BLUE FOCUS NEWSLETTER- July 2026

 

Hello, everyone

As we move into the 2026 wild blueberry harvest season, crop conditions across Nova Scotia have improved significantly thanks to timely July rainfall and favourable summer temperatures. While some fields continue to show the lingering effects of last year's drought, berry development and sizing have exceeded earlier expectations, and commercial harvest is expected to ramp up during the first weeks of August.

This issue provides an update on crop development, insect monitoring, weather and precipitation conditions, and drought recovery support programs available to growers. We encourage growers to continue monitoring berry ripeness and pest activity closely to optimize harvest timing and fruit quality.

We wish all of you a great and successful harvest season!

 

Hugh Lyu

Wild Blueberry Specialist, Perennia

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

July 30, 2026

 

Table of Contents: 

July Wild Blueberry Production Highlights

Weather Updates

Drought Recovery Initiative

 

 

 

July Wild Blueberry Production Highlights

 

As July comes to a close, the 2026 wild blueberry crop has continued to progress under generally favourable growing conditions. Timely rainfall during the second half of the month, combined with warm temperatures, has significantly improved berry development and crop outlook across much of Nova Scotia. While the remaining effects of last year's drought continue to influence plant health and field variability, the overall crop has improved compared with early season expectations.

 

Crop Development

Most production areas have completed fruit development and are currently around 50% berry ripening or higher, with commercial harvest expected to begin after the first week of August. Although crop maturity generally follows a traditional seasonal schedule, ripening remains uneven among fields and even within individual fields due to differences in plant health and drought recovery.

Healthier clones have advanced more rapidly and contain a higher percentage of ripe fruit, while weaker areas continue to lag behind. This variation will likely require growers to carefully monitor harvest timing to maximize berry quality and yield.

Earlier in the season, an extended bloom period, localized spring frost events, blight infections, and the carry-over effects of the 2025 drought reduced yield potential in some production areas. Fortunately, rainfall received during July arrived at a critical stage of fruit development and has supported berry sizing and fruit weight gain. Additional precipitation during early August would further benefit late-developing fruit and help maximize harvest potential.

Overall, provincial yield estimates remain below the long-term average but continue to improve as the season progresses.

 

Insect Monitoring

Blueberry Maggot continues to be the primary insect concern during harvest preparations.

Adult flies were detected earlier than normal this season, and trap catches have remained high in several production regions. Growers should continue monitoring traps regularly and apply insecticides promptly when economic thresholds are reached. Due to extended adult emergence, some fields may require multiple applications to maintain protection throughout harvest.

Perennia's province-wide Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) monitoring program remains active. Monitoring traps were established before July 1 across several wild blueberry production regions and continue to be checked weekly. Those regions are Rawdon, Debert, Oxford and Parrsboro.

As of late July, no SWD has been detected in the monitoring traps, although populations have recently been reported in neighbouring crop systems. Continued monitoring throughout harvest remains important, as early detection is critical for effective management.

 

Sprout Field Management

Sprout fields and newly established plants are now completing their vegetative growth phase and beginning the transition to fruit bud initiation and development. This is a critical period for nutrient management, soil and leaf tissue sampling, and maintaining healthy foliage to support next year's crop potential.

Current priorities include:

• Conduct soil and leaf tissue sampling after plants have reached vegetative maturity (tip dieback) to accurately evaluate nutrient status.
• Develop nutrient management plans for the upcoming crop cycle using both soil and tissue test results.
• Continue fungicide applications where disease management is required.
• Monitor fields for perennial weeds and complete spot treatments where necessary to prevent further spread.

Although many sprout fields appear healthy, drought stress from last season remains visible in some locations through reduced stem density, shorter plant height, and uneven vegetative growth. These fields may benefit from additional management inputs to improve plant vigour before entering the crop year.

