2025 Production Updates and Seasonal Outlook for NS_ 4th Blight Line Post_ May 13
Good afternoon, everyone
The last few days’ rain and suitable double-digit
temperatures contributed to the further development of blueberry fruit buds in cropping
fields across the province. All wild blueberry crop fields are at risk of Monilinia
Blight infection, from the primary and secondary infections. We are seeing some
early flower stage (Figure 1) in central fields, and with the high temperatures
expected over the next few days, it will likely push those early fields to
bloom by this weekend. Please refer to the GDD and crop updates below. The breakdowns for each region are below.
Figure
1. Wild Blueberry Bloom Stages (UMaine)
-
Southsore fields: The Monilinia blight concern is over. Most crop fields are in the early bloom
stages, and bees are expected in this region this week. Wild blueberry blooms also
raise blight concerns, including Botrytis Blossom Blight, a vital disease to
manage.
-
Hants and Musquodoboit Valley fields:
There is still a risk of Monilinia Blight infection in this region’s fields, particularly
from the secondary infection. Most fields are still at the 80-90% F2 stage,
with a small percentage at the early flower and unopened stages. Those fields are expected to develop into early blooms by this weekend. Growers are
encouraged to communicate with their bee suppliers regarding crop stage updates.
-
Cumberland and Colchester fields
o
Late field and highland fields:
most fields are still around 80-90% F2 without early flowers. For these fields,
concerns remain on Monilinia Blight, particularly from secondary infections
resulting from some early and primary infections that occurred in the field
over the last few infection periods.
o In early areas/fields, including Oxford, Advocate, Parrsboro, and Truro, we see many early flower stages and a low percentage of open blooms. These fields no longer require a Monilinia Blight spray; however, when fields reach the early bloom stage in typical wet areas, an early Botrytis spray may be necessary. Those crop fields will need to have bees brought in after mid- to late
next week.
- Others: Growers should continue to manage Monilinia Blight for other crop fields in the province, including Pictou, Antigonish, Guysborough, and Cape Breton.
New leaf buds and plant emergence can be seen on the sprout field in the Mainland fields (Figures 2 and 3). Please monitor your sprout fields' bud and leaf growth stages before applying herbicides this time of year, particularly if you use a mix tank with multiple products, including pre-emergence herbicides (Chikara+ Ignite) or any commonly used spot spray herbicides (Round Up, Banvel, etc.).
Figures
2 and 3. New blueberry leaf buds
Wild Blueberry Weather Station GDD and Crop Stage Updates
We have selected the following 19 weather stations to
report their seasonal Growing Degree Days (GDD) accumulations. Please compare
the cumulative GDD from your weather station with local GDD recommendations on
wild blueberry crop stages: https://www.novascotiawildblueberryblog.com/p/phenology-tracker.html.
Figure
1. Selected Wild Blueberry Weather Stations and GDD Updates (April 1- May 11)
Table 1. Wild Blueberry Weather Stations and GDD Updates
(April 1- May 11)
We will provide another update before this weekend.
Have a great week!
Hugh