Wild Blueberry Events and Industry Webinars

 

Hello, everyone

Happy 2026!

We just went through a cold December and a couple of freezing-cold early-new-year days. The good news is that it will be like spring in the next few days! Also, it is good to see the blueberry fields covered in snow, and the plants should be well dormant under this weather. Let’s hope they continue to be protected and reserve all their energy for 2026’s good crop.

Here is a summary list of events that might interest you. Many of them are virtual, and some of them may offer pesticide points. Please take a look below and mark your calendar for an active learning winter!

-            Cumberland County Federation of Agriculture, Wild Blueberry meeting in Parrsboro, Jan 29, in- person.

-            University of Maine, 2026 Wild Blueberry Spring Conference, Feb 7, virtual option is available.

-            Truro Agromart, Growing Connections, Virtual Information Sessions, Feb 10 and 11 (pesticide points available)

-            Maritime Wild Blueberry Conference, April 10 and 11, in-person, Moncton.

-            Perennia Winter Events: Getting into the Weeds virtual webinars.

-            Need more pesticide points? Please contact Marbicon Inc./ Jim Jotcham.

The wild blueberry blog's event page and calendar summarise industry events. Please take a look:

https://www.novascotiawildblueberryblog.com/p/events.html. 

Have a great winter!

Hugh

902-890-0472; hlyu@perennia.ca.

January 7, 2026.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumberland County Federation of Agriculture Wild Blueberry meeting in Parrsboro, Jan 29, in-person.

 

Here is the registration link, and the event details are on the poster below: https://forms.office.com/r/46rXEhiGjg. 

 

 

University of Maine, 2026 Wild Blueberry Spring Conference, Feb 7, virtual option is available.

 

Please visit this link to see event details and registration: https://extension.umaine.edu/blueberries/2025/12/02/2026-spring-conference/.

 

 

 

 

Truro Agromart, Growing Connections, Virtual Information Sessions, Feb 10 and 11 (pesticide points available)

 

-           

 

 

 

 

 

Maritime Wild Blueberry Conference, April 10 and 11, in-person, Moncton.

 

More details to come. Please contact your local wild blueberry associations for information.

 

 

Perennia Winter Events: Getting into the Weeds virtual webinars.

 

 

Getting into the Weeds 2026:  

Jan 12, Jan 20, and more to come!

https://www.perennia.ca/eventer/gettingintotheweeds2026/edate/2026-01-12/.

We are excited to share that we are hosting the seventh year of our seminar series, Getting into the Weeds in 2026: From Cost to Confidence! Join our Perennia Specialists during six virtual sessions as we dive deeper into the conversation on farm business management and cost of production! 

 

 

 

Need more pesticide points? Please contact Marbicon Inc./ Jim Jotcham.

 

 

Marbicon Inc. / Jim Jotcham is now offering in-person pesticide applicator courses.

 

Exam preparation courses (with 5.0 points available for T2664):

Jan 12 Mon – Berwick – Berwick Legion Hall, 232 Main St.

Jan 15 Thurs – Truro – Colchester Legion Stadium Lounge, 14 Lorne St.

Feb 2 Mon – New Germany – Anglican Church Hall, 5311 Highway 10 New Germany.

Recertification workshops (with 5.0 points available for T2669):

Jan 13 Tues – Berwick – Berwick Legion Hall, 232 Main St.

Jan 16 Fri – Truro – Colchester Legion Stadium Lounge, 14 Lorne St.

Feb 3 Tues – New Germany – Anglican Church Hall, 5311 Highway 10 New Germany.

Additional courses (TBA) will be offered this spring.

 

Email/call Jim ( marbicon@eastlink.ca ) or 902-538-7101 for more information or to pre-register.

 

Jim Jotcham,  Marbicon Inc.

4287 Brooklyn St.,  Somerset, NS  B0P 1E0

marbicon@eastlink.ca

Cell/Text (902) 679-9964

 

Fall Wild Blueberry Growers Virtual Meeting_ Oct 15 @8:30-9:30AM

Good afternoon,

It is fall season in Nova Scotia! This year’s fall colors arrived earlier because of the dry conditions. As we wrap up a disappointing blueberry season, please remember that those plants will grow back next year and be fresh in a new two-year cycle! Blueberry fields are full of hope and growth.

We will have the fall virtual growers meeting on October 15 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Please register to receive the Zoom link. During the meeting, I hope to update you on this year’s crop and what we learned from it. I also like to talk about sprout fields, which are impacted in various degrees depending on where you are.

Join us for a morning coffee/tea chat!