 

Looking Ahead

Harvest preparation is now the primary focus for growers across Nova Scotia. Over the coming weeks, management efforts should concentrate on:

• Monitoring berry ripeness to optimize harvest timing.
• Continuing Blueberry Maggot and SWD monitoring.
• Maintaining insect management programs where required.

 

 

 

Weather Updates

 

 

1.    Wild Blueberry Weather Station GDD Summary (April 1- July 29)

 

From April 1 to July 29, all wild blueberry production regions across Nova Scotia accumulated more than 1,000 growing degree days. This milestone indicates that berry ripening is well underway throughout the province.

In the earliest production regions and fields, berry ripeness is estimated at 70–80%, and commercial harvest is expected to begin soon. In later-maturing production areas, berry ripeness is currently around 50%, with harvest expected to begin later. Overall, the province is anticipated to enter the peak wild blueberry harvest season following the first week of August.

On the sprout field side, blueberry plants have now reached full emergence, and many fields are approaching the tip-dieback stage. During August, vegetative growth will gradually transition toward fruit bud initiation and development.

Figure 1. Wild Blueberry Weather Station GDD Summary (April 1- July 29)

 

 

2. July Precipitation Update

Consistent soil moisture during July is one of the most important factors influencing berry sizing and fruit development. Fortunately, several storm systems moved across Nova Scotia throughout the month, bringing localized rainfall to many wild blueberry production regions.

Figures 2 and 3 summarize the accumulated precipitation received across the province over the previous 20-day and 10-day periods, respectively. During July, total rainfall ranged from approximately 20 mm to over 200 mm across Nova Scotia (Figure 2). In many production areas, this amount is comparable to or exceeds the total rainfall received during much of last summer, representing a significant improvement in growing conditions. However, fields located along the Northumberland Strait generally received less precipitation than other production regions and may continue to experience moisture limitations.

A closer look at the most recent 10-day rainfall accumulation (Figure 3) shows that several areas requiring additional moisture, including the Cobequid Shore and Minas Shore regions, received timely rainfall during this period. This precipitation arrived at a critical stage of fruit development and is expected to improve berry sizing and fruit weight while reducing moisture stress in many fields.

Overall, July's growing conditions, characterized by adequate heat accumulation and improved soil moisture, have contributed positively to crop development and have strengthened yield potential as the province approaches harvest.

 

Figure 2. Total precipitation from July 4 to 23

 

 

Figure 3. Total precipitation from July 17 to 26

 

 

3. Current Drought Conditions

The most recent Canadian Drought Monitor map (Figure 4) indicates that drought conditions have continued to improve across Nova Scotia. Above-normal precipitation received throughout much of the Maritime region during June, followed by additional rainfall in July, has significantly reduced moisture deficits across many agricultural areas.

Most wild blueberry production regions have shown substantial improvement compared with earlier in the growing season. However, pockets of D0 – Abnormally Dry conditions remain, particularly in parts of Lunenburg, Queens, and Shelburne counties, where continued rainfall will help maintain soil moisture and support late-season crop development.

As highlighted in the July precipitation update, the timely rainfall received throughout the month has arrived during a critical period of fruit development. Combined with favourable heat accumulation, these improved moisture conditions are expected to continue supporting berry sizing, fruit weight gain, and overall crop performance as the harvest season begins.

Figure 4. Canadian Drought Monitor, Conditions as of June 30, 2026.

 

Drought Recovery Initiative

You may have already received information about the 2025 Canada–Nova Scotia Drought Recovery Initiative, but this is a reminder that the program is now open for applications.

The application deadline is November 30, 2026. Growers affected by drought conditions are encouraged to review the program details and available support resources.

Please visit the program website for more information, including application forms and supporting materials:
https://novascotia.ca/programs/drought-recovery-initiative/

NSDA Agricultural Representatives and Business Development Officers are available to assist with application preparation. Please refer to the regional office contacts provided below to connect with your local support team.

