Spinach

Introduction

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a hardy cool weather crop, grown for use as a cooked green vegetable or for salad greens. Temperature for optimum production and high quality is 55-60°F with day length of approximately 12 hours. Winter spinach production in unheated high tunnels has grown in New England to supply year-round greens. Under certain conditions, spinach will bolt (develop a seed stalk and flower), reducing quality. During summer months, high temperatures and long days will result in bolting. For spinach plants overwintered in high tunnels, bolting may occur in early spring as days lengthen. The tendency to bolt varies with the cultivar, some being more resistant than others. Growers who want greens in summer should consider beet greens and/or Swiss chard as substitutes, since they produce better under high temperature and long day conditions. Malabar spinach is not related to true spinach; it is a vining spinach-like crop native to tropical Asia and is well-adapted to growing in summer New England conditions.

Types and Varieties

There are two main types of spinach: smooth leaf and savoy (crinkled leaf). Both grow equally well and are marketed similarly, but the savoy type, because of its crinkled leaf, is more difficult to clean. Asian leaf types are relatively smooth with pointed leaves. Varieties best suited for winter production are often the fastest-growing varieties.

Spinach Varieties
Variety Type Season Resistances
Acadia semi-savoy SF DM1-13, 15, 16
Auroch smooth SFW DM1-12, 14-16, 19
Carmel semi-savoy SF DM1-11, 13
Corvair smooth W DM1-11, 13
Emporer semi-savoy SFW DM1-10
Escalade semi-savoy SF DM1-14, 16
Flamingo Asian SFW DM1-11, 12, 13
Pigeon smooth W DM1-13
Gazelle smooth F DM1-13
Giant Winter OP semi-savoy FW DM1-11
Kolibri semi-savoy SFW DM1-9, 12-15,17
Kookaburra semi-savoy SF DM1-13
Marabu RZ semi-savoy SF DM1-10, CMV
Palco semi-savoy SF DM1-5, 8-9, 11-12, 14
Red Tabby smooth SFW DM1-9, 11-13
Reflect semi-savoy SFW DM1-11
Regiment semi-savoy SFW DM1-7, 11
Renegade smooth SFW DM1-7, CMV
Responder savoy W DM1-12, 14-16
Seaside smooth S DM1-12, 14
Shelby smooth SF DM1-13, 15, 16
Space smooth FWS DM1-3, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12
Sunangel semi-savoy SFW DM1-9, 11-17
Winter Bloomsdale OP savoy W CMV

OP = open-pollinated, Seasons: S = spring, F = fall, W = winter. 

Resistant or tolerant to: DM: Downy Mildew (races indicated), CMV: Cucumber Mosaic Virus

Soil Fertility

Apply lime according to soil test results to maintain soil pH at 6.5-6.8. Soils with low pH will result in slow growth and chlorotic leaves.

Because of sensitivity to magnesium deficiency, older spinach leaves may tend to show yellow color similar to that caused by nitrogen deficiency or downy mildew. Low levels of magnesium in the soil can be corrected by using high magnesium lime (dolomitic) or by adding magnesium to the fertilizer. Do not automatically apply more nitrogen to try to develop the desired deep green color. Rather, fertilize with magnesium according to pre-plant soil tests and, if needed, test again mid-season and make a topical application of 10-15 lb magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) in 100 gal water to correct any magnesium deficiency. Spray to wet the foliage.

If magnesium was deficient, you will see a color change to dark green overnight. Spinach will accumulate excess nitrates if nitrogen is used in an attempt to induce green color. It is always best to check for magnesium problems before applying extra nitrogen if plants have chlorotic pale green color or yellow lower leaves.

In winter high tunnel production, there may be 6 contiguous months of harvest from one crop, therefore sidedressing may be necessary. Nitrogen use efficiency of crops is less in cold temperatures, so more frequent sidedressing of small amounts of N will achieve better results than fewer sidedresses of larger amounts of N. Avoid putting fertilizer directly onto crop foliage. The need for sidedressing will be influenced by pre-plant levels of N in the soil, which can vary widely between farms and high tunnels based on the soil nutrients remaining after the summer crop. Available N levels can be monitored mid-season using pre-sidedress nitrate tests – it is recommended to sidedress with N if nitrate levels drop below 30 ppm.

Less nitrogen fertilizer will be needed if manure or legume sod was plowed down (see Table 1 and Table 2).

