 Extremely high populations of Two-spotted Spider Mites are occurring in Central Florida as a result of unusually warm February temperatures. Populations are spreading in plant canopies, including flowers and fruit, causing significant economic losses to growers on many farms. Two-spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae) is a persistent threat to the strawberry industry nationwide. Their hidden colonization of plant canopies, rapid reproduction, and ability to develop resistance to chemical treatments make them especially difficult to control. Strawberry growers face significant risks because spider mites damage plants by reducing photosynthesis, stunting growth, and feeding directly on fruit causing significant crop losses annually.  With higher than normal temperatures this past month, damaging populations have broken out across Central Florida strawberry plantings and growers are in need of effective solutions to mitigate this escalating threat.
Published data developed by Dr. Frank Sances of Ag Metrics Group has shown that an average of 10-15 mites per leaf can cause measurable plant damage and yield loss. The plants shown above have had 100 or more mites per leaf for weeks at a time. Spider Mite Trials: Secure A Spot in Our Spring "Add-On" Program Currently, we are planning the Spring 2025 program at our Dover, FL strawberry research station. If you have a conventional or alternative acaricide in development, our “add on” trial program has openings for additional entries. Foliar sprays, root drench application and drip irrigation methods are possible. Your product will be compared with industry standards for efficacy against eggs, nymphs and adult stages. At this time of year, 2-3 applications are normally made to manage this pest. Join Our Spring Strawberry Program Today The industry is searching for products that can help growers manage the area-wide outbreak and prevent further losses economically important crop. If your product has potential efficacy against spider mites, please give us a call while we are filling slots in our field trial program in Central Florida. The industry is searching for products that can help manage the area-wide outbreak and prevent losses to this economically important crop. Two-Spotted Spider Mite is extremely difficult to control on strawberries and there are few effective control measures available to growers. Field trialing your potential solution in these real-world conditions could benefit everyone involved.
Please call Florida Ag Research Director, Dr. Balaji Aglave, directly at (813) 892-1104. You can also email him at [email protected] or Erin Downey at [email protected] to discuss these Florida trials now starting at our Strawberry Research Center in Dover, FL. For questions regarding field trials at any of our other stations nationwide including the California Strawberry research program also with lab and field two spotted spider mite trials please contact Brad Booker at [email protected] Ag Metrics Group Announces Dr. Marja Koivunen as New Science Officer for Pacific Ag Research2/6/2024
 Dr. Marja Koivunen - Science Officer - Pacific Ag Research (Fresno, CA, February 6, 2024) – Ag Metrics Group, formerly known as Pacific Ag Group welcomes Dr. Marja Koivunen as Science Officer for the Western Region of the United States, and as the new Salinas Station Manager for Pacific Ag Research, the company’s West Coast Division.
Key Expertise and Collaborative Leadership Dr. Koivunen is distinguished for her broad knowledge of biopesticide product development and hands-on experience in greenhouse and field research, particularly with California crops and pest systems. In her new role, she will collaborate with senior management, including Dr. Frank Sances, the President and Founder of Ag Metrics Group, as well as with Brad Booker – Western Area Manager/Pacific Ag Research and Oscar Cuevas – Farming and Operations Manager/Pacific Ag Research, to manage the extensive portfolio of field, greenhouse and laboratory activities for the company. Dr. Koivunen is also well integrated into the California crop production industry and holds active Agricultural Pest Control Adviser (PCA) and Certified Crop Consultant (CCA) licenses. Strategic Expansion and Vision This strategic appointment was announced at the 2024 California Plant and Soil Conference in Fresno, California. Dr. Sances commented on her joining the Pacific Ag team, "With the expansion of our West Coast Operations, Dr. Koivunen is joining us at just the right time. We’ve grown both geographically and in our research facilities with almost 50,000 sq. ft of California greenhouses, a new field-lab complex in Fresno County, and now have presence in Davis and the greater Sacramento Valley." Dr. Koivunen, expressing her excitement about the new role, stated, “I have long respected the work of Pacific Ag Research. I look forward to joining Pacific Ag’s science faculty and a stimulating environment that will allow me to develop new techniques and services for our clients' research programs.” A Career Marked by Excellence Dr. Koivunen's career includes significant roles at Vestaron Corporation, AMVAC Chemical Corp, Novozymes Biologicals, Eurofins Agroscience Services, and Marrone Bio Innovations. Her academic accomplishments include a Ph.D. in Soil Science, Plant Nutrition and Soil Microbiology from UC Davis and a M.Sc. in Agricultural Chemistry and Physics/Soil Science from the University of Helsinki. She was also a Fulbright Scholar in Soil Microbiology at Cornell University. Additionally, she is a Fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS) AGRO Division and has served at the Governing Boards of the ACS AGRO and the American Society of Agronomy's California Chapter. She has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and patents. |
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