Recent Posts
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Spotted-wing drosophila (SWD, Drosophila suzukii) is an invasive pest of soft skinned fruit in the United States and has been detected throughout the southeast. Infestations were observed in some blueberries. SWD damage is similar to blueberry maggot. Female flies lay their eggs in ripening and ripe fruit, and larvae develop internally. SWD larvae are much smaller…
Posted in: Pest Management -
The spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an invasive and economically important pest of many soft-skinned fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and other. Since its first detection in California in 2008, SWD spread rapidly across the United States. It was first found in Georgia in 2010 and since then this small…
Posted in: Pest Management -
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. BotrytisThe fungus Botrytis cinerea causes Botrytis flower blight and fruit rot on blueberry. Cold-damaged blooms, shoots, and fruit can readily…
Posted in: Disease Management -
While the upcoming forecasted freeze event is understandably foremost on the minds of those connected to the Georgia blueberry industry right now, diseases associated with bloom remain a concern. Many growers in the southern region of Georgia have initiated sprays for mummy berry disease already, but growers who haven’t already done so are reminded to…
Posted in: Disease Management -
Current Situation Wet weather across Georgia’s blueberry production belt during 2021 has led to some usual and some unusual disease issues in recent months. Through mid-September, 2021 rainfall in Alma, Georgia is running about 12 inches above normal, and rainfall in Homerville, Georgia is over 16 inches above normal. Phytophthora root rot is one…
Posted in: Disease Management -
Authors: Yi-Wen Wang, D. Scott NeSmith, Rachel Itle, Renée Holland, and Savithri Nambeesan. In this study we evaluated postharvest fruit quality attributes of five southern highbush cultivars, Miss Lilly, Miss Alice Mae, Miss Jackie, Rebel and Suziblue. This article summarizes the fruit quality attributes of these 5 cultivars shortly after harvest and their postharvest shelf-life. Methods: Fruit were…
Posted in: Postharvest -
A new bulletin on blueberry propagation from UGA Cooperative Extension has recently been published. In this bulletin, authors Haralson, Brannen, and Oliver present a set of best practices for blueberry propagation that will help to minimize losses and improve the quality of plants produced. The bulletin is available through UGA Cooperative Extension at: https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/B%201540_1.PDF
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Flower thrips are chronic pests of both southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries in the southeastern United States. Flower thrips are small insects, less than 1.5 mm long (0.06 inches), with slender bodies usually yellow to orange in color. Females are typically larger than males. Adult thrips have long narrow wings fringed with fine hairs. Adults…
Posted in: Uncategorized -
SWD OREI Project Team is scheduled to present a webinar on Organic Management of Spotted-Wing Drosophila (SWD) to provide a comprehensive update on strategies to manage SWD in organic production systems. Please register at: https://eorganic.org/node/34578 to attend this webinar.
Posted in: Uncategorized -
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 15th, 2021. Growers who haven’t already done so…
Posted in: Disease Management