PLANT NUTRIENT RECOMMENDATION ACCORDING TO SOIL TEST RESULTS FOR SPINACH
SPINACH 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 60-80 180 120 30-60 0-30 180 120 30-60 0
Sidedress 3-4 Weeks after Planting 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL RECOMMENDED 90-110 180 120 30-60 0-30 180 120 30-60 0

Planting

Seed will germinate at soil temperatures of 32-60°F. Soil temperatures above 70°F will result in poor germination. Another cause for poor germination is salt accumulation in the top 2" of heavily composted high tunnels. Priming the seed may improve germination. Spinach seed is short-lived and susceptible to damping-off. For good stands, start with new, fungicide-treated seed each year. Taking measures to prepare uniform, well-drained beds and to provide even irrigation can reduce variations in soil moisture that can lead to damping-off as well.

Spinach can be direct-seeded quite densely, at up to 3,000,000 seeds per acre. Target harvest size may affect seeding density, with “teenage” or larger-sized spinach seeded less densely and baby-leaf spinach seeded at the higher density. Harvest method may also affect preferred seeding density. Growers harvesting by clear-cutting, either by hand or mechanically, may prefer denser seeding rates, whereas those harvesting lower leaves only may prefer wider spacing. After preparing a stale seedbed, denser seeding may help to control weeds. During dry conditions, irrigation may be necessary to germinate seeds. Seed 0.25-0.5" deep depending on soil moisture and temperature. Deeper planting is suggested in a warm, dry soil. Growers should attempt to seed to a stand as thinning is generally not recommended. 

Spinach can also be germinated in seed trays and transplanted at the desired site. This method is particularly useful if the site is not yet prepared for the next crop, and to get a head-start in production. Seedlings are typically ready for transplant approximately three weeks after initial seeding. Again, plant spacing can vary based on target harvest size and method.
 

Field Culture

Main season (spring and fall). Spinach can be seeded in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Sandy soils are generally preferred because they warm earlier in the spring. Two main crops are generally grown, one in the spring, another in late summer, seeded about 6 weeks before the average first frost.

Winter production of spinach by New England growers is now quite popular. Stand-alone low tunnels equipped with heavyweight row cover (1.25 oz/yd2) and plastic (6mil) result in good winter survival of spinach and allow for separate fall and spring harvests. However, accessing plants during winter months when the ground is frozen is challenging, and leaves may not be saleable during this this period.

High tunnel production permits winter access and provides additional insulation, and can result in winter-long harvests if plants are established by late fall. Row cover is not required for winter high tunnel spinach production, as spinach is cold- and frost-tolerant, but the use of row cover can speed up growth. 

For overwintering spinach, particularly in northern areas, plants should be established by early-November. If direct seeding, a September seeding date is suggested. However, germination can be poor in tunnels with warm soil temperatures (>70°F). Transplanting seedlings instead of direct seeding can help mitigate this risk, and ensures a good stand for winter production.

Plant growth slows with less than 10 hours of light per day starting around November 10th in Southern RI and October 30th in Northern ME. Aim to have 4-5 true leaves on plant before you reach this point.

Highest total yields (fall through spring) will be obtained by the earliest fall planting dates, primarily due to higher fall production. Spring-only yields (January to April) are less affected by fall planting date.

It is important to ensure adequate moisture is available for spinach during the fall, winter, and spring months, either by using drip or overhead irrigation. The majority of irrigation is needed in fall and spring-tunnels may only need to be irrigated once or twice throughout the winter months when little growth is occurring. However, cool humid conditions can result in downy mildew, and thus it is important to choose varieties with downy mildew resistance for winter culture. 

In high tunnels, there are three common physiological disorders that may occur on winter-grown spinach. Although spinach can withstand frost well, as long as leaves are not handled when frozen; freezing damage can kill and brown leaf tissue. This can be minimized by using secondary row covers or low tunnels inside high tunnels. Oedema results when water pressure causes cells to burst, resulting in scab-like calluses on the leaves. This can be minimized by limiting irrigation and maintaining low relative humidity as temperatures drop and growth slows. Lastly, under winter and spring conditions, spinach often forms natural leaf structures (glandular trichomes) on upper and lower leaf surfaces, which resemble tiny water droplets or insect eggs, but actually arise from the leaf surface on tiny stalks. These trichomes often cause concern, but are harmless.

