Celery (Apium graveolens) is a long-season crop that grows best under cool, consistent conditions (60-75°F). A deep, loamy and fertile soil with an ample and uniform supply of water is ideal for celery. Muck soils are also used for celery production. Even though most of the celery root system is within the top 6 in. of soil, many roots penetrate as deep as 2 feet; thus, heavy clay soils are unsuitable. Hardpans should be avoided or disrupted before planting to allow for adequate drainage.
Celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum), also called celery root, is a smaller plant that looks like celery, but that is grown for its swollen tuberous base, which has a strong celery-like flavor. The petioles or stalks are not edible. Celeriac can be used much like any root vegetable: roasted, in stews and soups, or eaten fresh in salads. The plant is ready for harvest about 100-110 days from seed or 80-90 days from transplanting. Tubers may be blanched by covering with soil a few weeks prior to harvest, although plants with tubers sitting higher on the ground will have fewer roots to trim. Cultural requirements are similar to celery.
| Celery and Celeriac Varieties |
|---|
| Celery | Celeriac | ||
| Balada (F) | Samba (F) | Balena (F) | Monarch |
| Command (F) | Stalker (F) | Brilliant | President |
| Conquistador | Tall Utah | Cisko RZ | Rex |
| Hudson (F) | Tango | Diamant (F) | Rowena |
| Kelvin | TZ 6200 (F) | Mars | |
| Merengo (F, CW) | Ventura (F) | ||
| Redventure | Victoria | ||
| Sabroso (F) | |||
| Resistant or tolerant to: F - Fusarium, CW - Common Wilt. | |||
Celery and celeriac are heavy feeders and require adequate fertility to produce a quality crop. Apply lime according to soil test to maintain soil pH at 6.0-6.8. Use a liquid starter fertilizer at transplanting, especially with cool soil conditions. Use a high phosphorus starter fertilizer mixed at a rate of 3 lb/50 gals of water. Apply 8 fl oz (1 cup) per transplant. Sidedress 40 lb N/A 3-4 weeks after transplanting. On light soils, a second sidedressing may be necessary. The second sidedressing application of nitrogen can be reduced or eliminated if legume biomass was incorporated ahead of planting, or if manure was applied (see Table 1 and Table 7).
Celery is very susceptible to magnesium and calcium deficiencies. Interveinal yellowing of older leaves is a good indication of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium requirements can be partially met by using dolomitic (high magnesium) limestone. Any further need of magnesium can be met by spraying or fertigating the plants with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) at 8 lb/A per week until green color is restored. Calcium deficiency can result in a physiological disorder known as blackheart (equivalent to tipburn in other crops), where the growing tips of the heart die and turn black. However, this is typically a result of inconsistent water supply and not inadequate soil calcium. Provide a steady water supply to maintain even plant growth and calcium uptake, and provide foliar applications of calcium nitrate or calcium chloride during prolonged dry periods. High soil potassium can result in decreased magnesium and calcium uptake; maintain high levels of these nutrients relative to potassium to facilitate their uptake.
Boron, manganese, and copper are also critical in the growth and development of celery. Plants grown on organic soils with low levels of boron and high levels of potassium often have brown, cross-checked cracks and russeting on the inside of the petiole (“brown checking”). Add boron to fertilizer at planting and foliar apply it during dry periods. Tissue analysis is the best method of determining the sufficiency of these elements.
