Blueberry
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There’s been plenty of blueberry rust in 2016, likely as a result of a milder than average winter and the heavy rainfall observed in many blueberry production areas. In some fields we’ve observed active sporulation of rust on old leaves from 2015 that have not abscised. The blueberry IPM guide at www.smallfruits.org provides information on specific…
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The following is largely a synopsis of information previously provided by Gerard Krewer (UGA Professor Emeritus and consultant), Bill Cline (NC State), Dave Lockwood (Univ. of TN), Danny Stanaland (retired county agent and consultant) and Phil Brannon regarding a suggested response to cold damage on blueberries and the potential threat of Botryosphaeria canker development on…
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We’ve received a very low amount of chill hours compared to previous years. What does this mean for blueberry growers? Below shows the chill hours from October to January 5 for the past seven years. This information is from Jeffrey G. Williamson, Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Florida: As you know, many…
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Blueberry leaf rust is being found in fields across our area. I took these pictures this morning (April 28). According to Dr. Phil Brannen, UGA Fruit Pathologist, this is likely as a result of the recent heavy rainfall we’ve received. It is a good time to start scouting for rust if you have not already done so.…
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These mummy berry leaf strikes were found last Friday, March 20th in Appling County. The photos aren’t great because it was getting dark when I took the picture. I’ve found strikes in three locations and I suspect there are more occurring throughout the region. All open blooms are subject to infection by conidial spores. We…
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Dr. Harald Scherm has determined the mummy berry potential for germination and development of the apothecia is here. Germination is likely to have started and apothecia are likely to be produced in the field. It doesn’t necessarily say that spores are already being dispersed, but the potential is definitely there. All southern Georgia blueberries that…
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Where freeze damage has occurred on southern highbush, an immediate application of Pristine (unless resistance is confirmed in the field. More info below on that.) at the high rate is recommended. There’s a lot of damaged plants from freeze protection and/or the weather itself. Where cold-damaged blooms/shoots are observed, Botrytis will be a real issue. The…
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On February 12 blueberries looked like this: On February 13 blueberries looked like this: And the below pictures were taken on February 23. You can easily see the freeze damage in the blueberries even though this field was freeze protected. Why are we seeing damage if the plants were protected? In using overhead…
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How much acid can be used to clean out drip lines in blueberries? A link is provided at the bottom for a calculator to assist you. I asked Dr. Erik Smith this question and here is his response: “I used 100 meq/L for the alkalinity and the initial pH of 7.0. The final pH is the…
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The below information is from Dr. Phil Brannen: “I had a question concerning whether fungicide application(s) would be warranted ahead of or following potential cold damage over the next few days, especially cold damage to southern highbush. While cold damage can increase both Botrytis and Botryosphaeria infection and subsequent disease issues, it is hard to…
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