Harvest

Spinach is usually harvested from 37-45 days after seeding, but can take much longer to mature during late fall and winter months. Harvesting can be done by hand, either by clipping mature leaves and leaving young leaves uncut, or by clear-cutting just above the growing point. Walk-behind and tractor-mounted mechanical harvesters can be used in larger-scale production. Regrowth quality varies by harvest method and the growth habit of the cultivar. 

In summer and fall, harvest early in the day and cool immediately to 32°F to maximize shelf life (10-14 days). In the winter, frozen leaves can be damaged during harvest, so delay harvest until later in the day after leaves have thawed. 

Good yields for fresh market will range from 5-7 tons/A and 10-12 tons/A for processing. In winter high tunnel production, growers report producing 0.4–0.6 lbs/sq ft. Spinach is sometimes field packed loose into crates or cartons. Whole plants are sometimes bunched, like carrots, when going directly to retail markets. Package as bushel baskets or crates containing 20-25 lb, cartons or wire-bound crates with 2 dozen bunches each, or loose leaf 12 film bags (10 oz per bag) in a master carton. Winter spinach is often sold bagged in smaller quantities.
 

Disease Control

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.

PESTICIDE USE IN GREENHOUSES AND HIGH TUNNELS:

Pesticides can be used on high tunnel and greenhouse crops if: 1) the crop and pest/disease is on the label, AND the products specifically says it can be used in the greenhouse; OR 2) the crop and pest/disease is on the label, AND the product is ‘silent’ about use in the greenhouse in the greenhouse. Products that specifically prohibit greenhouse use cannot be used in greenhouses or high tunnels regardless of the crops or pests/diseases listed on the label.

See also: Table 19: Fungicides and Bactericides Labeled for Vegetable Bedding Plants.

Cladosporium Leaf Spot (Cladosporium variable)

Cladosporium leaf spot caused by Cladosporium variabile was previously considered to be of minor importance in spinach crops, but can be severe in spinach seed production and has become a common problem in winter high tunnel production. The most conducive environment for disease development is cool and moist with temperatures between 59-68ºF and relative humidity above 80%. However, the fungus can grow under a wide range of temperatures, ranging from 41-86ºF. The epidemiology of this disease is not well known. Spinach seeds carry the fungus, but it has not been determined whether the disease is transmitted via contaminated seed to soil or seedlings. It is also not known how long the fungus can survive on spinach residues in soil or in weed hosts. Cladosporium has been recovered from dried leaves and seed stocks up to eight years old. Cultural controls rely mainly on sanitation—the removal of infected plants, spinach debris, spinach volunteers, and unused seed. Start with certified, disease-free seed or treat seed with hot water or bleach to reduce seedborne inoculum. Cultivar susceptibility varies but is not currently reported by seed producers or distributors.

Bacillus mycoides isolate J (LifeGard WGOG): 1.0 to 4.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group P6. Apply at first true leaf stage or after thinning. Refer to label for  other appropriate rates and application volumes.

Downy Mildew (Peronospora farinosa)

Downy mildew is considered the most important disease of spinach and is favored by cool, moist conditions. The pathogen is host-specific to spinach and will not survive without a living host. Incidence of the disease appears to be increasing due to the increased use of high tunnels for winter spinach production. The potential overlap of field spinach and high tunnel spinach can create a “green bridge” for the disease, allowing the pathogen to transfer between fields and high tunnels. As of April 2021, there are 19 numbered races of spinach downy mildew, along with numerous “novel” races. Downy mildew management relies on resistant cultivars, as well as managing relative humidity and leaf wetness. Select cultivars with resistance to races 1-19, if possible, and grow multiple cultivars that do not share the same gaps in resistance. Once infected, there is little that can be done to manage spinach downy mildew. The pathogen can produce long-lived resting spores, called oospores, that can potentially survive in the soil without a living host; however the role of oospores in season-to-season survival in New England is currently unknown. Rotate out of spinach for at least two years.

acibenzolar-S-methyl (Actigard 50WG): 1.0 to 0.75 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Group 21.

ametoctradin plus dimethomorph (Zampro): 14.0 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 45 & 40. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

azoxystrobin (Quadris): 12.0 to 15.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11. Rotate with a fungicide other than a strobilurin. Quadris can by phytotoxic to spinach. See label for precautions. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (Double Nickel LCOG): 0.5 to 6.0 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 44.

copper hydroxide (Kocide 3000): 0.75 to 1.25 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Group M1. Flecking may occur.

copper oxychloride plus copper hydroxide (Badge X2OG): 0.75 to 1.25 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Group M1. Flecking may occur. See label for precautions.

