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. 

Monilinia Blight Forecast Post #8 May 16th

The highbush blueberries at the Monilinia observation sites from Waterville to Aylesford are in the tight cluster to pink bud stage.  Apothecia have dried up and are no longer releasing spores.   If you have a later site with more moisture, this may not be the case and growers on these sites should continue monitoring the forecast and spraying ahead of wet conditions.    

This Monilinia season may have been condensed compared to other years (with its late start) and was marked with precipitation on May 7th-8th and 10th. 

I believe it is important to monitor infections and secondary infections, as the season progresses.  This will allow growers to evaluate your spray program to see if it is adequate for years which maybe longer with more infection periods.   

This will conclude the Monilinia Blight Forecasting Blogg for the season as we move onto other challenges .......weed control, botrytis, anthracnose and SWD just to name a few.