Mummy Berry Forecast – April 16th, 2013

I am delivering a mummy berry disease forecast again in 2013. Please keep in mind that Tim Strong is my co-operator on this project and recommendations will be based on weather data collected on his farm on Brooklyn Street here in Kings County. It should be fairly accurate for other growers in Kings County but will be a guide only for growers west, south, and east of his location.

To review the disease, its symptoms and life cycle, please examine the factsheet on Perennia’s website titled “Management of Mummy Berry Disease in Highbush Blueberry”

The important thing to remember about the disease is that you need three things for infection to occur – inoculum, susceptible bud development stage, and suitable weather conditions. At this time we do not have inoculum or susceptible bud development stage so there is no need to spray for the disease yet. However, last year’s first pinheads were observed by April 10th so with a little warm weather conditions will advance rapidly. Timeliness of sprays is critical for the management of this disease so please have your sprayers ready to go on short notice.

For a review of the fungicides registered for use on this disease please take a look at Perennia’s "Highbush Blueberry Insect and Disease Management Schedule"