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Spinach

Last updated on September 20, 2024

Spinach

Spinach bolts quickly (produces flower stalks) under long-day and warm-weather conditions. This explains why the crop is produced mostly in the spring or fall when temperatures are cooler and the hours of daylight are shorter. Varieties differ in their susceptibility to bolting.

Growing Spinach

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Varieties

Early/ Mid-season

Unipack 121, Spalding1, C26061.

Late

Unipack 121, C2-6061.
 

1 = smooth leaf

See your seed dealer for the most recent variety recommendations.

 

Soil

Muck soils provide needed organic matter and high moisture content. Sandy loams may be used. A pH of 6.2 to 6.9 is optimum for good growth.

 

Seed Treatment

Use only seed that has been hot-water-treated. Using seed treated with Thiram or captan seed protectants is also an option.

For control of Pythium damping off, use seed treated with Apron XL LS seed protectant.
 
 
 

Seeding

Use a precision seeder to space seed 3 – 8 cm apart in rows which are 25 cm apart. This method will require 3 to 5 kg/ha (1.2 to 2 kg/acre) of seed. If a precision seeder is not used, allow for 17 kg/ha (6.8 kg/acre) of seed.

 

Fertilizer

A soil test is necessary to determine phosphate and potash requirements. Use the Vegetable Production Guide: Nutrient Management (PDF) for recommendations based on soil test results.  

On muck soils, broadcast and disc in 35 kg/ha (14 kg/acre) nitrogen and the required phosphate and potash.

On mineral soils, broadcast and disc in 70 kg/ha (28 kg/acre) nitrogen and the required phosphate and potash.

 

Harvesting

Plants should be dry.

By Hand

With knife or Dutch hoe below rosette and above first feeding-roots.

By Machine

Before plants are too large, otherwise roots may be dragged up as well.

 

Spinach Weed Management

A clean seed-bed is important. Shallow cultivation will control weeds. The stale seed-bed technique as described in the Vegetable Production Guide: Pest Management (PDF, 1.2 MB) will control the first flush of weeds. See tables below.

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Post-emergence

Post-emergence: Herbicide Application Rates
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Select

(clethodim)

Group 1

 125 - 190 mL/ha (50 - 75 mL/acre) 14
  • Controls annual grasses and suppresses quackgrass at the 2 to 6 leaf stage.
  • Use only with the adjuvant Amigo at 0.5 to 1.0% v/v.
  • Apply early, prior to tillering.
  • Repeat using a 14 day interval.
  • Maximum of 2 applications per year.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Centurion

(clethodim)

Group 1

 125 - 190 mL/ha (50 - 75 mL/acre) 14
  • Controls annual grasses and suppresses quackgrass at the 2 to 6 leaf stage.
  • Use only with the adjuvant Amigo at 0.5 to 1.0% v/v.
  • Apply early, prior to tillering.
  • Repeat using a 14 day interval.
  • Maximum of 2 applications per year.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Poast Ultra

(sethoxydim)

Group 1

Note:  No longer produced

Annual grasses (incl. volunteer cereals):

320 mL/ha (130 mL/ac)

 

Annual grasses & quackgrass suppression:

470 mL/ha (190 mL/ac)

 

Quackgrass:

1.1 L/ha (445 mL/ac)		 15
  • Do not apply more than once per season.
  • For control of annual grasses and quackgrass suppression, add Merge adjuvant using a rate of 0.5 - 1.0 L/ha (0.2 - 0.4 L/ac).
  • For control of quackgrass, add Merge adjuvant using a rate of 1.0 - 2.0 l/ha (0.4 - 0.8 L/ac).
  • Annual bluegrass is not controlled.
  • Apply when annual weeds are in the 1 to 6 leaf stage and when quackgrass is in the 1 to 3 leaf stage.
  • Apply in 50 to 200 L/ha (20 to 80 L/acre) of water at 240 kPa pressure..
  •  See label for water volume and pressure when weed infestations or crop canopies are dense.
  • Observe a 30 day plantback interval for crops not listed.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Lontrel XC

