Wild Blueberry Monilinia Blight Update - April 20th

Friday, April 20, 2012

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. However, some growers are reporting that there are some early fields in Cumberland County that are nearing the 40-50% F2 threshold. Growers should be checking their early fields for flower bud development.

Location & Flower Bud Development Stage
Caledonia - 60% F2
New Tusket - 28% F2
Victory Road (Annapolis County) - 38% F2
Rawdon - 1% F2
Gore - 3% F2
Glenmore (two fields) - 8 and 13% F2
Masstown - 1 to 2% F2
Debert - 1 to 2% F2
Highland Village - 1 to 2% F2
Dean (two fields) - 2 and 13% F2
Eastville - 15% F2
Mount Pleasant - 26% F2
Westchester - 17% F2
Farmington - 14% F2
Windham Hill - 14% F2
Parrsboro Town - 1% F2
Diligent River - 2% F2
Glasgow Mountain - 9% F2

Mature apothecial cups have been observed at Kentville. This conintues to be a very early season. For fields at or beyond the 40-50% F2 stage, the long range forecast is not good with showers and rain in the forecast from April 22nd to the 24th.

Take Note:
Next forecast will be on the afternoon of Tuesday, April the 24th.
Any questions, please contact Rick Delbridge at 902-678-5329.