A few potato leafhoppers have been reported on strawberries in Michigan, we can expect to see these in southwestern Ontario any time now. This year, soil moisture has been good and little if any irrigation has been required on berry crops. However, if conditions turn dry, crops will benefit from irrigation. Be prepared to answer questions about the source of your irrigation water. Be aware of factors that affect water quality.
Ground water is less likely to be contaminated than surface water.
Run-off from livestock producing areas could affect the quality of water downstream. Many growers are starting to use trickle irrigation on strawberries. This practice will conserve water, reduce weed problems between rows, and reduce the potential for microbes to contact fruit. Water can be tested for coliform and fecal coliform bacteria. This test will not detect the presence of all harmful microbes, such as Cryptosporidia, but the presence of any fecal coliforms in water is a good indicator that other potential problems may be present.