| PLANT NUTRIENT RECOMMENDATION ACCORDING TO SOIL TEST RESULTS FOR CELERY and Celeriac | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CELERY and celeriac | NITROGEN (N)* LBS PER ACRE | PHOSPHORUS (P) LBS P2O5 PER ACRE | POTASSIUM (K) LBS K2O PER ACRE | ||||||
| SOIL TEST RESULTS | VERY LOW | LOW | OPTIMUM | ABOVE OPTIMUM | VERY LOW | LOW | OPTIMUM | ABOVE OPTIMUM | |
| Broadcast and Incorporate | 100 | 180 | 120 | 30-60 | 0 | 240 | 180 | 45-90 | 0 |
| Sidedress 3-4 weeks after setting | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sidedress 7-8 weeks after setting | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL RECOMMENDED | 180 | 180 | 120 | 30-60 | 0 | 240 | 180 | 45-90 | 0 |
Celery should be seeded 10-12 weeks before transplanting into the field. This is often done in flats, where seedlings are transplanted into cell trays once they have 2-3 true leaves. Keep greenhouse temperatures above 55ºF to prevent bolting and ensure continuous development. Ideal temperatures for germinating celery are 70-75ºF, and temperatures can be lowered to 65-70ºF thereafter. Heating mats can be used to augment soil temperature if necessary. Do not lower temperature to harden off plants. Transplant to the field in June when outside temperatures have warmed. Although this crop will withstand light frosts, bolting (premature flowering) will occur if plants are exposed to temperatures below 40ºF for 10-14 days. Pelletized seed is generally used because of the small size of raw seed. Mature seed and ample moisture are critical for germination. Use two- or three-year old seed that has all matured and maintain planting media near field capacity. Priming seed improves germination. One ounce of seed produces about 15,000 plants. Use 2-4 oz to produce enough plants for one acre (20,000-58,000 plants). Space rows 18-36" apart and 6-12" between plants in rows (100-200 plants per 100 feet of row). Double or single rows on plastic-lined beds are common. Flat culture is used on muck soils.
Celery is a long-season crop that grows best under cool conditions (60-75°F) with an ample and uniform supply of water. It may be necessary to irrigate when transplanting and once or twice each week thereafter. Drip irrigation is recommended to mitigate the spread of pathogens.
To harvest, cut the whole celery plant at the soil level. Older outer petioles may need to be removed to provide a fresh tender crop. Freshly harvested celery may have a bitter flavor, which can be improved by storing at 32-34°F for a few days. Chilling injury can result if the storage temperature falls below 32°F. Celery left in the field beyond peak will continue to mature and deteriorate in quality, becoming pithy and developing an off-flavor. In storage, celery can impart its flavor to other crops.
Celeriac holds well in the field. It is harvested and trimmed of roots and stalks when tubers reach 4" in diameter. Celeriac may be stored for 3-6 months if kept at 32-34°F and 95% relative humidity.
NOTE: For the disease control products listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (common name) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same active ingredient. Please see Table 25 and Fungicides and Bactericides Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on products with the same active ingredients.
The symbol OG indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details.
Celery anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum fioriniae and C. nymphaeae (formerly C. acutatum). Colletotrichum fioriniae also causes bitter rot in apples while C. nymphaeae causes anthracnose of strawberries and garlic scapes. Symptoms on celery include curled leaves, occasional discoloration of leaf margins, twisted petioles, and lesions on petioles. Leaves remain green but often appear fan-like and curl downward. Leaf curl is often the most prominent symptom observed and can resemble injury from growth regulator type (e.g. 2,4-D) herbicides. In advanced stages, the disease can resemble blackheart, the physiological disorder caused by low calcium assimilation. Celery leaf curl thrives under warm, wet conditions. Rapid growth occurs when temperatures are 77-86°F, with substantially more disease development at 86ºF. Temperatures as cool as 60°F will support fungal growth and spread, but field progression will be slow. This disease may be seedborne. Start with clean seed, flats, and growth medium. Plant tolerant varieties. Avoid planting in fields with a history of strawberry or garlic anthracnose. Scout plants twice a week for symptoms; remove and destroy affected plants. Manage weeds—several common species harbor celery anthracnose without clearly expressing symptoms. Remove crop debris after harvest and/or plowing crop residue. A 3- to 4-year crop rotation with non-host plants should be followed. Avoid working the fields when the plants are wet, work in fields with a history of the disease last, and power wash equipment between fields. Research has shown that the strobilurin fungicides are most effective; however, be careful to rotate as resistance can develop quickly in this group.
azoxystrobin (Quadris): 6.0 to 15.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11. Do not apply more than one application before alternating with a non-Group 11 fungicide.
flutriafol (Rhyme): 5.0 to 7.0 fl oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Group 3. Apply preventitively when conditions are favorable for disease development.
pyraclostrobin (Cabrio EG): 12-16 oz /A; PHI 0d, REI 12h , Group 11. Do not apply more than pne application before alternating with a non-Group 11 fungicide. Apply no more than 64 oz per year.
pyraclostrobin plus boscalid (Pristine): 10.0 to 15.0 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 11 & 7. Maximum of 2 applications per year.
pyraclostrobin plus fluxapyroxad (Merivon Xemium): 4.0 to 11.0 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Groups 11 & 7. Maximum of 3 applications per year.