Event details and registration link: https://www.perennia.ca/eventer/fall-wild-blueberry-growers-virtual-meeting/edate/2025-10-15/.

Enjoy fall weather!

Hugh

 

WBPANS Update on Challenging Harvest Season

 WBPANS sent out an update regarding the challenges we are facing in this harvest season. We want to make sure all growers receive this message: 

If growers have not started harvesting, they should strongly consider it, immediately. 

Crop and lack of moisture:

 

We are seeing crops down across the province, with a few limited exceptions. The hot dry conditions are resulting in small fruit that is not weighing well in the tote. Some fields, on course soils have gone past recovery with leaves turning red and fruit shattering. We are seeing yields regressing daily everywhere.  If growers have not started harvesting, they should strongly consider it, immediately. While there are a few fields that are yielding well, most fields are ranging from 30% down to not being worth harvesting (not enough fruit to cover harvest costs).

 

Maine, NB and PEI are all experiencing the same things, with varying degrees of severity.

                Maine is having a poor crop overall

                NB is very dry and has some severe harvesting restrictions

                PEI has just begun harvest over the last week, but yields are lower than expected.

Quebec still has a decent crop, but it appears to be slightly below an average crop for them.

 

The total wild blueberry crop will be much less than expected. We were expecting a crop over 300 million pounds. The total crop will be well less than 300 million.

 

Caution while harvesting

 

Things are tinder dry, please take all reasonable precautions.  If a major fire starts in one of our production regions, risk to property and life is high.

 

Government discussions:

 

WBPANS has been in discussion with NSDA.  We will be meeting with them regularly looking for ways to support the industry through this. There are no firm solutions yet but we will be working with our federal and provincial partners.

 

Markets appear healthy

 

It appears demand in Europe is high and solid in other markets as well.

 

Price

 

We are expecting to hear about an initial price from our within the next couple days.

 

Reach out

 

If there are any questions, please reach out.

 

The Debert office is closed this week, but I can be reached via my cell phone or email.

 

Peter Burgess

 

Peter Burgess MSc, PAg

Executive Director

Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia

PO Box 119    168 Dakota Road

Debert, Nova Scotia  B0M 1G0

Cell: 902-899-6253

Tel: 902-662-3306

Email:  peter@nswildblueberries.com

Web:  www.nswildblueberries.com

BLUE FOCUS NEWSLETTER- July 2025

 BLUE FOCUS NEWSLETTER- July 2025

(Perennia’s Wild Blueberry Production Newsletter)

 

Hi, everyone

The wild blueberry harvest season is fast approaching in Nova Scotia. Berries are ripening and turning blue. We were fortunate to receive a decent amount of rain at the beginning of this week, which was very helpful. I encourage growers to continue to monitor SWD and Blueberry Maggots in crop fields to assist with insecticide application pre-harvesting. In sprout fields, some important leaf diseases, including leaf rust, start to impact blueberry plants after the rain. Please see more details in the content below.

I wish all of you a successful and pleasant harvest season!

Hugh

 

 

Hugh Lyu

Wild Blueberry Specialist, Perennia

hlyu@perennia.ca; 902-890-0472

July 25, 2025

 

Table of Contents:

 

GDD Updates (April 1- July 24)

Rainfall Reports (July 1- July 22)

SWD and Blueberry Maggot Management Information

Leaf Disease Management in Sprout Fields

 

 

GDD Updates (April 1- July 24)

 

Below are the latest GDD updates from several wild blueberry weather stations.

 

 

Figures 1 and 2. GDD accumulations from April 1 to July 24 on selected weather stations.

 

We are fast approaching 80-90% ripening in crop fields, which means harvesting will begin very soon for early fields in the central part of Nova Scotia. This is a critical time for balanced moisture in crop fields for the berries’ development. In the next section, we report several stations’ total precipitation from July 1 to July 22.

 

Rainfall Reports (July 1- July 22)

 

Over the period, most blueberry regions would receive at least one inch of rain, particularly from the two rain events occurring on July 18 and July 22 (Figures 3 and 4).

Figure 3. Rainfall daily totals from Cape Breton Mesonet (mm), July 18

 

 

 

 

Figure 4. Rainfall daily totals from Cape Breton Mesonet (mm), July 22

 

There is sufficient moisture for berry development in most regions, but as shown above, some areas in Cumerland could benefit from a little more moisture.

 

 

SWD and Blueberry Maggot Management Information

 

As berries ripen, we must observe SWD and Blueberry Maggot populations for optimum spraying schedules. I want to show trapping photos and a few quick points regarding monitoring and spraying for both insects.

