2024 Production Updates and Seasonal Outlook for NS_ 5th Blight Line Post_ May 8

Monilinia Blight Infection Risk for most of Cumberland and Colchester fields

 

This GDD summary is from May 6, 2024 (Figure 1). At this point, most crop fields in Cumberland and Colchester are at risk for Monilinia Blight infection, except for higher ground and cooler areas. Crop fields in Dean and Musquodoboit areas are also susceptible to blight and a fungicide application should be considered according to the latest weather conditions. If your area and fields are above 40-50% F2, fungicide application should be conducted before a wet period (Table 1). According to the weather forecast, from Wednesday evening to Friday morning, it will be wet across the province (Figure 2) and will bring several infection periods.

It is still a little early for fields in Guysborough, Antigonish, Pictou, and Cape Breton to spray the Monilinia Blight fungicide at this time.

 

Here is a summary of the most up-to-date GDD from 17 weather stations in wild blueberry fields.

 

Figure 1. GDD Summary, May 6, 2024

Figure 2. NS Weather Forecast (CBC). A wet period starting Wednesday evening until Friday morning.

 

Table 1. Percentage of Wild Blueberry Floral Bud F2 stage

 light green (0-20% F2), dark green (20-30% F2), yellow (30-40% F2) and red (40-100% F2)

 

Wild blueberry production regions, NS	The average percentage of floral buds at F2
South West Nova Scotia
Queens County	>40%- April 24
Hants County	>40%- April 29
Cumberland County
West Advocate	>40%- April 29
Kikhill	>40%- April 29
Halfway River	>40%- April 29
Colchester County
Belmont	>40%- May 8
Murray Siding	45% F2- May 2
Camden	31% F2- May 8
Halifax Regional Municipality	>40%- May 8
Guysborough County	20% F2- May 8
Pictou and Antigonish County	20-25% F2- May 8
Cape Breton	10% F2- May 8

 

 

Sprout fields pre-emergence herbicide applications

Growers should finish sprout fields’ herbicide application as soon as possible. Plant emergences were observed in sprout fields (Figure 3).

 

Figure 3. Wild Blueberry Plant Emergence in Sprout Fields (Colchester)