cyazofamid (Ranman 400SC): 82.75 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 21.

cymoxanil (Curzate 60 DF): 5.0 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 27. Use only in combination with a protectant fungicide.

famoxadone plus cymoxanil (Tanos):  8.0 to 10.0 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Groups 11 & 27. Must be tank mixed with an appropriate contact fungicide with a different mode of action. Do not alternate or tank mix with other Group 11 fungicides.

fenamidone (Reason 500 SC): 5.5 to 8.2 fl oz/A; PHI 2d, REI 12h, Group 11. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

fluopicolide (Presidio): 3.0 to 4.0 fl oz/A; PHI 2d, REI 12h, Group 43. Must be used in a tank mix with a fungicide with a different mode of action. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin (Merivon): 6.0 to 11.0 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Groups 7 & 11. For suppression only. Do not apply as tank mix with other pesticides or anything other than water (for spinach). Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

fosetyl aluminum (Aliette WDG): 2.0 to 5.0 lb/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Group 33. Lower rate of 2-3lb/A may be used when tank mixed with fungicide labeled for downy mildew (do not mix with copper). See label for instructions.

mandipropamid (Revus): 8.0 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Group 40. Addition of adjuvant is recommended.

mefenoxam (Ridomil Gold SL): 0.25 pt/A; PHI 21d, REI 48h, Group 4. Must be applied pre- and post-plant for effective control of downy mildew. Incorporate into soil mechanically or with irrigation. See label for instructions and precautions. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

oxathiapiprolin (Orondis Gold 200): 4.8 to 9.6 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Groups 49. Apply to soil in-furrow and/or via drip irrigation. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

oxathiapiprolin plus mandipropamid (Orondis Ultra): 5.5 to 8.0 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Groups 49 & 40. Apply with an adjuvant.

phosphorous acid (Fosphite): 1.0 to 3.0 qt/100 gal; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 33.  Do not apply to plants that are heat or moisture stressed or recently treated with copper products.

pyraclostrobin (Cabrio EG): 12.0 to 16.0 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 11. May cause leaf injury. Do not apply with anything other than water. See label for precautions. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

Seed Decay

Buy treated seed. Do not use treated seed for food, feed or oil purposes.

fludioxonil (Maxim 4FS): 0.08 to 0.16 oz/00 lb seed; REI 12h, Group 12. For protection against seedborne and soilborne fungi. Does not control Pythium and Phytophthora.

mefenoxam (Apron XL): 0.085 to 0.64 fl oz/100 lb seed; REI 48h, Group 4. For Pythium damping-off protection. Do not use in greenhouse or enclosed environments. See label for restrictions.

thiram (Thiram 42 S): 8.0 lb/100 lb seed; REI 12h, Group M3.

Streptomyces grieoviridis strain K61 (MycoStopOG):  0.08 oz/lb seed; REI 4h, Group NC. Other methods of application listed on label.

Stemphylium Leaf Spot (Stemphylium botryosum)

This relatively new disease of spinach was first detected in California in 2001. It affects both production spinach and spinach seed crops, and has become a problem in high tunnel production. Details on the pathogen's life cycle are lacking, although the pathogen can be seedborne. In the field, the disease spreads slowly and damage is limited. Cultural controls rely mainly on sanitation--the removal of infected plants, spinach debris, spinach volunteers, and unused seed. Start with certified, disease-free seed or treat seed with hot water or bleach to reduce seedborne inoculum.

Bacillus mycoides isolate J (LifeGard WGOG): 1.0 to 4.5 oz/100 gal water/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group P6.

White Rust (Albugo occidentalis)

White rust is a  very damaging disease of spinach that is found only east of the Rocky Mountains in the USA. Plant resistant cultivars and practice crop rotation. Apply preplant and foliar fungicides.

acibenzolar-S-methyl (Actigard 50WG): 0.5 to 0.75 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12, Group 21.

azoxystrobin (Quadris): 6.0 to 15.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11. Quadris may be phytotoxic to spinach. See label for precautions. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

copper hydroxide (Kocide 3000):  0.75 to 1.25 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Group M1. Flecking may occur on spinach leaves.

copper oxychloride plus copper hydroxide (Badge X2OG): 0.75 to 1.25 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Group M1. Flecking may occur. See label for precautions.

cyazofamid (Ranman 400 SC): 2.75 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 21.