For additional assistance, please contact:

• Email: prm@novascotia.ca
• Phone: 902-893-6377

 

 

 

 

 

BLUE FOCUS NEWSLETTER- June 2026

 

 

Hello everyone,

As we move into mid-summer and the post-pollination stage, blueberry fields are showing encouraging signs, with promising green fruit set across many regions. Everyone is excited about the upcoming harvest season, but we still need to be patient for a few more weeks as the fruit continues to develop. Let’s trust Mother Nature and hope for adequate heat and moisture to support a good crop year.

We had a great field day in Upper Onslow this week and were pleased to hear many positive stories and the optimism producers continue to hold. At the same time, we are still seeing carryover effects from last year's drought. Both sprout and crop fields continue to perform abnormally in many areas, with uneven crop development, delayed emergence, lower stem densities, and shorter stems.

As summer progresses, we hope to see continued improvements in plant health and crop development. Ongoing field monitoring and timely management remain critical to maintaining crop productivity and protecting yield potential as we move toward the August harvest season.

Enjoy your summer!

Hugh Lyu

Wild Blueberry Specialist, Perennia

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

June 26, 2026

Table of Contents: 

June Wild Blueberry Production Highlights

Weather Updates

Upcoming Events

 

 

 

June Wild Blueberry Production Highlights

 

June was both a challenging and encouraging month for Nova Scotia's wild blueberry industry. Across the province, crop fields progressed through a prolonged and uneven pollination season, largely influenced by the carryover effects of the 2025 drought and varying levels of plant health.

A Prolonged Pollination Season

The 2026 pollination season has been extended, with fields exhibiting multiple blooming stages. Uneven plant vigour and delayed crop development resulted in bloom periods ranging from early to late stages across different regions. Despite the prolonged flowering period and ongoing concerns about crop health, weather conditions during bloom were generally favourable for bee activity and pollination.

Frost Damage and Crop Impacts

June began with excellent early bloom development in many healthy fields. However, two significant frost events affected several early-blooming regions of the province. Frost injury caused flower and fruit damage, reducing yield potential in some fields and increasing the risk of blight infections in damaged tissue. The severity of injury varied considerably depending on field location, plant health, and bloom stage during the frost events.

Fruiting Field Development

Although crop conditions remain variable, many average and moderately drought-impacted fields continue to perform normally and are showing promising yield potential. In many Mainland production areas, sizeable and desirable green fruit has already been set, providing optimism for the upcoming harvest season.

In severely drought-impacted fields, plant health has improved with renewed vegetative growth and continued progression through normal growth stages. However, crop development in these areas remains delayed compared with healthier regions.

Sprout Field Conditions

Sprout fields have reached approximately 80–90% plant emergence across the province. However, development remains slower than normal, with reduced plant density and shorter stem growth observed in many fields. These conditions are likely a lingering effect of the 2025 drought and continue to warrant close monitoring throughout the growing season.

Improving Crop Health

Warmer temperatures and improved moisture conditions throughout June have stimulated more active plant growth. Weekly improvements in crop health have been observed across the province, particularly in drought-affected areas where renewed vegetative growth has improved overall field appearance and vigour.

As the season moves into July, patience remains essential. Crop potential varies considerably among regions and fields, but the combination of improving plant health, favourable pollination conditions, and encouraging fruit set in many areas provides optimism for the remainder of the 2026 growing season. Continued field monitoring and timely management will be critical to maintaining crop productivity as we move toward harvest.

 

 

Weather Updates

 

In this section, we provide regular weather updates to help growers track seasonal progress and support field management decisions. Key parameters reviewed include growing degree day (GDD) accumulation, seasonal precipitation trends, and current drought conditions across Nova Scotia, along with highlights from the latest National Agroclimatic Risk Report published on June 16, 2026.

 

1.    Wild Blueberry Weather Station GDD Summary (April 1- June 25)

 

Since April 1, growing degree day (GDD) accumulation has reached approximately 800–900 GDD across mainland production areas (Figure 1). These heat unit accumulations have supported active plant growth and crop development throughout June.

