Monilinia Blight Post #2 April 24

The weather in April continued to be cool, which has slowed development. Observations from earlier this week in the Annapolis Valley showed that most blueberry varieties are still at the bud swell-bud scale separation stage (Figure 1), and no apothecia cups have been observed yet. However, be sure to check on your own farm for both apothecia and bud development.

Figure 1. Blueberry buds at the bud swell-scale separation stage. 

Spray applications for Monilinia Blight should start when 40% of buds are at the F2 stage, and apothecia are active. The weather forecast shows that temperatures will be warming early next week, and I will up date the blog again then.   

 

Monilinia Blight Forecast Post #1 April 14

The Monilinia Blight forecasting period is almost upon us.  Observations from April 10th revealed tight, but swollen buds on all highbush blueberry varieties observed in the Annapolis Valley.  There were no germinated apothecia observed. Development has been slow with the cool weather so far this spring, but warm temperatures this week will likely change that. I will provide another update later this week or early next. 

At this time growers should review the available products for Monilinia Blight/Mummy Berry control and stock their chemical sheds for the anticipated infection periods. Registered products for Monilinia Blight can be found here in Perennia's Pest Guides.