Wild Blueberry Blight Line Info - April 26

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Special Notes:
• Grower co-operators in various areas of the province monitor flower bud development, apothecial cup development, as well as keep track of temperature and flower bud wetness.
• The decision to control Monilinia Blight is dependent on past history of the disease in a particular field.
• Flower buds become susceptible to Monilinia Blight at the F2 stage (bud scales separating).
• Once fields reach 40-50% F2 and beyond, a fungicide is required within 72 hours of the start of an infection period.
• This application will provide 7-10 days protection.
• Refer to Monilinia factsheets for pictures of the F2 stage and temperature and wetness requirements for an infection period.

The Western part of the province is the earliest blueberry area in Nova Scotia.

Location & Bud Stage
Caledonia (Queens County) - 35% F2
Sable River (Shelburne County) - 10% F2
Victory (Annapolis County) - 14% F2
Tatamagouche Mtn (Colchester County) - 78% F1, 8% F2
Spidell Hill (Colchester County) - 43% F1, 3% F2
Glenmore (Halifax County) - FO and F1’s

There are mature apothecial cups in the Western part of the province. Some early fields in the Western part of the province are nearing the critical 40 to 50% F2 stage. Growers should be monitoring their fields for bud development. The long range forecast is not good for this part of the province. Rain and showers are in the forecast with day time highs from 14 to 18 0C.

Take Note:
Next forecast will be on the afternoon of Friday, April the 29th.
Any questions, please contact Rick Delbridge at 902-678-5329.