The primary symptom of early blight is the occurrence of small yellow spots that are visible from both sides of the leaf. These spots may develop into larger lesions that become papery and tears. Gray, fuzzy fungus may be noticed in well-developed lesions. Favorable temperatures for early blight range from 60-86ºF. This pathogen can be seedborne, can survive on celery residue, and spores can spread via wind and water splashing.
Small, yellow, circular spots on leaves are also symptoms of late blight in celery, which has similar symptoms to early blight in celery overall. One difference is that the small, round, and dark reproductive bodies of late blight, called pycnidia, can be seen in the center of lesions. This pathogen develops when temperatures are greater than 55ºF, and particularly in wet conditions with temperatures over 70ºF.
Use certified, disease-free seed or treat seed with hot water or fungicides. Practice careful sanitation in transplant greenhouses or rotate ground seedbeds. Irrigate early in the day to allow foliage to dry quickly. Use wider plant spacing and/or raised beds to improve air circulation. Plant resistant or tolerant varieties where available. Apply fungicides based upon a disease forecasting system.
azoxystrobin (Quadris): 6.0 to 15.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11. Do not apply more than one application before alternating with a non-Group 11 fungicide.
azoxystrobin plus chlorothalonil (Quadris Opti): 2.4 to 3.7 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Groups 11 & M05. See label for tank mix precautions.
azoxystrobin plus propiconazole (Quilt Xcel): 14.0 fl oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Groups 11 & 3.
bacillus amyloliquefaciens F727 (StargusOG): 2.0 to 4.0 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02. See label for specific instructions.
chlorothalonil (Bravo Weather Stik): 2.0 to 3.0 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Group M05.
copper hydroxide (Kocide 3000): 0.75 to 1.5 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Group M01. Do not apply in a spray solution having a pH of less than 6.5 or tank mix with Aliette.
cyprodinil plus fludioxonil (Switch): 11.0 to 14.0 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 9 & 12.
fluxapyroxad plus pyraclostrobin (Merivon): 4.0 to 11.0 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Groups 7 & 11.
penthiopyrad (Fontelis): 14.0 to 24.0 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Group 7.
propiconazole (Tilt): 4.0 fl oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 24h, Group 3.
pyraclostrobin plus boscalid (Pristine): 10.0 to 15.0 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 7 & 11. Maximum 2 applications per year.
pydiflumetofen plus fludioxonil (Miravis Prime): 9.2 to 13.4 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 7 & 12.
trifloxystrobin (Flint): 2.0 to 3.0 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Group 11. Do not make more than one application before alternating with a non-Group 11 fungicide.
Sometimes called crater rot, or simply stalk rot. This pathogen causes symptoms on celery petioles where they are in contact with the soil, where reddish brown lesions form on either side of the petiole, and can become sunken. This pathogen is soilborne and infects many plants. It is favored by warm, humid/wet conditions, and can survive in soil as sclerotia for a long time.
A 2-year rotation is recommended to prevent buildup of disease-causing organisms. Avoid crops such as alfalfa and legume cover crops which can increase disease risk. Avoid cultivating late in the season. Maintain storage conditions at 50°F.
azoxystrobin (Quadris): 0.4 to 0.8 fl oz/1,000 row feet; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11 (see label for clarification). Apply in a 7" band in-furrow or shortly after emergence. After emergence, direct application to stem.
azoxystrobin plus chlorothalonil (Quadris Opti): 2.4 to 3.7 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Groups 11 & M5. See label for tank mix precautions.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens F727 (StargusOG): 1.0 to 4.0 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02. Apply preventatively in a minimum of 50.0 gallons/A.
chlorothalonil (Bravo Weather Stik): 2.0 to 3.0 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Group M05.
polyoxin D (OSO 5%SC): 6.5 to 13.0 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 19.
Pink rot in celery is caused by the same pathogen that causes white mold in beans and peas. This pathogen can infect celery at any developmental stage, but is most commonly seen in near harvest. The most characteristic symptoms are lesions on the lower portion of petioles that are initially brown and then turn watery and pink. Lesions can contain white mycelia and/or hardened black sclerotia. Severely infected plants may totally collapse. Do not plant seed contaminated with sclerotia or plant into severely infested fields. Irrigate in the morning or with subsurface drip systems to promote drier soil. Rotate with non-hosts. Soil sterilization with chemicals, heat, or steam can reduce sclerotia in the soil.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens F727 (StargusOG): 1.0 to 4.0 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02. Apply preventatively in a minimum of 50.0 gallons of water/A.
boscalid (Endura): 8.0 to 9.0 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 7.
chlorothalonil (Bravo Weather Stik): 3.0 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Group M05. For disease suppression.