In later-developing fields and in the Cape Breton region, crop fields are approaching the end of bloom and the completion of this year's pollination season. Most sprout fields have reached approximately 80–90% plant emergence, although emergence and stem development remain variable among regions due to the lingering effects of the 2025 drought. Over the next several weeks, crop fields will continue progressing through the fruit development stages, including green fruit, blush, red fruit, and ripening.

Figure 1. Wild Blueberry Weather Station GDD Summary (April 1- June 25)

 

 

2. Seasonal Perception Trends

 

Before June 22, only a few scattered showers had been received across much of Nova Scotia, making June appear to be shaping up as a drier-than-normal month. The Kentville weather station, for example, recorded less than half of its average monthly precipitation by late June (Figure 2).

However, rainfall events from June 23–24 brought variable but significant amounts of precipitation across the province, providing much-needed moisture to many production regions. Additional rainfall is forecast over the coming days.

These recent and anticipated rainfall events are encouraging and should help improve soil moisture conditions in dry areas while providing more consistent moisture to support blueberry fruit development, fruit sizing, and overall crop health as the season progresses.

 

 

Figure 2. 2026 Precipitation vs. Regional Historical Averages from the Kentville Research Weather Station.

 

 

3. Current Drought Conditions

 

In May, drought conditions improved across most agricultural regions in Atlantic Canada. By the end of the month, approximately 21% of the country’s agricultural landscape was classified as Abnormally Dry (D0) or under drought conditions (Figure 3).

Precipitation during May was highly variable across the Atlantic region. Well-above-normal precipitation was recorded in portions of all Atlantic provinces, contributing to localized improvements in soil moisture and surface conditions. However, below-normal monthly precipitation persisted in southern Nova Scotia, limiting recovery in some production areas.

Despite these mixed conditions, drought impacts continue to ease compared to last year’s exceptional drought severity. At the end of May, portions of all Atlantic provinces were still experiencing either Abnormally Dry (D0) or Moderate Drought (D1) conditions.

In Nova Scotia, Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions were primarily observed in Cumberland and several southern counties, where moisture deficits remain more pronounced and continue to influence early-season crop development and field variability.

Figure 3. Canadian Drought Monitor, Conditions as of May 31, 2026.

 

4. National Agroclimatic Risk Report Highlights

 

The National Agroclimatic Risk Report, published on June 16, 2026, provides timely information on regional agroclimate conditions, risks, and impacts across Canada, with several key highlights relevant to Atlantic Canada and the summer forecast.

Cooler temperatures and unsettled weather conditions this spring delayed seeding across much of Canada. At the same time, significant winter snowfall combined with above-normal spring precipitation has contributed to improved water recharge across many regions. In particular, eastern Prince Edward Island, northern New Brunswick, and central Newfoundland received approximately 120–200% of normal precipitation in May. In some of these areas, excess moisture has limited field access and delayed field operations.

Over the past 30 days, however, below-average precipitation was recorded in southern Nova Scotia and southern New Brunswick, contributing to more variable moisture conditions across the region.

Despite broader moisture recovery across the region, impacts from last year’s drought remain evident in parts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Some river levels remain below desirable thresholds, and ongoing challenges include poor forage and crop establishment, tree decline, reduced berry yields, and continued feed concerns.

Looking ahead, above-normal temperatures relative to 1991–2020 averages are forecast across Canada over the next four weeks, which may accelerate crop development but also increase evapotranspiration demand depending on localized moisture availability.

 

Upcoming Events

 

1.      July Wild Blueberry Grower Meeting; Wednesday, July 8, 8:30 AM- 9:30.

Please register through this link: https://www.perennia.ca/eventer/july-wild-blueberry-grower-meeting/edate/2026-07-08/.