We encourage growers to set up monitoring traps for their areas. Although different types of traps could be used, we generally see two types of traps in wild blueberry fields at this time of year.

Figure 5 is a yellow sticky trap that helps monitor blueberry maggots (Blueberry Fruit Fly), and Figure 6 is a red solo cup that attracts SWD flies.

Figure 5 (top) Yellow sticky trap for blueberry maggot, and Figure 6 (bottom) red solo cup for SWD.

For more details about both insects’ biology, monitoring and management, growers can use two resources to learn about SWD and Blueberry Maggot:

-        SWD, Perennia: https://www.perennia.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/SWD-factsheet_March2020.pdf.

-        Blueberry Maggot, University of Maine: https://extension.umaine.edu/blueberries/factsheets/insects/201-monitoring-for-the-blueberry-maggot/#:~:text=The%20blueberry%20maggot%2C%20or%20blueberry,is%20dependent%20upon%20soil%20temperature.

Growers should check traps regularly and identify the populations of interest insects. Figure 7 is an example of a yellow sticky trap with blueberry maggots.  

Figure 7. A yellow sticky trap with blueberry maggots.

Since SWD flies are smaller and harder to see, a magnifier could help identify them. Figure 8 is a screenshot from the factsheet published by Perennia. Growers should look for the male with red eyes and a single spot on the top of each wing.

Figure 8. SWD Management Information.

 

Leaf Disease Management in Sprout Fields

While growers prepare for harvesting, examining your sprout fields’ plant health and preparing for fungicide application as needed would be beneficial. We are in the middle of summer, and the unpredictable weather could increase leaf disease infections from Septoria leaf spot and Leaf rust. The graph below shows three key leaf diseases that could impact wild blueberry plant health and fruit bud development in our region (Figure 9). 

Figure 9. Three wild blueberry leaf diseases and their infection timelines

Perennia’s Online Pest Management Guide can help growers narrow down registered products for interested diseases: https://www.perennia.ca/onlinepestmanagementguide/. Please check with your buyers and processors for final chemical lists.

 

 

 

 

BLUE FOCUS NEWSLETTER- June 2025

 

Hello everyone,

I hope you have a great blueberry season so far. The harvesting season is fast approaching, but the fruit stages are not as early as last year. We are experiencing a regular blueberry development season, so we expect to start harvesting around the traditional timings, typically towards the end of the first week in August in the central regions. The crop fields look promising because of the decent growing conditions we received this year, particularly during pollination season. The next few weeks are critical, especially for fruiting insect management and fruit health monitoring, which will be our focus for the next few weeks. This month’s production updates will discuss the latest GDD accumulations, NS wild blueberry mid-season crop updates, and upcoming activities.

I wish all of you a successful and fruitful harvesting season!

 

Hugh Lyu

Wild Blueberry Specialist, Perennia

hlyu@perennia.ca; 902-890-0472

June 30, 2025

 

Table of Contents:

 

GDD Updates (April 1- June 30)

Nova Scotia Wild Blueberry Mid-Season Crop Updates

Upcoming Events

 

 

 

GDD Updates (April 1- June 30)

 

Below are the latest GDD updates from several wild blueberry weather stations. This update covers the last 3 months’ accumulating growing degree days, from April 1 to June 30.

Figures 1 and 2. GDD accumulations from April 1 to June 30 on selected weather stations.

 

At this point, we can expect green fruits to be sizing up and colours changing around the top of berries (Figure 3). Soon, we will see red fruits, especially after the next forecast rain event across the province, which is needed for blueberries.

Figure 3. Wild blueberry fruit development stages (UMaine).

 

Nova Scotia Wild Blueberry Mid-Season Crop Updates

 

The wild blueberry industry has experienced production challenges over the last few years, primarily due to severe and unseasonal weather events, such as drought, low snow coverage and polar vortex, unfavourable pollination weather, and unevenly distributed field moisture. On the plant development side, warmer and earlier spring resulted in earlier and faster crop development and a shift in the wild blueberry management schedule in Nova Scotia.

Conditions in wild blueberry fields have been favourable over the last 12 months. So far, Mother Nature has blessed us. Pollination has been completed, and fruit sets are visible, so it is a good time to check pollination efficiencies and yield potentials. The wild blueberry crop looks promising so far, but, as mentioned, we need adequate moisture levels for berry development and favourable harvesting conditions over the next two months. Below are some observations and highlights in the wild blueberry fields for the current crop.

