Horticulture Update



The harvest season continues as expected as we enter the home stretch. Bluecrop is nearing the second or third pick at most farms, while a few ripe berries are present on Elliott, but none yet on Aurora. With the rain coming consistently over the past few days, sprays for fruit rots (per Tim’s instructions) will be necessary to ensure a long shelf-life for harvested fruit.    



Insect Update

SWD catches in traps have continued to indicate fly activity, as expected at this time of the season, so berries still to be harvested should be protected using the guidelines in MSU’s fruit pest management guide. We are also using the salt test method to check fields for being free of larvae and this has allowed some growers to save a spray in early harvested cultivars. Blueberry maggot fly activity should also be monitored still as this remains active in mid-late harvested cultivars.  

Pathogen Update

Rain this week will drive fruit rot diseases (I.e. Anthracnose Fruit Rot, Alternaria Fruit Rot and Botrytis Fruit Rot). Preventative fungicide applications can play a crucial role at this moment (e.g. FRAC codes 3, 7, 9, 11, 12, 17 and 29).  Please be mindful of preharvest interval on various products. Also timing irrigation practices to coincide with natural dew formation is important.  During harvest, remember to harvest fruit quickly and ideally under dry conditions. Also, once fruit has been cooled, ensure that it remains cool during shipment/delivery. Sharp rises in temperature will cause significant moisture to form on fruit. 

Finally, we have been observing more stress in newer plantings, it is important to remember to keep these young plantings well-watered and to look for signs of shoot blight. Fungal pathogens like Phomopsis have been isolated from these bushes and in some cases these young bushes die. If you have a question about stem blights, it is best to submit a sample of MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics. 

Don't Guess, Test!

Growers have been submitting samples to the diagnostic clinic that range from stem blights to viral symptoms. Remember the Michigan Blueberry Commission has a program to subsidize any testing through MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics. Click below to get more information about how to submit a sample.