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Disease Management posts

Mummy Berry Risk Remains Low (as of 1/15/19)

Jan 16, 2019 | Written by

In the southern region of Georgia, recent bouts of warmer than normal weather and earlier than normal emergence of leaves has led to the question of whether there is currently a risk of mummy berry infections developing. According to the mummy berry model developed by Dr. Harald Scherm (UGA), as of…
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Disease Development Following 2018 Freeze Damage

Mar 16, 2018 | Written by

Following the damage to blueberries in Georgia caused by recent freezes, the threat exists for subsequent damage from fungal pathogens. On tissues already damaged by the freezes, two fungal pathogens of particular concern are Botrytis and Botryosphaeria. Botrytis The fungus Botrytis cinerea causes Botrytis flower blight and fruit rot on…
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Mummy Berry Threat is High

Feb 15, 2018 | Written by

In the southern region of the state, leaf emergence on blueberries coupled with recent rains and warmer temps leads to the question of whether mummy berry will be an issue (infections at green tip or early bloom, whichever comes first).  Mummy berry disease epidemics are set-up by the synchronized release…
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Blueberry Management Suggestions After 2017 Severe Freeze Damage

Mar 27, 2017 | Written by

By: D. Scott NeSmith, Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia Severe freeze events such as occurred in Georgia March 15-16, 2017 present multiple challenges to growers. The magnitude of the damage varies across locations, but overall in the state the damage is substantial. This is in fact the most severe crop…
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Further Thoughts on Botryosphaeria Stem Blight Disease

Sep 20, 2016 | Written by

After further discussions with Dr. Phil Brannen, I was probably overzealous with my previous recommendation on Botryosphaeria stem blight during the fall season.  I had previously recommended application of a contact and systemic fungicide in the field, such as Captan & Quash or Captan & Indar, etc. It won’t hurt…
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Field Scouting Finds

Sep 14, 2016 | Written by

Spider Mite Damage, more intense Photo credit: James Jacobs, Pierce County Ag Agent Earlier symptoms of spider mite damage Photo credit: Renee Allen, Area Blueberry Agent Recently, this damage has been spotted in highbush fields. The leaves will have this finely speckled brown discoloration.  Usually the presence of spider mites…
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Blueberry Integrated Pest Management Field Day, Tuesday, April 5th

Apr 1, 2016 | Written by

Blueberry IPM   Field Day Tuesday, April 5th 9:30AM -11:00AM Location: Chambers Brothers Blueberry Farm 2270 Fire Tower Road Homerville, GA 31634 Hands-On Scouting & Pest Reminders: Spotted Wing Drosophila & Insects —Dr. Ash Sial, Blueberry Entomologist Fruit Rots & Post-harvest Diseases —Renée Allen, Area Blueberry Agent Tank-mixing & Pesticide Safety…
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Mummy Berry Germination Model Results

Mar 2, 2016 | Written by

Dr. Harald Scherm ran the mummy berry model today, and it indicates that we are currently in a DANGER period for mummy berry disease initiation.  Harald stated that the temperature-driven model indicated that apothecium (spore-forming structure that develops from overwintered mummies on the ground and in debris) emergence should be well underway…
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