1.      Mid-summer and fall 2024 (July to November)

·        In 2024, the sprout fields improved in growing environment, compared to the summer of 2023, when we had an extended period of rain, contributing to secondary and new regrowth of sprout stems, which delayed tip dieback and impacted fruit bud development. Last summer, sprout blueberry plants performed well, and fruit buds were formed in a timely and even manner.

·        This past fall’s weather conditions were also desirable, reducing leaf disease infection levels and supporting fall blueberry growth and management.

 

2.      Overwinter period (December to February)

·        During winter, we had decent snow coverage and winter conditions in wild blueberry fields and many production regions.

·        Unlike some unusual warm winter periods in the past few winters and early springs, the overwinter period’s air temperature was desirable. For most regions, winter kill damage in crop fields was minimal during field scouting, but severe winter damage was observed in winter kill-prone areas and fields that lacked snow coverage.

 

3.      Spring (March to May)

·        It felt like a standard Maritime spring for this blueberry season. A few warm days in early March did not contribute to early blueberry development this season. We had a regular and steady crop development in the spring.

·        During the Monilinia Blight season, we experienced a higher infection year due to the extended period of fruit bud stages, and the suitable weather conditions that brought wetness and warmth to favour disease infections.

·        Frequent and high wind conditions continue to bring challenges during the wild blueberry field spraying season.

 

4.      Early summer (June)

·        Bloom development. We did not experience an early or fast bloom season this year. The bloom and whole pollination period was around 2.5 weeks. During this time, we received good moisture and sunny days, which were very helpful in pollination efficiency.

·        However, there are concerns about a long bloom and pollination period. Some fields could have uneven bloom stages and crop development, which reduces pollination efficiency and fruit set. A long flowering period also contributed to the increased risk of infection by Botrytis blossom blight.

·        Botrytis blossom blight infection. As mentioned, the blooming period was a little longer and accompanied by good infection weather, so we also had high Botrytis blight this season. This year, our weather advantage was having ideal spraying conditions during bloom for fungicide applications, which effectively helped reduce Botrytis infections.

·        Frost. We were fortunate to miss major frost events during the flowering season.

·        Pollination. As discussed above, it was an ideal pollination year for wild blueberries in most crop fields. During this period, we observed active pollinator activities, including wild pollinators. However, we should expect regional pollination efficiency variations, depending on the fields’ bloom stages and full bloom pollination weather conditions.

 

Upcoming Events

 

1.      July 9, 8:30- 9:30 AM. Perennia Virtual Grower Meeting.

*** In this meeting, we will have a special session from Dr. Rachel Rix to discuss SWD and Blueberry Maggot management.

Dr. Rachel Rix is the Small Fruit Entomologist with AAFC in Kentville. She will join the next virtual meeting to discuss SWD and Blueberry Maggot in wild blueberries, focusing on both insects’ identification, life cycles, monitoring techniques and action thresholds. Please register using this link, under “Registration for the July 9- July 23 Sessions Here!”: https://www.perennia.ca/eventer/wild-blueberries-virtual-grower-meetings-2025/edate/2025-04-09/.

 

2.      July 16 at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Grounds in Bible Hill. WBPANS Annual Field Day.

***Registration is required, and the deadline is JULY 4. Here is the registration link: https://s48wt88ab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tEXrgm7nUJuwOhrZOYnWRRWUEpFBtYrImvfR4_peUrwbZtNXjvl9qMqdGNDqcU6HSVdu3oqCv1H8NAWoN4k7qABo2JQAFqfKqI0Fyr2Cdhp6BsqkTdckPrqS-Dpk9mxOXtvRg701yeLrp80zs77yLcaw0HGwlDlMpy8V-VAcwmZvIxLIrJkfNg==&c=iTp_JVa2HfxjU2pjgyOPAx8nzD3JrQWUprG_Qtj7lgWdTWVI5Sdj1g==&ch=uaFicb_c-MnN8SRwB-va8q80PpmnYvM8MVV1fsm_5lgJnbwlw3rucQ==.

 

3.      July 24, 12-3 PM in Canning. Perennia in-person event: https://www.perennia.ca/eventer/smart-farming-in-action-using-precision-ag-and-drone-technology-for-site-specific-field-management/edate/2025-07-24/.

 

Smart Farming in Action: Using Precision Ag and Drone Technology for Site-Specific Field Management.

 

Session Description 

Data-driven decision-making is key to optimizing agricultural performance. Applying this approach in your fields, vineyards, and orchards can improve operational efficiency and reduce input costs. On July 24, we’ll demonstrate how drone imagery and soil mapping tools can detect spatial variability in soil and nutrient levels—supporting the development of site-specific management zones for more targeted and effective input application.