(clopyralid)

Group 4

174 mL/ha (70 mL/ac)

 

Apply in 200 L/ha (80 L/ac) of water at 200 to 275 kPa

 21
  • Controls common groundsel.
  • Apply post-planting to spinach in the 2 to 5 leaf stage.
  • Some leaf curling may be observed on smaller spinach.
  • Make a second application using a 14 day interval.
  • Do not apply more than 2 times per year.
  • Do not use in the greenhouse.
  • Apply to light populations of small, actively growing weeds.
  • Residues of Lontrel can remain in the soil the following year of use, thereby affecting growth of sensitive crops.  See label for Sensitive Crops section.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Aim EC

(carfentrazone-ethyl)

Group 14

 37 to 117 mL/ha
(15 to 47 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water		 1
  • Controls annual weeds.
  • Must be applied using hooded sprayers to weeds between the rows of the emerged crop.
  •  Use an adjuvant such as Agral 90 or Agral-Surf at 0.25% v/v (0.25 L/100 L of spray solution) or Merge at 1% v/v (1 L/100 L of spray solution).
  • Precaution:  crop injury will occur when spray drift is allowed to come in contact with green stem tissue or leaves.
  • Apply only once per growing season.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

 

Spinach Insect Management

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Aphids

Aphids are small (<2 mm), green or black, sucking insects that feed on the growing point and the undersides of leaves.

Control

See table below for control options.

Chemical Control of Aphids
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Pyganic

(pyrethrins)

Group 3


Used in organics

2.32 to 4.65 L/ha
(0.9 to 1.9 L/acre)

 0
  • Do not apply in greenhouses.
  • Final mix should be buffered to pH of 5.5 to 7.0
  • Apply using a 3 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 10 applications per season.
  • Do not apply more than 46.5 L/ha (18.8 L/ac) per growing season.
  • Do not wet plants to the point of run off.
  • Highly toxic to bees. Avoid use when bees are actively foraging. Best applied in early morning or evening.
  • Avoid applications when runoff is likely.
  • Sprayboom height must be 60 cm or less above the crop or ground.
  • Pyganic products are OMRI-Canada listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Admire 240 F

(imidacloprid)
 
Group 4A
 200 mL/ha
(80 mL/acre)		 7
  • Apply as a foliar spray
  • Do not make more than 1 application per year.
  • Do not apply following a soil application such as a field drench or transplant tray plug drench using a Group 4 insecticide.
  • Toxic to bees.  Do not apply to flowering crop or weeds if bees are visiting the treatment area.
  • Toxic to certain beneficials.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Assail 70 WP

(acetamiprid)

Group 4
 56 to 86 g/ha
(23 to 35 g/acre)

Apply in 200 L/ha (80 L/acre) of water		 7
  • Thorough coverage is important.
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals.
  • Do not use more than 5 times per season.
  • Do not exceed 430 g/ha (174 g/acre) of product per season.
  • Do enter treated area for 12 hours.

Actara 240 SC

(thiamethoxam)
 
Group 4
375 mL/ha
(152 mL/acre)
 N/A
  • Will provide residual control.
  • Make an in-furrow application at the seeding or transplant depth or a narrow surface band above the seedline during planting.
  • Use sufficient water volume to ensure uniform application and incorporation into the soil.
  • For a surface application, incorporate to the seeding depth with irrigation within 24 hours after planting.
  • Do not follow with any subsequent foliar applications of a group 4 insecticide.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Actara 25 WG

(thiamethoxam)

Group 4
 105 g/ha

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water)		 7
  • Do not apply following an in-furrow or soil application of Actara 240 SC.
  • Apply to the foliage.
  • Maximum of 2 foliar applications per season.
  • Repeat using a 7 day application interval.
  • Highly toxic to bees.  Do not apply or allow to drift onto blooming crops or weeds if bees are foraging in or adjacent to the treatment area.
  • If a cover crop is planted after potatoes are harvested, do not feed to livestock or harvest for food or feed.
  • Check label for PBI precautions.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Closer SC

