Wild Blueberry Monilinia Blight Update for May 11, 2012

Friday, May 11, 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 in late areas of the province should be checking their fields for flower bud development.

All fields that we monitor in Nova Scotia, are now at or above the 40-50% F2 threshold. There are still apothecial cups present in the late fields that we monitor. Cups were still present on May 11th in Parrsboro area fields.

Bud counts from the Parrsboro area on May 11th were as follows:
Parrsboro Town - 44% F2
Glasgow Mountain - 40-50% F2+
Diligent River - 40-50% F2+

Environment Canada's long range forecast, is good with only showers and sun and cloud in the forecast from May 11th to May 16th. Day time highs range from 11-21 degrees Celcius. This forecast should help dry up apothecial cups in late areas of the province.

Take Note:
Next forecast will be on the afternoon of Tuesday, May the 15th.