Algal Stem Blotch, Flea Beetles, and Ridomil and Velum
Algal Stem Blotch
Reports of Algal Stem Blotch have been received in Appling County this week on southern highbush as well as on Brightwell. More information on this disease can be found in the links below.
Flea Beetles
I have received multiple questions about flea beetles this same time of the year for the past few years. Below is information from the southeast blueberry ipm guide on flea beetles. Notice it mentions… “Insecticides recommended for spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) and blueberry maggot (BBM) are also effective against flea beetle, so additional applications for flea beetle management are not necessary if these products are in use.” Insecticides used for BBM that provide control of Flea Beetles include Assail, Admire Pro, and Delegate. Insecticides used for SWD that provide control for Flea Beetles include Entrust and Delegate.
Adult Blueberry Flea Beetle (Michigan State University)
When Should I apply ridomil and velum?
Ridomil provides good control of pythium and phytopthora root rots. To be effective ridomil must be taken up by the roots. To ensure the product is taken up by the roots it should be applied at the time there is expected to be a flush of root growth (early spring/ after hedging).
Velum is a nematicide that provides good control of select species of nematodes. It could be suspected that Velum would also be most effective by applying it at the time you expect a flush of root growth to protect the new roots the blueberry plant is establishing.