ISHS Acta Horticulturae 715: VIII International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO DISEASE CONTROL IN BLUEBERRIES IN MICHIGAN |
| Authors: | A.M.C. Schilder, E.J. Hanson, J.F. Hancock |
| Keywords: | Vaccinium corymbosum, Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi, Colletotrichum acutatum, Phomopsis vaccinii, apothecia, reduced-risk fungicides, biological control |
| Abstract:
Blueberry growers contend with a variety of diseases that reduce yield and quality of fruit. The predominant diseases in Michigan are mummy berry (Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi), anthracnose fruit rot (Colletotrichum acutatum) and Phomopsis twig blight and canker (Phomopsis vaccinii). Blueberry growers rely on chemical crop protection products to produce high-quality blueberries. An integrated approach to disease management is needed to reduce the reliance on chemical intervention while maintaining or improving efficacy of disease control. In Michigan, integrated disease management is focused on improving our understanding of the biology of blueberry pathogens and evaluating the efficacy of alternative disease control methods. For mummy berry, studies have focused on the effect of temperature on the longevity of mummy berry apothecia and frost in predisposing young shoots to infection. Serenade (Bacillus subtilis) is the first biological fungicide registered for control of this disease and provides moderate to good control under Michigan conditions. In the case of anthracnose, efforts have been focused on the role of irrigation in disease development, host plant resistance, and understanding spore release patterns to improve timing of fungicide applications. Of the reduced-risk fungicides, the strobilurins have had the most effect against anthracnose. Studies on Phomopsis twig blight and canker have centered mainly on the overwintering strategies of the fungus and evaluating alternative fungicide options. An IPM Scout Training Course and a pocket guide for IPM scouting in highbush blueberries have been developed to aid monitoring for diseases and insect pests in blueberry plantings. | |
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