(sulfoxaflor)
 

Group 4C

100 to 150 mL/ha
(40 to 60 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water

 3
  • Do not use in greenhouses.
  • Do not make more than 2 applications per growing season.
  • Repeat at a 7 day interval.
  • Do not apply more than 300 mL/ha (120 mL/acre) per growing season.
  • Do not apply during crop flowering period or when flowering weeds are present in treatment area.
  •  Observe a plantback interval of 30 days for crops not on this label. 
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Sivanto Prime

(flupyradifurone)
Group 4D

500 to 750 mL/ha
(200 to 300 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water 		1
  • Do not use in the greenhouse.
  • Repeat at a 7 day interval.
  • Do not exceed a total of 2000 mL/ha (810 mL/acre) of product per season.
  • Toxic to bees.  Do not apply if flowering weeds are present and bees are visiting the treatment area.
  • Do not enter treated areas for 12 hours.

Versys

(afidopyropen)

Group 9D

100 mL/ha

(40 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water		 0
  • Do not apply in greenhouses.
  • Apply as a groundspray.
  • Repeat using a 7 day interval.
  • Do not apply more than 4 times per year.
  • Ensure thorough coverage.
  • Do not apply more than 1.25 L/ha (506 mL/acre) per year.
  • During the crop blooming period, apply only in the evening when most bees are not foraging.
  • Observe a plantback interval of 30 days for crops not listed.
  • Do not re-enter for 12 hours.

Movento 240SC

(spirotetramat)

Group 23

220 to 365 mL/ha
(90 to 150 mL/acre)

Apply in 300 L/ha (120 L/acre) of water

 3
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals as needed.
  • Maximum allowed per crop season: 730 mL/ha (295 mL/acre).
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Exirel

(cyantraniliprole)
 
Group 28

500 to 1500 mL/ha
(200 to 605 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water

 1
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per growing season.
  • Repeat at 5 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 4.5 L/ha (1.8 L/acre) per season.
  • Use with an adjuvant such as Hasten NT at a rate of 0.25% v/v or MSO Concentrate with Leci-Tech at a rate of 0.5% v/v.
  • Toxic to bees and certain beneficial insects.  Apply early in the morning or late in the evening when bees are not active.
  • See aphid control comments (this table) for tank-mix precautions and plantback intervals.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Beleaf 50 SG

(flonicamid)

Group 29
 120 to 160 g/ha
(50 to 65 g/acre)

Apply in 94 L/ha (38 L/acre) of water		 0
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 3 times per year.
  • Do not apply more than 600 g/ha (240 g/ac) of product per season.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.
  • Also supresses lygus bug.  Check label for rate.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

OMRI-Canada = Organic Materials Review Institute of Canada.

 

Loopers and Other Caterpillars

These insects feed on leaves, leaving holes which can make the crop unmarketable.

Control

When damaged leaves are first seen, apply one of the products from the table below.

Chemical Control of Loopers and Other Caterpillars
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Bioprotec CAF

(Bacillus thuringiensis)

1.4 to 2.8 L/ha
(0.6 to 1.1 mL/acre)

Use 300 L/ha (120 L/acre) of water

 0
  • Most effective when applied to young caterpillars.

Dipel 2X DF

(Bacillus thuringiensis)

Used in organics
 275 to 550 g/ha
(110 to 220 g/acre)		 0
  • Most effective when insects are young.
  • Maximum 5 applications per season.
  • Dipel 2X DF (PCP# 26508) is OMRI-Canada listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.

Loopex

(Autorgrapha californica)
 2.5X1010 to 1X1011 PIBs/400L of water 0
  • Controls cabbage loopers only.
  • For use in the greenhouse on plants grown for transplanting.
  • Dilute 50 to 200 mL of product in 400 of water.
  • Apply using high volume spray systems targeting small larvae.
  • To be effective, larvae must ingest foliage with deposits of the product.
  • Repeat every 7 to 14 days.
  • The pH of the solution should range between 5 and 8.

