ISHS Acta Horticulturae 810: IX International Vaccinium Symposium
MANAGEMENT OF BLUEBERRY SCORCH VIRUS ON HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA |
| Authors: | M.E. Sweeney, L.A. Wegener, S. Ring, D.A. Raworth |
| Keywords: | Blueberry scorch virus, aphids, Ericaphis fimbriata, pymetrozine |
| Abstract:
Blueberry scorch virus (BlScV) was first detected on highbush blueberry in British Columbia (BC) in the year 2000. Subsequent surveys indicated BlScV to be well established within the Lower Fraser Valley, the major blueberry producing region of the province. A BlScV Working Group was formed in 2001 to prioritize and coordinate research, extension and management activities. Since 2001, a free DAS-ELISA-based BlScV diagnostic service was made available to growers. This provided information on the distribution and spread of the virus. BlScV is transmitted non-persistently by the colonizing aphid on blueberry, Ericaphis fimbriata. Virus-vector transmission studies showed that peak transmission is most likely to occur from mid-June to mid-July, which coincides with highest aphid populations. Aphids could be most effectively managed with insecticides applied in early spring, after egg hatch, but before development of winged aphids. Insecticide screening trials demonstrated that application of pymetrozine in early spring can effectively control aphids without disrupting populations of beneficial and pollinating insects. Several species of migrant aphids were also shown to be capable of transmitting BlScV under laboratory conditions. Epidemiological studies determined that the rate of virus spread was approximately 4% per year in an unmanaged, heavily infected field. In a similar field, with a management program of aphid control and infected-plant removal, spread was reduced to less than 2% per year. Based on these findings, a BlScV management program, including a protocol for nursery stock production, field monitoring, virus testing, removal of infected plants and aphid management, was developed and extended to the blueberry industry. | |
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