Elements of IPM for
Lettuce in NY State

Insects

Diseases

Weeds

aster leafhopper

anthracnose

annual and perennial grasses

Aphids (primarily green peach)

Botrytis gray mold

annual and perennial broadleaves

bottom rot

damping off

downy mildew

drop

northern root knot nematode

lettuce mosaic virus

cucumber mosaic virus

broadbean wilt virus

aster yellows

A. SITE PREPARATION AND SELECTION

Acreage Goal

Points

1) Review weed map/list of fields to choose appropriate weed control strategies. See the Weed Assessment List available for use in satisfying this element.

50%

10

2) Crop rotation.

Anthracnose: at least 1 year to non susceptible crop;

Botrytis gray mold: rotate to reduce survival of sclerotia;

Bottom rot: minimum 3 years away from lettuce and endive;

Drop: minimum 3 years with non-hosts

Root knot nematode: rotate with grain crop

50%

10

3) For anthracnose plant disease free seed.

100%

10

4) Soil test at least once every 3 years. Maintain records. Fertilize according to test results.

100%

10

5) For bottom rot use raised beds to allow better air circulation.

10%

3

B. PLANTING

1) Select seed treated with fungicide for protection from damping off fungi.

50%

3

2) Use tolerant and resistant varieties for lettuce mosaic virus, broadbean wilt virus.

50%

10

3) Eliminate weed hosts for cucumber mosaic virus (milkweed, marshcress, yellow rocket)

10%

5

4) For cucumber mosaic virus make the earliest planting downwind from weedy borders to avoid acting as reservoir for later plantings

10%

3

5) Eliminate weed hosts for broadbean wilt virus (broadleaf plantain, buckhorn plantain)

50%

5

C. PEST MONITORING and FORECASTING

1) Monitor at least weekly for insects and diseases. Keep records of occurrences.

75%

10

2) Use available thresholds for insect and disease pests.

Particularly before cutting spray insecticides only when insect infestation is noted. Only use fungicides when wet, cool weather is observed.

50%

10

3) Update weed map/list of the field when crop is small for use in evaluating the current year's weed control and for use in determining if a post emergent treatment is needed. See the Weed Assessment List available for use in satisfying this element.

50%

10

D. PEST MANAGEMENT

1) Where possible mow all headlands around fields to minimize aster leafhopper.

20%

3

2) Cultivate as necessary for weed control

50%

3

3) Keep records of pest densities, cultural procedures, and pesticide applications for use in the future.

100%

10

4) Choose labeled pesticides that have the least environmental impact. Choose pesticides that preserve natural enemies — especially for aphids. (EIQ can be used for decision making)

50%

5

E. POST HARVEST

1) Make (or update if one has been made for this field previously) a weed map/list of the field for use in planning for next year. See the Weed Assessment List available for use in satisfying this element.

50%

10

2) Destroy all crop residue into the soil at the end of the season to control aphids and leafhoppers.

50%

5

3) Establish cover crop for weed control and nitrogen retention

50%

10