Pyganic

(pyrethrins)

Group 3


Used in organics

 2.32 to 4.65 L/ha
(0.9 to 1.9 L/acre)		 0
  • Do not apply in greenhouses.
  • Final mix should be buffered to pH of 5.5 to 7.0
  • Apply using a 3 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 10 applications per season.
  • Do not apply more than 46.5 L/ha (18.8 L/ac) per growing season.
  • Do not wet plants to the point of run off.
  • Highly toxic to bees. Avoid use when bees are actively foraging. Best applied in early morning or evening.
  • Avoid applications when runoff is likely.
  • Sprayboom height must be 60 cm or less above the crop or ground.
  • Pyganic products are OMRI-Canada listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Delegate WG

(spinetoram)

Group 5
 140 to 200 g/ha
(60 to 80 g/acre)		 1
  • Controls cabbage loopers only.
  • For optimal performance, final solution pH should be in the range of 6 to 8.
  • Apply at egg hatch or to small larvae.
  • Repeat at 5 day intervals.
  • Maximum of 3 applications per year.
  • Toxic to bees. Avoid spraying when bees are foraging.

Entrust 80

(spinosad)
 
Group 5
 
Used in organics
 109 g/ha
(44 g/acre)		 1
  • Repeat at 7 to 10 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 3 times per year.
  • Highly toxic to bees.  Do not apply if bees are visiting the area.  
  • Harmful to parasitoids and predatory mites.  Slightly harmful to foliage-dwelling predators.
  • Entrust products are OMRI-USA listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.
  • Do not enter treated area until residues have dried.

Entrust SC

(spinosad)
 
Group 5
 
Used in organics
 364 mL/ha
(147 mL/acre)		 1
  • Repeat at 7 to 10 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 3 times per year.
  • Highly toxic to bees.  Do not apply if bees are visiting the area.  
  • Harmful to parasitoids and predatory mites.  Slightly harmful to foliage-dwelling predators.
  • Entrust SC (PCP# 30382) is OMRI-Canada listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.
  • Do not enter treated area until residues have dried.

Success

(spinosad)

 Group 5

 182 mL/ha
(74 mL/acre)		 1
  • Repeat at 7 to 10 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 3 times per year.
  • Highly toxic to bees.  Do not apply if bees are visiting the area.  
  • Harmful to parasitoids and predatory mites.  Slightly harmful to foliage-dwelling predators.
  • Do not enter treated area until residues have dried.

Minecto Pro

(abamectin/ cyantraniliprole)

Group 6 & 28

370 mL/ha

(150 mL/acre)

 

Apply in 200 L/ha (80 L/acre) of water 		7
  • Controls loopers only.
  • Use with 0.1 to 0.5% v/v non-ionic surfactant in the spray mixture.
  • Ensure thorough coverage.
  • Repeat using a 7 day interval.
  • Do not apply more than 3 times per season using the high rate.
  • Do not apply more than 5 times per season using the low rate.
  • Do not apply more than 2.010 L/ha (813 mL/acre) per season.
  • Do not apply for 60 days following an in-furrow or soil application or seed piece treatment with any group 28 insecticide.
  • Check label for plantback intervals.
  • Do not re-enter for 12 hours.

XenTari WG

(Bacillus thuringiensis, subsp. aizawai)
 
Group 11
 
Used in organics
500 to 1000 g/ha
(200 to 400 g/acre)
 
Apply in 500 L/ha
(200 L/acre) of water
 0
  • Controls loopers only.
  • Treat larvae at the early instar stage.
  • Repeat at 3 to 14 day intervals.
  • Use enough water to ensure full coverage but not to the point of run off.
  • Larvae must be actively feeding on treated, exposed plant surfaces.
  • Apply in the evening or on a cloudy day.
  • Do not allow spray mixture to stand in the tank for more than 12 hours.
  • Xen Tari products are OMRI-USA listed.  Check with your certiification body before using in an organic operation.