 

Feature guest speakers:

 

§  SWD Talk by Matthew Peill, Integrated Pest Management Specialist, Perennia

§  Sprout Year Nutrient Input by Jessica D'Entremont, NutriAg

 

 

 

2026 Production Updates and Seasonal Outlook for NS_ 10th Blight Line Post_ June 15

Figure 1. Post- Pollination and Green Fruit Stages

 

Good afternoon, everyone,

We are experiencing a very long and protracted bloom and pollination season due to uneven bloom development both within fields and across production regions. Some early fields received commercial bees as early as the week of May 18–22, and we are still observing white-blooming patches that require pollination.

The best way to describe the 2026 bloom season is that flowering is occurring in multiple stages. This may be a consequence of last year's drought, which resulted in differences in plant health, fruit bud size, and nutrient reserves. Please continue to monitor your blueberry fields closely, as this is a good time to assess crop stage, blight infection, and overall yield potential. Many fields could still benefit from another week or more of strong pollination activity.

 

Monilinia Blight Infection Updates

We have been observing higher levels of Monilinia blight infection associated with the continued emergence of F2 stages, which are also appearing unevenly, similar to bloom development. In addition, input concerns (none or single application) and limited spray windows appear to have reduced the effectiveness of fungicide application, leaving some susceptible bud stages unprotected over the extended infection period.

 

Botrytis Blight Infection Updates

With the prolonged bloom season, concerns about Botrytis blossom blight have increased because flowers remain susceptible for a longer period. However, most of the damage symptoms observed to date have been associated with Monilinia blight. I have observed some Botrytis infection symptoms, primarily in very dense canopies and only affecting a small number of flowers (Figures 2 and 3).

The extended bloom period may also influence disease development and delay the appearance of post-infection symptoms. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

 

Have a great week!

Hugh

June 15, 2026

 

 

 

Figures 2 and 3. Botrytis Blossom Blight Infections

 

Table 1. Wild Blueberry Weather Station GDDs Updates

 

 

 

 

2026 Production Updates and Seasonal Outlook for NS_ 9th Blight Line Post_ June 8

Figure 1. Blooming Wild Blueberry Field

 

Good afternoon, everyone,

The photo above (Figure 1) likely provides an accurate snapshot of the current stage of the blueberry crop and the most critical activity in Nova Scotia's wild blueberry fields: the bloom and pollination season.

The key crop-year management activities are now wrapping up as fields rapidly progress into the late-bloom and petal-fall stages. This period also marks the appearance of key disease symptoms, allowing for a better assessment of this year's pest pressure and a more accurate prediction of 2026 crop potential.

We have been observing Monilinia blight symptoms since early June. Although infection windows were limited and the susceptible crop stage was relatively short, symptoms continue to be found in crop fields across multiple production regions. Missed or delayed fungicide applications may be contributing factors to the increased incidence observed this year. Please see the photos below, which show typical Monilinia blight symptoms at this time of year (Figures 3-5).

To date, I have not observed any Botrytis blossom blight infections; however, Septoria leaf spot has been identified in several late-bloom and petal-fall fields near Truro (Figure 6).

Most sprout fields across the province have reached 60–70% plant emergence or higher. Plant emergence and development are generally progressing normally despite concerns about the impacts of last year's drought on the current cycle. Growers are encouraged to continue granular fertilizer applications and post-emergence herbicide treatments, including Callisto, Venture L, Poast, and Clethodim products, where permitted by their processors.

Lastly, please save the date for July's virtual wild blueberry production update meeting. Additional details and registration information are available on the event page: July Wild Blueberry Grower Meeting.

 

Have a great week!

Hugh

June 8, 2026

 

Figure 2. July Wild Blueberry Grower Meeting

 

 

Figure 3. Monilina Blight Infection on Flowers

Figure 4. Monilina Blight Infection on Flowers

 

 

 

Figure 5. Monilinia Blight Infection on Flowers

 

 

 

 

Figure 6. Septoria Leaf Spot

 

 

 

Table 1. Wild Blueberry Weather Station GDDs Updates

 

 

 

 

2026 Production Updates and Seasonal Outlook for NS_ 8th Blight Line Post_ June 2

Hi everyone,

After last week's unseasonably cold and wet weather, we are finally expecting several favourable days this week that should significantly improve pollination conditions. This year's bloom and pollination period appears to be longer than in recent seasons, when pollination was often compressed into a one- to two-week window. Uneven bud development resulting from last year's drought stress, combined with this spring's weather patterns, has contributed to a more extended bloom period across many fields.

