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Blueberry Growing

Blueberry Leaf Spot: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Farmers

by Gregory August 5, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Blueberry Leaf Spot: A Guide for Young Farmers

Introduction

Blueberry leaf spot is a common problem that can affect blueberry plants at any stage of the growing season. It’s caused by several types of fungi that can seriously damage the crop if not treated promptly. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of blueberry leaf spot, their symptoms, and effective treatment options.

Types of Blueberry Leaf Spot

There are several types of blueberry leaf spot, each caused by a different type of fungus. The most common types include:

Anthracnose: Causes reddish flecks on leaves and stems, which eventually develop into large brown lesions.
Septoria: Produces small white spots with tan to purplish borders on leaves.
Alternaria: Forms irregular brown or gray spots surrounded by a red border on leaves.
Gloeocercospora: Causes large dark brown circular lesions on leaves in mid-summer.
Valdensinia: Produces large round bull’s eye spots on leaves that spread rapidly to stems.

Symptoms of Blueberry Leaf Spot

The symptoms of blueberry leaf spot can vary depending on the type of fungus causing the disease. However, some common symptoms include:

Spots or lesions on leaves
Defoliation (loss of leaves)
Reduced plant vigor
Poor fruit production

Treatment Options for Blueberry Leaf Spot

The best way to treat blueberry leaf spot is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. This can be done by:

Planting resistant cultivars: There are several blueberry cultivars that have been bred to be resistant to leaf spot diseases.
End of season cleanup: Remove and destroy all infected plant debris after harvest to prevent the fungi from overwintering.
Good hygiene practices: Avoid walking through infected blueberry stands and disinfect machinery, containers, and tools to prevent the spread of disease.

If leaf spot does occur, there are several treatment options available:

Fungicides: Fungicides can be used to control leaf spot diseases. Benlate and Captan are two of the most commonly used fungicides for blueberry production.
Organic approaches: Some organic approaches to leaf spot management include using neem oil or baking soda sprays.

Conclusion

Blueberry leaf spot is a common problem, but it can be managed with proper care. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can help your blueberry plants stay healthy and productive.

Blueberry Growing

Blueberry Mummy Berry: Identification, Control, and Prevention

by Gregory October 6, 2023

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Blueberry Mummy Berry: A Common Blueberry Disease

Blueberry plants are not only delicious and nutritious, but they can also be beautiful additions to your landscape. However, these plants can be susceptible to a common disease known as blueberry mummy berry.

What is Blueberry Mummy Berry?

Blueberry mummy berry is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Monilinia vaccinilicorymbosi. It can affect blueberry plants of all ages and varieties, but it is most common in areas with warm, humid climates.

Symptoms of Blueberry Mummy Berry

The symptoms of blueberry mummy berry can vary depending on the stage of the infection. Early symptoms include:

Browning around major leaf veins
Wilting and browning of foliage, new shoots, buds, and blossoms
Curling of new shoots toward the plant

As the disease progresses, infected fruit may appear normal at first, but if cut open, it will have spongy, white, fungal flesh inside. As the infected fruit ripens, it will suddenly turn pink or gray and shrivel up into mummified blueberries.

How to Treat Blueberry Mummy Berry

There is no cure for blueberry mummy berry, but there are steps you can take to control the disease and prevent it from spreading:

Proper sanitation: Remove and destroy all infected plant material, including mummified fruit, infected branches, and fallen leaves.
Pruning: Prune away infected branches and destroy them.
Fungicides: Apply a fungicide specifically labeled for use on blueberry mummy berry.
Cultural practices: Heavy mulching in early spring or using a winter cover crop can help to inhibit the spread of the disease by blocking out sun and preventing splash back.

How to Prevent Blueberry Mummy Berry

The best way to prevent blueberry mummy berry is to start with healthy plants and follow good cultural practices:

Choose resistant varieties: Some blueberry varieties are more resistant to mummy berry than others.
Plant in well-drained soil: Blueberry plants prefer well-drained, acidic soil.
Provide good air circulation: Space blueberry plants properly to allow for good air circulation.
Avoid overwatering: Overwatering can weaken blueberry plants and make them more susceptible to disease.
Fertilize regularly: Blueberry plants need regular fertilization to stay healthy and productive.

Conclusion

Blueberry mummy berry is a common disease that can affect blueberry plants of all ages and varieties. However, by following the tips outlined in this article, you can help to control the disease and keep your blueberry plants healthy and productive.

Blueberry Growing

Blueberry Stem Blight: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Gardeners

by Donna August 7, 2020

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Blueberry Stem Blight: A Guide for Young Gardeners

Blueberry stem blight is a common disease that affects blueberry plants, especially in the southeastern United States. It is caused by a fungus called Botryosphaeria dothidea. The fungus infects blueberry plants through wounds caused by pruning, mechanical injury, or other stem diseases.

Symptoms of Blueberry Stem Blight

Early symptoms of blueberry stem blight include:

Chlorosis (yellowing) of leaves
Reddening or drying of foliage
Brown or tan discoloration of the stem, often on only one side
Necrotic (dead) areas on the stem
Wilting or dieback of branches

Causes of Blueberry Stem Blight

Blueberry stem blight is caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea. The fungus overwinters in infected stems and becomes active in the spring. It spreads through wounds in the plant’s stem.

Treatment for Blueberry Stem Blight

There is no cure for blueberry stem blight, but it can be managed. The best way to manage stem blight is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. This can be done by:

Pruning blueberry plants carefully to avoid creating wounds
Avoiding mechanical injury to blueberry plants
Planting blueberry plants in well-drained soil
Using disease-free planting material
Removing infected plant material immediately

If blueberry stem blight does occur, it is important to remove infected canes as soon as possible. Cut off infected canes 6 to 8 inches below any signs of infection and destroy them. Fungicides are not effective against blueberry stem blight.

Prevention of Blueberry Stem Blight

The best way to prevent blueberry stem blight is to keep your blueberry plants healthy and vigorous. This means providing them with the right amount of water, fertilizer, and sunlight. It also means protecting them from pests and diseases.

Here are some tips for preventing blueberry stem blight:

Plant blueberry plants in well-drained soil.
Avoid overwatering blueberry plants.
Fertilize blueberry plants according to the soil test results.
Prune blueberry plants carefully to avoid creating wounds.
Avoid mechanical injury to blueberry plants.
Remove infected plant material immediately.
Use disease-free planting material.

Conclusion

Blueberry stem blight is a serious disease, but it can be managed with proper care. By following the tips in this article, you can help keep your blueberry plants healthy and productive.