Coniothyrium minitans (Contans WGOG): 1.0 to 4.0 lb/A in 20.0-50.0 gal water; REI 4h, Group BM02. Spray on soil surface and incorporate into top 2" soil. Apply in fall or 3-4 months prior to planting.
cyprodonil plus fludioxonil (Switch): 11.0 to14.0 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 9 & 12. Make first application at thinning and once more two weeks later.
pyraclostrobin plus boscalid (Pristine): 25.0 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 7 & 11. Maximum 2 applications per year.
Ulocladium oudemansii (BotryStopOG): 2.0 to 4.0 lbs/A; REI 4h, Group BM02. Begin application when conditions are conducive to disease development.
NOTES: For the insecticides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (AI) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same AI. Please see Table 26 and Insecticides Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on these insecticides.
The designation (Bee: L, M, or H) indicates a bee toxicity rating of low, moderate, or high. See the Protecting Honeybees and Native Pollinators section for more details.
The symbol * indicates a product is a restricted use pesticide. See Pesticide Safety and Use for more details.
The symbol OG indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details.
See Pepper section for more information about green peach aphid.
acephate (Orthene 97): 0.5 to 1 lb/A; PHI 21d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Green Peach Aphid. Tops must be removed before use; do not use tops for food or feed. Celery only.
acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2 to 4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Celery only.
afidopyropen (Versys): 1.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12 h, Bee: L, Group 9D.
alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A celery, 3.2 to 3.8 celeriac; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Group UN.
cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. Green peach aphid only. Celery only.
cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting. For control of green peach and suppression of potato aphid only. Celery only.
cyclaniliprole (Harvanta): 10.9 to 16.4 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4 h, Bee: H, Group 28.
dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 3 oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 7d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Suppression of green peach and potato aphids. Soil application may be as a band during bedding, in-furrow at seeding, transplant or post-seeding drench, sidedress, or through drip. Celery only.
flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 0d celery, 3d celeriac, REI 12, Bee: L, Group 9C.
flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 7 to 10.5 oz/A for foliar application, 21 to 28 oz/A for soil application (celery only); PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 4.4 to 10.5 oz/A soil; 1.3 oz/A foliar celery; PHI 45d soil, 7d foliar, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Foliar applications allowed for celery only.
insecticidal soap (M-PedeOG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Spray to wet all infested plant surfaces. May need to make repeated applications and/or use a companion insecticide.
malathion (Malathion 57EC): 1.5 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Celery only.
petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Celery only.
pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9B. Celery only.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 100 oz/100 gal; REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 25. Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur or oils.
spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: M, Group 23. Must be tank-mixed with a spray adjuvant with spreading and penetrating properties to maximize leaf uptake and sytemicity; don't use sticker adjuvants. Controls immature stages; may also reduce adult fertility. Celery only.
sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 1.5 to 2 oz/A; PHI 3d celery, 7d celeriac, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C. Application to celeriac foliage and celery only.
sulfoxaflor (Transform WG): 0.75 to 1.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bees: H, Group 4C. Celeriac only.
thiamethoxam (Actara): 1.5 to 3 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
thiamethoxam (Platimum): 5 to 11 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used as an in-furrow, banded, drench, or drip irrigation application to the seed/seedling root zone during or after planting/transplanting operations.
tolfenpyrad (Torac): 17 to 21 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 21A.
See Cabbage and Other Brassica Crops for more information on cabbage looper and imported cabbageworm.
acephate (Orthene 97): 1 lb/A; PHI 21d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Tops must be removed before use; do not use tops for food or feed. Cabbage Looper on celery only.
alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 1.8 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
azadirachtin (Azatin OOG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN.
Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTariOG): 0.5 to 1.5 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. Must be ingested; apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved spreader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt kurstaki products (Dipel).
Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Dipel DFOG): 0.5 to 2 lb/A looper, 0.25 to 1 lb/A ICW; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. Must be ingested; apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved spreader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt aizawai products (XenTari).
