A quick update on Mummy Berry Development:
Floral bud counts on May 12, 2021 from
the Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia.
Early variety with 100% floral buds well advanced of the F2 stage (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Floral
buds of an earlier variety well advanced of the F2 stage.
Significant floral bud development was observed for Burlington with 88% of buds at F2 stage (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Floral
buds of Burlington.
Whereas Duke had 80% buds at F2 stage (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Floral
buds of Duke.
Most of the apothecial cups of Mummy berry have reached maturity level and may have released many ascospores (Figures 4).
Figure 4. Mature
apothecial cups.
Given the rain for the last couple of
days, and warmer weather on May 13-15, the conditions will be conducive to
disease establishment with high risk of infection on all varieties. We expect most of the growers have made one
application to protect against mummy berry already. Otherwise, they should plan
for the spray within the coming 2-3 days.
Products with the active ingredient propiconozole (Pivot, Bumper, Tilt,
Mission, Fitness, and Propi Super) can be applied after an infection
event, providing up to 72 hour ‘back action’, in addition to being
excellent protectants against future infections for 7-10 days after
application. Quilt is listed as a preventative fungicide, but also displays
systemic and curative properties.
A complete list of registered products can be found in Perennia's Highbush Blueberry Disease and Insect Management Guide.
