Wild Blueberry Monilinia Blight Update - April 24th

Tuesday, April 24, 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.

Growers should be checking their early fields for flower bud development.

Location & Flower Bud Development Stage
Rawdon - 56% F2 (April 23rd)
Glenmore (two fields) - 18 and 36% F2 (April 23rd)
Debert - 10% F2 (April 23rd)
Highland Village - 19% F2 (April 23rd)
Earltown - 25% F2 (April 23rd)
Dean (two fields) - 19 and 30% F2
Eastville - 26% F2
Mount Pleasant - 41% F2
Westchester - 20% F2
Farmington - 22% F2
Windham Hill - 34% F2
Parrsboro Town - 10% F2
Diligent River - 12% F2
Glasgow Mountain - 14% F2
Tatamagouche Moutain - 18% F2 (April 23rd)
Springfield - 30% F2
Pinevale - 15% F2

Mature apothecial cups have been observed in Kentville and in Dean. This conintues to be a very early season. For fields at or close to the 40-50% F2 stage, the long range forecast is not good with showers and rain in the forecast from April 24th to the 27th.

Take Note:
Next forecast will be on the afternoon of Friday, April the 27th.
Any questions, please contact Rick Delbridge at 902-678-5329.