Hi everyone,
We are seeing rapid crop development in both sprout and crop blueberry
fields following the recent warm temperatures and abundant moisture across the
province. Traditionally, crop development varies by several days to weeks among
regions and microclimates; however, this spring we are observing more uniform
plant development across Mainland Nova Scotia.
Crop Fields — Blight Risk Increasing
Most Mainland crop fields are expected to surpass 40% F2, meaning blight
protection is now required as soon as field conditions permit spraying.
Cape Breton crop fields are also progressing quickly and are expected to
reach the 40% F2 threshold by this weekend, requiring blight applications early
next week.
This timing will likely create spray scheduling challenges, as growers may
encounter:
·
high winds,
·
intermittent rainfall,
·
and narrow optimal fungicide application
windows.
Please continue monitoring weather forecasts closely and take advantage of
available spray opportunities. Fruit buds are currently at highly susceptible
developmental stages, and leaf buds also contribute to disease risk.
Once leaf buds unfold and reach the V2 stage (approximately 2–5 mm; Figure
1), they can host blight spores and support secondary infection cycles,
which may later impact open flowers. This year, leaf bud development appears
faster than fruit bud development in some fields, and drought-affected patches
may show leaf growth without viable fruit buds.
Sprout Fields — Emergence and Herbicide Timing
Sprout field emergence has begun in many regions, particularly where growing
degree days (GDD) have reached approximately 200 (Figures 2 and 3).
If you are planning herbicide applications:
·
Chikara and Ignite — Fields should be
scouted carefully before application. After this week, applications may no
longer be safe due to crop emergence.
·
Velpar, Sinbar, and Spartan —
Applications remain acceptable but should be completed as soon as possible.
Many sprout fields experienced significant stress during last year’s
drought. Emergence and early development remain a concern, and additional
stress from late herbicide applications could further reduce stand recovery.
Please consider alternative weed management strategies or products where risk
is high.
Looking Ahead
Weather conditions after Friday and into the weekend and early next week
appear more favourable for spraying operations. We encourage growers to prepare
equipment and management plans to take advantage of these windows.
I hope everything goes smoothly during this busy period. We will provide
another update following the long weekend.
Have a safe and productive week.
Hugh Lyu
May 14, 2026
Figure 1. Wild Blueberry Crop Year
Leaf and Fruit Bud Stages
Figures
2 and 3. Wild Blueberry Sprout Plant Emergence
Wild Blueberry Weather Station GDDs and Crop F2 Stage Updates
We will continue
providing updates on F2 stage percentages across different production
regions as information becomes available throughout the season.
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 |
|
|
|
|
Cape Breton |
30% F2 |
|
|
|
|
Cumberland County |
>40% F2, Blight Spray is Needed in Crop Fields |
|
|
|
|
Colchester County |
>40% F2, Blight Spray is Needed in Crop Fields |
|
|
|
|
South West Nova Scotia |
>40% F2, Blight Spray is Needed in Crop Fields |
|
|
|
|
Hants County |
>40% F2, Blight Spray is Needed in Crop Fields |
|
|
|
|
Halifax County/ Musquodoboit Valley |
>40% F2, Blight Spray is Needed in Crop Fields |
|
|
|
|
Guysborough County |
|
|
College Grant |
>40% F2 |
|
|
|
|
Pictou County |
|
|
Sunny Bare |
>40% F2 |
|
Blue Mt. |
>40% F2 |
|
Moose River |
>40% F2 |
|
|
|
|
Antigonish County |
|
|
Monastery |
>40% F2 |
|
New France |
>40% F2 |