famoxadone plus cymoxanil (Tanos):  8.0 to 10.0 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Groups 11 & 27. Must be tank mixed with an appropriate contact fungicide with a different mode of action. Do not alternate or tank mix with other Group 11 fungicides.

fenamidone (Reason 500SC): 5.5 to 8.2 fl oz/A; PHI 2d, REI 12h, Group 11. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

fluopicolide (Presidio): 3.0 to 4.0 fl oz/A; PHI 2d, REI 12h, Group 43. Must be used in a tank mix with a fungicide with a different mode of action. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

mefenoxam (Ridomil Gold SL): 0.25 pt/A; PHI 21d, REI 48h, Group 4. Must be applied pre- and post-plant for effective control of white rust.  Incorporate into soil mechanically or with irrigation. See label for instructions and precautions. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

pyraclostrobin (Cabrio EG): 8.0 to 12.0 oz/A. PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 11. May cause crop injury under certain conditions. Do not apply as tank mix with anything other than water. See label for precautions. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)

CMV is found worldwide and infects over 800 crop and weed hosts. This disease is transmitted by aphids in a nonpersistent manner; insecticides are of no value in controlling this disease. Start with virus-free seed. Eliminate weeds such as chickweed, pokeweed, and milkweed. Grow resistant varieties such as Winter Bloomsdale and Renegade.

Insect Control

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.

Aphids, primarily Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae)

Aphids found in spinach are primarily green peach aphid (see Pepper section for more information). Thresholds used in other regions may apply and include 1 aphid/plant on seedlings and 4-10 aphids per plant on older plants. Natural enemies often provide control. Aphid outbreaks can occur after use of broad-spectrum insecticides due to loss of natural enemies, so aphid-selective products should be used whenever possible. Take measures to cover undersides of leaves if using materials that do not have translaminar or systemic movement.

acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2 to 4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

afidopyropen (Versys): 1.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12 h, Bee: L, Group 9D. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

azadirachtin (Azatin OOG): 5 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group un. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.

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. Do not use adjuvants in tank mix with Exirel in spinach. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

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. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

cyclaniliprole (Harvanta): 10.9 to 16.4 fl oz.; PHI 1d, REI 12 h, Bee: H, Group 28. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 3 oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 7d foliar, PHI 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.

flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12, Bee: L, Group 9C.

flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 7 to 10.5 oz/A for foliar application, 21 to 28 oz/A for soil soil application; PHI 1d foliar, PHI 21d soil, REI 4h, Bee:L, Group 4D.

imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 1.3 oz/A foliar, 4.4 to 10.5 oz/A soil; PHI 7d foliar, PHI 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. For foliar applications, apply only to fully leafed-up canopies. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

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. For enhanced and residual control, apply with a companion labeled insecticide; for green peach aphid, must use companion insecticide.

malathion (Malathion 57EC): 1.6 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B.

permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee:L, Group 9B. Translaminar. Apply when aphids first appear, before populations build up.

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. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 1.5 to 2 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

tolfenpyrad (Torac): 17 to 21 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 21A. Except lettuce aphids.

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.4 to 4.3 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Aphid control may be variable depending on species present and host-plant relationships.

Blister Beetles

See Blister Beetles in the Beets and Swiss Chard section for more information on blister beetle life cycle and management. A single spot spray with a broad-spectrum insecticide registered for caterpillars on spinach will control the beetles.

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.

Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusiani) and Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

See Cabbage section for more information on cabbage looper and Sweet Corn section for more information on fall armyworm.

Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTariOG): 0.5 to 1.5 lb/A for looper, 0.5 to 2.0 lb/A for armyworms; 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, 1 to 2 lb/A armyworm; 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 for CL, 2.4 to 3.2 oz/A for FAW; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. For FAW, controls first and second instar larvae only.

bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 40d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 1 to 2 qt/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. For FAW 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 drip chemigation and as a foliar spray. For soil applications, must be applied uniformly in the root zone. For CL and beet armyworm only. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

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 loopers, 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A armyworm; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting. Cabbage looper only. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 2.4 to 4.8 oz/A for armyworm, 3.2 to 4.8 oz/A for looper; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

indoxacarb (Avaunt): 2.5 to 3.5 oz/A for CL, 3.5 to 6 oz/A for BA; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 22. For CL and beet armyworm only.

methomyl (Lannate* LV): 1.5 to 3 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Do not apply if minimum daily temperature is less than 32°F. Do not apply to seedlings less than 3" in canopy diameter. Cabbage loopers may be resistant.

