December 2014
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A grower recently complained about his blueberry bushes being less vigorous with weak root system. After examining the root system, we discovered that the roots were infested with numerous small, yellowish-brown round cysts which were identified as ground pearls. Ground pearls, Margarodes spp. (Hemiptera: Margarodidae), are subterrestrial insects closely related to aboveground armored scale (Hemiptera:…
Posted in: Pest Management -
As spotted wing drosophila (SWD) has become established throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, it has become increasingly important to understand the impacts this pest has had in different crops and regions. We have conducted grower-focused impact assessments for the last two years and this information has been used to develop research, extension, and education…
Posted in: Pest Management -
I have recently had a few questions relative use of Sulforix on sites with no history of Exobasium leaf and fruit spot. For the most part, if your blueberries have never shown Exobasidium symptoms before, it might be overkill to apply Sulforix. We think the disease builds up over a period of 2-3 years,…
Posted in: Disease Management -
We are having numerous questions concerning the use of Sulforix or lime sulfur at this specific time. For the remainder of this note, I will reference lime sulfur only, but know that I am referring to either lime sulfur or Sulforix when I do so. Relative an application of lime sulfur at this time (early…
Posted in: Disease Management