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Celery only.
carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 1 to 2 qt/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Imported cabbage worm only.
chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 7.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 28. May be applied to soil at planting, through chemigation and as a foliar spray. For drip application, must be applied uniformly in the root zone. For foliar application an adjuvant may be used. Cabbage looper only.
Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 10 to 17 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. Cabbage looper on celery only.
cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting. Celery only.
cyclaniliprole (Harvanta): 10.9 to 16.4 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4 h, Bee: H, Group 28.
emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 3.2 to 4.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Cabbage looper on celery only.
indoxacarb (Avaunt): 3.5 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 22. Cabbage looper on celery only.
methomyl (Lannate* LV): 3 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. For cabbage looper on celery only.
methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 4 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 18. Use lower rates when plants are small or infestations are light.
permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 3.2 to 12.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Cabbage looper on celery only.
petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Celery only.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 50 oz/100 gal; REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 25. Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur or oils. Cabbage looper only.
spinetoram (Radiant SC): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5.
spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 3 to 6 oz/A; PHI 1d celery, 3d celeriac, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Do not apply to celery seedlings intended for transplant.
tebufenozide (Confirm 2F): 6 to 8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 18. Use higher rate for late-season applications or for heavy infestations. Low toxicity to natural enemies. One pint of adjuvant per 100 gallons of spray mixture is recommended. Celery only.
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.4 to 4.3 oz/A for ICW; 3.4 to 4.3 oz/A for CL; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
There are several species of leafminers in the genus Liriomyza, including the serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza trifolii), the vegetable leafminer (L. sativae), pea leafminer (L. huidobrensis) and cabbage leafminer (L. brassicae). Most of these species feed on a very broad range of vegetables, weeds, flowers and wild plants. Cabbage leafminer is most often found on brassicas, and rarely on other crop groups. In southern regions of the US, Liriomyza leafminers can be pests of basil, beans, cabbage and other brassicas, celery, lettuce, pepper, eggplant, tomato, and cucurbits. In New England, especially with greater use of selective insecticides that conserve natural enemies, these leafminers rarely reach pest status.
Adults in this group are small (2.0-2.5mm), hump-backed, clear-winged flies with black and yellow markings. Females lay eggs within the leaf, and larvae feed between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf, creating winding mines. When full grown, larvae emerge and form a brown pupa about the size of a rice grain on the leaf or in the soil. The life cycle takes 3 to 4 weeks depending on temperature. Mines render the leaf unmarketable, reduce photosynthetic capacity, and provide entry for pathogens. Leafminers generally are controlled by naturally occurring parasites unless disrupted by broad-spectrum insecticide applications. There is also a commercially available biological control, the tiny wasp parasitoid, Diglyphus isaea, used against Liriomyza leafminers in a wide range of crops; this works best in warm weather.
In the southern and western US, pesticide resistance has become a problem. Avoid obtaining transplants from outside the Northeast, which could carry resistant strains. Control broadleaf weeds in and around the crop. Incorporate infested crop residues after harvest to prevent emergence and movement to new plantings. Most importantly, use selective insecticides on other pests to conserve natural enemies. Scouting methods include catching adults on yellow sticky traps placed in mid or lower canopy, or trapping pupae in trays underneath the plants. Counting mines is a good index of past activity, but mines may be vacant and searching for larvae in mines is time consuming. Treatment may be warranted if damage is delaying growth or marketable parts of the plant are being damaged, and adult fly populations are increasing.
See the beets and chard section for leafminers that occur on the Amaranthaceae (spinach, beets, chard) crop group.
abamectin (Agri-Mek* SC): 1.75 to 3.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Must be mixed with a non-ionic wetting, spreading and/or penetrating spray adjuvant; do not use binder or sticker type adjuvant. Celery only.
chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 5 to 7.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 28. May be applied to soil at planting, through chemigation and as a foliar spray. For foliar application an adjuvant may be used. Celery only.
cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. Celery only.
cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting. Celery only.
cyclaniliprole (Harvanta): 10.9 to 16.4 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4 h, Bee: H, Group 28.
cyromazine (Trigard): 2.66 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 17. Celery only.
dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 1 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Celery only.
dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 3 oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Soil application may be as a band during bedding, in-furrow at seeding, transplant or post-seeding drench, sidedress, or through drip. Celery only.
emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 3.2 to 4.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Suppression only. Celery only.
insecticidal soap (M-PedeOG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Spray to wet all infested plant surfaces. May need to make repeated applications and/ or use a companion insecticide.
permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Celery only.
petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Celery only.
spinetoram (Radiant SC): 6 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Control may be improved with the addition of an adjuvant to the spray mixture.
spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 3 to 6 oz/A celeriac, 6 to 10 oz/A celery; PHI 1d celery, 3d celeriac, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Control may be improved with the addition of an adjuvant. Do not apply to celery seedlings intended for transplant.
