Based on reports from our weather station in Lakeville, temperatures hovered between 11 and 12 degrees for most of the day on Thursday and we had approximately 9 hours of leaf wetness. Using the monilinia blight infection model developed by Dr. Hildebrand (shown below), an infection period was indicated on Thursday.
Observations from the Annapolis Valley show that most plants are past 40-50% F2 bud stage. Soil has also remained moist between precipitation periods, which aids the development of spore cups.
If fungicide was applied for the previous infection period, there might still be protection during this infection period, depending on the product used. If you had not applied a fungicide before this most recent infection period, use a product with back action against monilinia to prevent infection. The choice to spray should ultimately be decided by field conditions, history of monilinia and in-field observations. As always, read the product label before applying fungicides or any other pesticides.
Observations from the Annapolis Valley show that most plants are past 40-50% F2 bud stage. Soil has also remained moist between precipitation periods, which aids the development of spore cups.
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| Bud development in the Annapolis Valley |
For more information on management of mummy berry in highbush blueberries please refer to Perennia's Highbush Blueberry Insect & Disease Management Schedule 2017 and Management of Mummy Berry Disease in Highbush Blueberry.