Intrepid

(methoxyfenozide)

Group 18
 300 to 600 mL/ha
(120 to 240 mL/acre)

Apply in 300 L/ha (120 L/acre) of water		 1
  • Controls cabbage looper only.
  • Apply at first sign of feeding damage.
  • Repeat at 7 to 14 day intervals.
  • Do not re-enter for 12 hours.

Coragen

(chlorantraniliprole)

Group 28

250 mL/ha
(100 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water

 1
  • Controls cabbage loopers only.
  • Do not apply for a minimum of 60 days following an in-furrow or soil application or planting of seed pieces treated with any Group 28 insecticide.
  • Repeat at 3 day intervals.
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per season.
  • Do not make more than 2 successive applications per generation of CPB.  The following application for CPB must be an effective non-Group 28 insecticide.
  • Do not apply more than 1 L/ha (405 mL/ac) per season.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Harvanta 50SL

(cyclaniliprole)
 
Group 28
0.8 to 1.2 L/ha
(324 to 485 mL/acre)
 
Apply in 200 to 1000 L/ha (80 to 400 L/acre) of water
 1
  • Controls cabbage looper and diamondback moth.
  • Do not use in the greenhouse.
  • Repeat using a 5 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 6 applications per crop per year for control of cabbage looper.
  • Do not make more than 6 applications per crop per year using the low rate for control of diamondback moth.  
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per crop per year using the high rate for control of diamondback moth.
  • Do not apply more than 4.8 L/ha (1.9 L/acre) per year.
  • Toxic to bees.
  • Observe a plantback interval of 30 days for crops not listed.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Exirel

(cyantraniliprole)
 
Group 28

250 to 500 mL/ha
(100 to 200 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water

 1
  • Controls cabbage looper only.
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per growing season.
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 4.5 L/ha (1.8 L/acre) per season.
  • Toxic to bees and certain beneficial insects.  Apply early in the morning or late in the evening when bees are not active.
  • See aphid control comments (this table) for tank-mix precautions and plantback intervals.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Cimegra

(broflanilide)

Group 30

125 mL/ha
(50 mL/acre)

Use sufficient water to ensure thorough coverage		 1
  • Do not use in the greenhouse.
  • Apply as a foliar spray.
  • Use adequate water volume to ensure thorough coverage of foliage.
  • Repeat using a 7 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 2 foliar applications per year.
  • Repeat using a 7 day application interval.
  • Toxic to bees.  Do not apply during crop blooming period.
  • A vegtative filter strip is required between the field edge and adjacent, downhill aquatic habitats.  Check label for details.
  • Observe a plantback interval of 30 days for crops not listed on label.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

OMRI-Canada = Organic Materials Review Institute of Canada.

OMRI-USA = Organic Materials Review Institute of USA.

 

Leafminers

White maggots of a small fly feed inside the leaves, causing colourless blotches.

Control

Use successive seedings and when the mines first appear, spray with one of the products in the table below. Leafminers infest weeds as well, so keep fields and headlands weed-free.

Chemical Control of Leafminers
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Assail 70WP

(acetamiprid)

Group 4

86 g/ha
(35 g/acre)

Apply in 200 L/ha (80 L/acre) of water

 7
  • Apply at 7 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 5 times per season.
  • Do not enter treated area for 48 hours.

