Blueberry Rust Alert

We are currently receiving field reports of blueberry rust, likely as a result of the recent heavy rainfall observed in many blueberry production areas.  I have had one confirmed report, and it is a good time to start scouting for rust if you have not already done so.  The blueberry IPM guide at www.smallfruits.org provides information on specific fungicides for rust management.  If a variety is susceptible to rust, early defoliation can result, and this will reduce yields next year as a result.  Scouting is required to determine whether rust is developing in specific varieties.  Many fungicides applied for other leaf spots will also have rust activity; this is particularly true of the strobilurin (Abound, Pristine, etc.) and DMI fungicides (Proline, Quash, Tilt, Orbit, Indar, Bumper, etc.).  Producers should be concerned about post-season leaf spot management, and they should consider fungicide application as needed to prevent premature defoliation due to rust, Septoria, and anthracnose leaf spots.  Follow all label directions, particularly as they relate to preharvest intervals — especially important this time of year.