Disease Management
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Fungicides containing captan are an important component of spray programs for disease control on blueberry. Solo and tank mix applications of captan products have an especially significant role in the management of fungicide resistance, since captan’s mode of action is not likely to lead to the development of fungal pathogens with resistance to this material. …
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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. Since yeast rot is an…
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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 who haven’t already done so…
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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 January 15th, 2019 there remains…
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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 blueberry. Cold-damaged blooms, shoots, and…
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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 of fungal ascospores and the…
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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 damage I have seen in…
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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 give later actions. Immediate Actions…
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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 anything if you have already…
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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 can be confirmed using a…