Actara 240 SC

(thiamethoxam)

Group 4

375 mL/ha

(152 mL/acre)		 N/A
  • Will provide residual control.
  • Make an in-furrow application at the seeding or transplant depth or a narrow surface band above the seedline during planting.
  • Use sufficient water volume to ensure uniform application and incorporation into the soil.
  • For a surface application, incorporate to the seeding depth with irrigation within 24 hours after planting.
  • Do not follow with any subsequent foliar applications of a group 4 insecticide.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Coragen

(chlorantraniliprole)

Group 28
 250 to 375 mL/ha
(100 to 150 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water		 1
  • Do not apply for a minimum of 60 days following an in-furrow or soil application or planting of seed pieces treated with any Group 28 insecticide.
  • Repeat at 3 day intervals.
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per season.
  • Do not make more than 2 successive applications per generation of CPB.  The following application for CPB must be an effective non-Group 28 insecticide.
  • Do not apply more than 1 L/ha (400 mL/ac) per season.
  • For control of black cutworm: use the lower rate and apply to smaller plants or when lower portions of the plant can receive adequate coverage.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Exirel

(cyantraniliprole)

Group 28

1000 to 1500 mL/ha
(405 to 605 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water

 1
  • Controls Dipteran leafminer larvae.
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per growing season.
  • Repeat at 5 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 4.5 L/ha (1.8 L/acre) per season.
  • Use with an adjuvant such as Hasten NT at a rate of 0.25% v/v or MSO Concentrate with Leci-Tech at a rate of 0.5% v/v.
  • Toxic to bees and certain beneficial insects.  Apply early in the morning or late in the evening when bees are not active.
  • See aphid control comments (this table) for tank-mix precautions and plantback intervals.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Harvanta 50SL

(cyclaniliprole)

Group 28

1.2 L/ha
(485 mL/acre)

Apply in 200 to 1000 L/ha (80 to 400 L/acre) of water		 1
  • Do not use in the greenhouse.
  • Repeat using a 5 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 6 applications per crop per year for control of cabbage looper and leafminer.
  • Do not make more than 6 applications per crop per year using the low rate for control of diamondback moth.  
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per crop per year using the high rate for control of diamondback moth.
  • Do not apply more than 4.8 L/ha (1.9 L/acre) per year.
  • Toxic to bees.
  • Observe a plantback interval of 30 days for crops not listed.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

 

Spinach Disease Management

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Downy Mildew

(Peronospora)

Large pale-yellow spots grow together to cover all or part of the leaves, first the lowest ones, then throughout the plant. Grey to violet mould on the underside of the yellow spots can be visible. Sometimes the whole plant decays and dies.

Control

  • The varieties recommended above are resistant to the common races of downy mildew.
  • Practice a three-year or longer crop rotation.
  • If a seed-lot contaminated with downy mildew must be used, it should be hot-water-treated. Consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Planting (PDF) for instructions.
  • Plant on well-drained fertile soil.
  • If a spray program becomes necessary, see table below for chemical control options.

Chemical Control of Downy Mildew
Product Rate PHI* Comments

LifeGard WG

(Bacillus mycoides isolate J)

Group P 06

Used in organics

70 to 333 g/ha
(28 to 135 g/acre)

Apply in 210 to 1000 L/ha (85 to 405 L/acre) of water		 0
  • Partial suppression only.
  • Reduces the occurrence and severity of plant disease by inducing the plant’s natural defense mechanisms.
  • Apply as a foliar spray to healthy, active growing plants preventively before infection or appearance of disease symptoms.
  • Begin applications at first true leaf or after thinning.
  • Repeat using a 7 day interval.
  • Do not apply more than 333 g/ha (135 g/acre).
  • Initial inducement of plant defense response occurs soon after application, but 3 to 5 days are required to attain maximum level of protection.
  • Do not allow the mixture to stand overnight in the spray tank.
  • Toxic to bees.  If treatment must be made during crop blooming period, apply in the evening when most bees are not foraging.
  • LifeGard WG (PCP# 32526) is OMRI-USA listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 4 hours.

Copper 53W

(tri-basic copper sulphate)
 2.5 kg/ha
(1.0 kg/acre)		 2
  • Avoid applications close to harvest which may result in visible residue.
  • Repeat using a 7 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 5 applications per year.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 48 hours.

