GDD Updates_ April 1- May 27
Figure
1. GDD Summary, April 1-
May 27
Nova Scotia Wild Blueberry Crop Stage Updates
Sprout fields:
In province-wide, we are
looking at above 50% plant emergence across the majority of sprout fields.
At this point:
- It
is very risky to apply pre-emergence herbicides to sprout fields.
- Consider
post-emergence herbicide application (Callisto, Venture L, etc.) and spot spray
- Consider
granular fertilizer application
- Consider
sulfur application (soil pH management)
- Please
monitor insect pests, such as flea beetles, blueberry thrips, and leaf beetles. Figure
2 shows flea beetle infestation in a sprout field in early June. If damage is
observed, growers should consider insecticide application if it is early or consider
fertilizer application in damaged spots to help plants re-grow.
Figure 2. Flea Beetle Infestation in
a Sprout Field
Crop fields:
The majority of crop fields in NS are in the early to
mid bloom stages. Please consider the following activities based on your own situation:
- Placing
beehives or bumble bees in crop fields to increase pollination efficiency
- Blossom
Botrytis Blight Management
- Frost
watch
Quick Monilinia
Blight Infection Report for the 2024 Season
May is a month with a high risk of Monilinia blight
infection in wild blueberry crop fields because of the right crop stage and the
Maritime spring weather pattern. As most of you are aware, May is pretty dry. The
Kentville weather station recorded 25 mm of rain in May and that’s below the 75
mm 10-year average in the area. Although we received some rain in the last two
days, May is very likely running into a precipitation deficit in the province.
The good news is that the Monilinia blight infection risk
is low. We had two provincial-wide wet periods (May 8-9 and May 16-17)
according to the weather station data, but it was short and mild. Most growers
apply at least 1 Monilinia blight fungicide which was very helpful.
After this marathon-like spraying period, most of us will
look at fields most closely and frequently. If I see obvious infections due to Monilinia
blight, I will share.
A free webinar on
Pesticide Drone Application.
-
This is a free webinar to talk about
pesticide drone application. Time: June 19, 1 PM Halifax time. Zoom. To
register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvdu6hqjksGdES3pLq80Y8qvsuWtKge2fU#/registration
Have a great week!
Hugh