries on the label for use, but I was wondering about repellent effectiveness.
Do strawberries need bees to pollinate or are they self-fertile? Surround will also repel bees as well.
A--
Try applying the pyrellin at 8-9pm. Strawberry plants will compensate by producing larger berries on the remaining flowers. If the problem continues 3 days after application apply safer soap during the same time peroid. It can take 3-4 days for the organic materials to show any effect.
I have no experience with Surround, but see the following link to many organic sites.
Related link:
http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/organiclinks.html A last resort would be an application of Malathion or Sevin once with the prylellin. I know it is not organic, but it might salvage your season.
Strawberries are self pollenating, but bees will help do a better job, especially Bumble bees.
Nate Nourse
