ARS | Publication request: Removal of arthropods in the spring “trash floods”

Submitted to: Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: August 1, 2012
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
Citation: Steffan, S.A., Singleton, M., Sojka, J., Zalapa, J.E. 2012. Removal of arthropods in the spring “trash floods”. Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association. XXV(7):3-4.

Technical Abstract: Flooding of cranberry marshes is a common practice in the spring. It is intended primarily to clean out detritus while protecting against frost danger. The water is sometimes held for longer periods to reduce pest populations. We examined the detritus being hauled off of flooded beds for any evidence of arthropods. We found broad diversity and high densities of insects within the detritus, suggesting that arthropod numbers are reduced by physically removing them from the beds. Our findings further suggest that it may be wise to relocate “marsh trash” off of the marsh, so that the arthropods cannot re-colonize the beds.