Ridomil Gold 480 SL

(metalaxyl-M & S-isomer)
 
Group 4
 1 L/ha
(400 mL/acre)		 N/A
  • Apply at planting as a banded application over the row, pre-plant incorporated.
  • Make one application per season.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Quadris

(Azoxystrobin)

Group 11
 1.125 L/ha
(450 mL/acre)		 7
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 2 times per season.
  • Do not enter treated area until residues have dried.

Reason 500SC

(fenamidone)

Group 11
 400 mL/ha
(160 mL/acre)		 2
  • Suppression only.
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 4 times per year.
  • Observe a plantback interval of 30 days for all crops.

Pristine WG

(boscalid & pyraclostrobin)

Group 7 & 11
 1.6 kg/ha
(650 g/acre)		 0
  • Suppression only.
  • Repeat at 7 to 14 day interval.
  • Maximum of 2 applications per season.
  • For hand-harvesting and thinning, do not enter treated area for 9 days. For all other activities do not re-enter for 24 hrs.

Revus

(mandipropamid)

Group 40
 400 to 600 mL/ha
(160 to 240 mL/acre )

Apply in at least 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water		 1
  • Do not apply to greenhouse-grown seedlings to be transplanted in the field, until after they have been transplanted out.
  • Use a non-ionic adjuvant (0.25% v/v).
  • Repeat at 7 to 10 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 4 times per year.
  • Do not apply more than 2.4 L/ha (970 mL/ac) per season.  
  • Do not make more than 2 consecutive applications of Revus before alternating with a non-Group 40 fungicide.
  • The number of Group 40 fungicide applications must not be greater than 50% of the total number of intended applications for disease control. 
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Zampro

(ametoctradin & dimethomorph)

Group 40 & 45

 1.0 L/ha
(400 mL /acre)

Apply in 200 L/ha (80 L/acre) of water 		0
  • Repeat at 5 to 7 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 3 times per season.
  • Do not apply with adjuvant.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Presidio

(fluopicolide)

Group 43
 292 mL/ha
(118 mL/acre)

Apply in 200 to 1000 L/ha (80 to 400 L/acre) of water		 2
  • Apply as a foliar spray.
  • Tank-mix with a non-group 43 fungicide that is registered for downy mildew.  Observe most restrictive directions including rate, PHI and re-entry interval.
  • Begin applications with initial flowering and repeat using a 7 to 10 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per season.
  • Do not apply more than 880 mL/ha (356 mL/acre) per season.
  • Do not make sequential applications.
  • Do not use in the greenhouse.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Orondis Ultra

(oxathiapiprolin & mandipropamid)
 
Group 49 & 40

0.6 L/ha
(240 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water.

 7
  • Repeat using a 7 to 10 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per crop.
  • Do not make more than 2 consecutive applications before switching to a non-Group 49 & 40 fungicide.
  • When 3 or more fungicide applications are made, do not use in more than 33% of the applications.  Where a total number of applications is less than 3, make no more than one application of Orondis Ultra.
  • Observe a plantback interval of 30 days for tuberous and corm vegetables (Subgroup 1C) and other crops not listed.  Observe a PBI of 180 days for legume vegetables, except succulent peas.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF)

OMRI-USA = Organic Materials Review Institute of USA

 

Root Rot

RootShield WP (Trichoderma harzianum Rifai strain KRL-AG2) is a biological fungicide for the suppression of Root Rot in greenhouse vegetable transplants.  When applied to transplants, greenhouse planting mix or soil, the product grows into plant roots as they develop to protect roots  against Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium. 

Suppression

  • Suspend RootShield WP using a spray volume of 30 to 45 g/100 L and apply at the rate of 55 to 110 g per cubic metre (loose) of greenhouse potting mix, soil or planting beds. 
  • Apply using hand-held backpack or ground spray equipment. 
  • Becomes active when soil temperatures are above 10 degrees C and is not effective while soils remain cold.
  • More effective at suppression of root rot in neutral or acidic soils.  
  • Should be used within 12 months of the date of manufacture.  
  • Contains the allergens wheat and sulfites.
  • Approved for use in organics.