Most fields are currently in mid- to full bloom. This week will be particularly important, as many flowers that remained unopened during last week's rainy weather are now opening and will require favourable pollination conditions to maximize berry set and fruit quality.

In addition to pollination, growers should continue to monitor two other important challenges during the bloom period: frost events and disease management, particularly Botrytis Blight and Septoria Leaf Spot.

Please review the crop updates below regarding upcoming management priorities and post-frost evaluations.

 

Crop Fields’ Upcoming Management

 

Monilinia Blight (Mummy Berry Disease) Infection Symptoms

·         The primary infection period for Monilinia blight was relatively short this season due to rapid crop development through the F2 stage, combined with dry and windy field conditions during the key infection window.

·         Many growers applied a single blight fungicide application, which should provide sufficient control under the disease pressure experienced in 2026.

·         Symptoms resulting from primary infections caused by ascospores are now beginning to appear on fully expanded leaves and, in some cases, on unopened flower clusters.

·         This week and the coming weeks provide an excellent opportunity to scout fields for Monilinia blight symptoms while conducting other field activities.

·         Infected shoots typically exhibit blighted leaves that become brown and wilted. 

·         Identifying infected areas now can help assess disease incidence and evaluate the effectiveness of this season's disease management program.

 

 

Bloom-Period Disease Management

• The two most important diseases affecting wild blueberry production during bloom are Botrytis Blossom Blight (Grey Mould) and Septoria Leaf Spot.
• Timely fungicide applications during the bloom period are effective in reducing disease infection and protecting yield potential.
• If you have not yet applied a bloom-period fungicide but are planning to do so, consider making the application as soon as field and weather conditions permit.
• The warmer temperatures forecast later this week, combined with recent and expected moisture, are favourable for Botrytis Blossom Blight infection. These conditions can also promote the release and dispersal of Septoria spores (conidia), which are spread by rain splash and prolonged leaf wetness.
• Fields with a history of Botrytis Blossom Blight or Septoria Leaf Spot should be monitored closely throughout bloom, particularly following extended periods of wet weather.
• Maintaining adequate disease protection during bloom is important for minimizing flower infection, preserving fruit set, and supporting berry yield and quality later in the season.

 

 

2026 Frost Events and Damage Assessment

 

Over the past two weeks, we have experienced two significant frost events across many wild blueberry production regions. Both events lasted multiple days (May 22–24 and May 31–June 2), and frost injury to open blooms has since been observed and reported from several areas of the province.

At this stage of crop development, frost injury can sometimes be mistaken for symptoms of Monilinia blight. However, there are several key differences. Frost damage typically affects most or all flower clusters on an individual stem, particularly when flowers are fully open and exposed during freezing temperatures. In contrast, Monilinia blight infections are often limited to a single flower cluster or shoot, while neighbouring clusters on the same stem remain healthy.

The severity of frost injury is also closely related to flower development. Closed or partially opened flower clusters generally have greater tolerance to freezing temperatures and often sustain less damage than fully open blooms.

Growers are encouraged to conduct post-frost assessments over the coming days as symptoms become more visible. Evaluating the extent and distribution of flower injury will help determine potential impacts on fruit set and yield.

These frost events pose another significant challenge for the 2026 crop, adding to existing concerns about the 2025 drought, pollination conditions and disease management. The overall impact on wild blueberry production and provincial yield potential will become clearer as bloom progresses and fruit set begins.

 

 

 

Table 1. Wild Blueberry Weather Station GDDs Updates