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Disease Management posts

Multisite Fungicides for Fungicide Resistance Management in Blueberries

Jan 12, 2021 | Written by

In conventional blueberry production, fungicides are frequently used to manage blueberry diseases. Unfortunately, as a result of repeated fungicide usage, the fungi targeted by these chemicals can develop resistance to specific fungicide modes of action.  This ultimately can make these fungicides less effective for disease management.  To reduce the chances…
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Field evaluation of spray programs for management of anthracnose fruit rot of blueberry

Jan 22, 2021 | Written by

By: Jonathan E. Oliver (UGA Fruit Pathologist), James Jacobs (UGA County Extension Coordinator, Pierce, Charlton, and Brantley Counties), Zack Williams (UGA County Extension Agent, Bacon County), Renee Holland (UGA Area Extension Agent – Commercial Blueberry) Background Anthracnose fruit rot of blueberry is caused by the fungi Colletotrichum acutatum and Colletotrichum…
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Fruit Splits and Yeast Rot in Blueberries

Jun 12, 2020 | Written by

As a follow-up on Dr. Sial’s post from last week, I have also received several calls from Extension Agents about the prevalence of soft fruit and fruit splits. Furthermore, in addition to reports of berry splits, we’ve received reports that yeast rot has been found affecting some of this fruit….
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Mummy Berry Threat is HIGH (as of 2/17/20)

Feb 17, 2020 | Written by

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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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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