Recent warmer, damp weather has led blueberry growers in the southern region of Georgia to initiate sprays for mummy berry disease. According to the mummy berry model developed by Dr. Harald Scherm (UGA), there is a HIGH RISK for mummy berry disease initiation in southern Georgia as of February 17th, 2020. Growers…
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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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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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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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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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With the freeze of last evening, producers are questioning what actions they should take to prevent damage from Botrytis and/or Botryosphaeria. The answers are not that simple, and it will depend on the type of blueberry and the situation encountered. I will give some immediate actions, and then I will…
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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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Spider Mite Damage, more intense Photo credit: James Jacobs, Pierce County Ag Agent Earlier symptoms of spider mite damage Photo credit: Renee Holland, 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 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 Holland, Area Blueberry Agent Tank-mixing & Pesticide Safety…
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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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