See Eggplant for more information about mites.
abamectin (Agri-Mek* SC): 1.75 to 3.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Must be mixed with a non-ionic wetting, spreading and/or penetrating spray adjuvant; do not use binder or sticker type adjuvant. Use high rate on celeriac.
Chromobacterium subtsugae (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, 4h REI, Bee: M, Group UN.
malathion (Malathion 57EC): 1.5 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Celery only.
Metarhizium anisopliae Strain F52 (Met 52 EC): 40 to 80 oz/100 gal soil, 8 to 64 oz/A foliar; PHI 0d, REI 0h, Bee: L, Group UN. Celery only.
petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Celery only.
sulfur (Microthiol DisperssOG): 4 to 6 lb/A; REI 24h, Bee: L, No IRAC classification. Celery only.
See Lettuce for information about tarnished plant bug. Bugs may feed on leaf petioles or produce lesions or small sunken cavities on stalks. Injury to the inner growing tip can cause foliar discoloration and tissue destruction that is similar to the physiological condition known as ‘blackheart’. If your crop is near weedy fallow fields or alfalfa, scout weekly from when celery is 4" tall until 3 weeks before harvest to detect TPB and injury, as the economic injury level is low. Treat at 2 to 4 bugs per 20 plants. Control weeds in and around the field. Do not plant near legume crops that may be harvested during the season or TPB may migrate to celery.
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 2.4 to 3.2 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Celery only.
carbaryl (Sevin XLR plus): 1 to 2 qt/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A.
insecticidal soap (M-PedeOG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Spray to wet all infested plant surfaces. May need to make repeated applications and/or use a companion insecticide.
flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 0d celery, 3d celeriac, REI 12, Bee: L, Group 9C.
petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Celery only.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
NOTE: For the herbicides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient along with preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), resistance management group number, and example of rates and special instructions. In many cases there are other products available with the same active ingredient. However, not all products with the same active ingredient are registered for use in a crop. Always check the product label to be sure that the crop is listed before using.
See Stale Seedbed Technique in the Weed Management section for information on the use of this weed control method. Because celery is slow growing, plasticulture is often used to reduce the need for hand weeding and cultivation.
glyphosate (Roundup Power Max): REI 12h, Group 9.
pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 17. Celery only. Use a 3 -10% solution (3 to 10 gallons per 100 gallons).
bensulide (Prefar 4E): REI 12h, Group 0. Apply 5 to 6 qt/A. Celery only. Can be preplant incorporated by shallow cultivation (1-2”) or applied preemergence and incorporated by irrigation within 36 hours or application. Grass control only; should be supplemented with cultivation or another registered herbicide for broadleaf control. See label for rotation restrictions.
trifluralin (Treflan HFP): REI 12h, Group 3. Celery only. Rate based on soil texture, see label for details. Apply 1 to 2 pt/A of Treflan HFP as a soil-incorporated treatment. Treflan HFP may be applied to direct seeded or transplant celery before planting, at planting, or immediately after planting. Little or no control of ragweed, mustard, and nutsedge.
linuron (Lorox DF): PHI 45d celery, PHI 60d celeriac, REI 24h, Group 5. Apply as a single application of up to 3 lb/A after the celery or celeriac has been transplanted and establish, but before the crop is 8” tall. For use in celery, only use on celery grown on muck soils. Do not apply when temperatures exceed 85°F. Do not apply as a tank mixture with surfactants, nitrogen or fertilizer solution, or other pesticides, as injury to the crop may result. Preemergence to weeds, can control annual weeds as they germinate. Postemergence to weeds, can control up to 2 inch tall annual grasses and up to 6 inch tall broadleaf weeds. See label for list of susceptible weeds.
prometryn (Caparol 4L): PHI 30d for celery, PHI 60d for celeriac, REI 12h, Group 5. Primarily controls annual broadleaf weeds. Annual grasses may only be suppressed. Do not use on sand or loamy sand. Do not apply if crop is under water stress. Do not apply within 2 weeks after an application of an herbicidal oil, such as “carrot” oil.