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.

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. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 3 to 6 oz/A looper, 4 to 8 oz/A armyworm; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Do not apply to seedlings for transplant.

tebufenozide (Confirm 2F): 6 to 8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 18. Use low rate for early season applications to young, small plants. Use of an adjuvant is recommended.

tolfenpyrad (Torac): 21 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 21A. Suppression of armyworm only.

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 3.4 to 4.3 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Leafminer, Beet and Spinach

See Leafminers in Beet and Swiss Chard section for more information on the life cycle, scouting, and management of beet and spinach leafminers.

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. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

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. Leafminer larvae only.

bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 40d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 5.0 to 7.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 28. May be applied to soil at planting, through drip chemigation and as a foliar spray. For soil applications, must be applied uniformly in the root zone. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. Do not use adjuvants in tank mix with Exirel in spinach. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

cyclaniliprole (Harvanta): 10.9 to 16.4 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

cyromazine (Trigard): 2.66 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 17. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 3 oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 7d foliar, PHI 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.

emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 3.2 to 4.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Suppression only. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

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. For enhanced and residual control, apply with a companion labeled insecticide.

permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

spinetoram (Radiant SC): 6 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Efficacy improves with the addition of an adjuvant. Do not apply to greenhouse or high tunnel crops.

spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 6 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Do not apply to seedlings for transplant. Control may be improved with addition of an adjuvant.

Weed Control

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. 

Stale Seedbed

See Stale Seedbed Technique in the Weed Management section for information on the use of these herbicides.

glyphosate (Roundup Power Max): REI 12h, Group 9.

pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 17. Use a 3 -10% solution (3 to 10 gallons per 100 gallons).

Herbicides Used Preemergence, before weeds germinate

cycloate (Ro-Neet):  REI 48h, Group 15. Not for use in Vermont, Connecticut or Rhode Island. Apply 1/2 gal/A in 10 to 50 gallons of water per acre. Must be immediately incorporated into the soil to a depth of 2 -3” to prevent loss of the herbicide. Crop should be planted or seeded immediately after application.  Use lower rate during hot weather and/or dry soil conditions. Can be applied preplant incorporated, or at planting. To reduce the risk of crop injury, apply and incorporate 7 to 10 days before planting, then rework soil at planting. Use on sandy mineral soils only, but may cause crop injury on very light sandy soil.  Works by interfering with seed germination and seedling development.  Will not control existing weeds. 

s-metolachlor (Dual Magnum): REI 12h, Group 15. MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, and NEW HAMPSHIRE ONLY. Make sure the label for your state is available for download before using this product. This is a restricted label available only to growers who apply through the website www.syngenta-us.com/labels/indemnified-label-login and agree to a waiver of liability. Main target weeds for this registration are galinsoga and yellow nutsedge. All label instructions will be supplied after the application for use is completed.

Herbicides Used Postemergence, after weeds germinate

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 14d, 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.

clopyralid (Stinger): PHI 21d, REI 12h, Group 4.  For postemergence control of weeds in the composite and legume families. Apply to spinach in the 2- to 5-leaf stage and weeds are young and actively growing. Common annuals include galinsoga, ragweed, pineappleweed, clover, and vetch. Perennial weeds controlled include Canada thistle, goldenrod species, aster species, and mugwort (wild chrysanthemum). Stinger is very effective on small seedling annual and emerging perennial weeds less than 2" to 4" tall, but is less effective and takes longer to work when weeds are larger. Some leaf curling may be observed on smaller spinach, particularly at higher use rates.  Crop tolerance may be optimized by selecting the lower application rate necessary for weed control, especially where non-uniform emergence has caused variable plant sizes.  Use 0.25 to 0.5 pt/A.  Can use up to two applications per year, but can not exceed 0.5 pt/A per year.  Spray additives are not needed or required by the label and are not recommended. Stinger is a postemergence herbicide with some soil residual activity. Observe replant restrictions on the label or injury may occur from herbicide carryover.

pelargonic acid (Scythe):  PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 17. 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 15d, REI 12h, Group 1.  Controls grass weeds only.  Apply to actively growing grasses (see product label for susceptible stage).  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.  For beets, maximum 2.5 pt/A per application, minimum 14-days between applications.  Do not exceed 5 pt/A per year. For chard, maximum 1.5 pt/A per application, minimum 14-days between applications.  Do not exceed 3 pt/A per year. 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.