For celery: Can be used pre- or postemergence. To avoid crop injury, make either 1 preemergence or 1 postemergence application (not both) per crop. For preemergence use, apply 2.4 to 3.2 pt/A at planting or shortly after planting but before the crop emerges. For postemergence use, 1.6 to 2 pt/A after the crop has 2 to 5 true leaves. May be applied over the top of the crop. Apply before weeds are 2" tall.
For celeriac: Do not exceed 4 pt/A per crop cycle. Make a single broadcast application at 1.6 to 4 pt/A in a minimum of 20 gal of water per acre after the crop has 6 to 8 leaves. Application may be made over the crop. Use the lower rate on coarse-textured soils and soils low in organic matter. Apply before weeds are 2" tall.
carfentrazone (Aim EC): REI 12h, Group 14. Aim is a burndown herbicide and will injure any foliage it comes into contact with. Apply Aim to row middles of emerged crops with hooded sprayers to control emerged weeds, including crops grown on mulch or plastic. Prevent any spray from contacting the crop, or injury will occur. For best results, make application to actively growing weeds up to 4 inches tall and rosettes less than 3 inches across. Good coverage is essential for good control. Apply up to 2 oz/A per application, and do not exceed a total of 6.1 oz/ per season.
clethodim (Select Max): PHI 30d, 24hr REI, Group 1. Will control grass weeds only. Apply to actively growing grasses. See label for rate selection. Multiple applications permitted of 9 to 16 oz/A per application, minimum 14-days between applications, not to exceed 64 oz/A per year. Add 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (1 qt per 100 gal of spray). Can also be used as a spot-spray by mixing 1/3-2/3% (0.44 to 0.85 oz per gallon) Select Max and 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (0.33 oz per gallon). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.
pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 17. Celery only. Use a 3 -10% solution (3 to 10 gallons per 100 gallons). Use a 3 to 5% solution for annual weeds, a 5 to 7% solution for biennial and perennial weeds, and 7 to 10% solution for maximum burndown. Delivery rate for boom applications should be 75 to 200 gals of spray solution per acre; complete coverage of weed foliage is essential. Use a DIRECTED/ SHIELDED SPRAY; contact with crop will cause injury. For hand-held equipment, spray to completely wet all weed foliage but not to the point of runoff. Repeat applications as necessary. Tank mixes are allowed with this product. See label for complete details.
sethoxydim (Poast): PHI 30d, REI 12h, Group 1. Celery only. Controls grass weeds only. Apply to actively growing grasses (see product label for susceptible stage). Maximum 1.5 pt/A per application, minimum 14-days between applications. Do not exceed 3 pt/A per year. Use with crop oil concentrate (2.0 pt/A) or methylated seed oil (1.5 pt/A). Note that crop oil can cause injury under hot and humid conditions. Can also be used as a spot-spray by mixing 1-1.5% (1.3 to 1.9 oz per gallon) Poast and 1% v:v crop oil concentrate (1.3 oz per gallon). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.
Blackheart is a physiological disorder akin to tipburn in other crops. It is associated with poor calcium assimilation as a result of inconsistent water uptake. Blackheart can be identified by the death of the growing points of the innermost petioles, or heart. Blackheart occurs in most celery growing regions, and significant losses have been reported in Florida, California, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin. If conditions favorable for the development of blackheart persist, the entire crown may be destroyed in a few days. In minor cases, the plants may recover or seem to recover, although symptoms can return. Symptom development is much more severe as plants approach maturity. The appearance of symptoms is closely linked to fluctuating water levels and available calcium. Environmental conditions that favor rapid growth, such as heavy rain or irrigation subsequent to drought, favor symptom development. High nitrogen, potassium, and sodium levels may also play a role. Certain celery cultivars are more susceptible to blackheart. Blackheart is prevented by ensuring steady plant growth, avoiding wide fluctuations in moisture and nutrients. Drench applications of soluble calcium can lessen or prevent the development of blackheart. Plant celery cultivars that are not prone to the syndrome. Drip irrigation, which provides more even moisture levels, can help reduce risk.