Pest Management Guidelines - Berry Crops
Pest Management Guidelines
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Cornell Guide for Pest Management of Berry Crops

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3.2 Insects and Diseases: Time for Concern

 

DORMANT

3.2.1.1 Insect Stem Gall 1

3.2.1.2 Botrytis Blossom and Twig Blight 2

3.2.1.3 Fusicoccum Canker 2

3.2.1.4 Phomopsis Canker 3

3.2.1.5 Scale Insects. 4

GREEN TIP

3.2.2.1 Mummyberry. 5

3.2.2.2 Botrytis Blossom and Twig Blight 6

3.2.2.3 Phomopsis Canker 6

PINK BUD

3.2.3.1 Mummyberry. 7

3.2.3.2 Botrytis Blossom and Twig Blight 7

BLOOM

3.2.4.1 Mummyberry. 8

3.2.4.2 Botrytis Blossom and Twig Blight 9

3.2.4.3 Anthracnose Fruit Rot and Blossom Blight 9

3.2.4.4 Blueberry Leaf Rust 10

3.2.4.5 Powdery Mildew. 11

PETAL FALL

3.2.5.1 Cranberry Fruitworm.. 12

3.2.5.2 Cherry Fruitworm.. 13

3.2.5.3 Leafrollers. 14

3.2.5.4 Blueberry Tip Borer 15

3.2.5.5 Plum Curculio. 15

POST BLOOM

3.2.6.1 Cranberry Fruitworm.. 16

3.2.6.2 Cherry Fruitworm.. 16

3.2.6.3 Leafrollers. 16

3.2.6.4 Blueberry Tip Borer 16

SUMMER PREHARVEST

3.2.7.1 Blueberry Maggot 17

3.2.7.2 Japanese Beetle. 17

3.2.7.3 Anthracnose Fruit Rot 18

3.2.7.4 Blueberry Stem Borer 18

SPECIAL PESTS

3.2.8.1 Witches’ Broom.. 19

3.2.8.2 Crown Gall 19

3.2.8.3 Blueberry Viruses. 20

3.2.8.4 Ants. 20

 

 

3.2.1 DORMANT

 

3.2.1.1 Insect Stem Gall

Symptoms- Large bulbous galls form on the stems, often near the terminals. Larvae of a tiny flightless wasp cause these galls. This is a periodically important blueberry pest, particularly in young plantings still being trained. The adults overwinter in the galls, emerge in early June, and crawl or hop to other stems to deposit eggs. Galls form around egg deposition sites. Infestations are usually localized, but may be extensive (50 to 70 galls per plant).

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

None known.

Cultural management

A.    Hand picking (pruning) and burning the galls when the leaves fall after harvest is the most advisable course of action.

B.    Prune and burn all insect-infested or galled wood.

C.    Repeat during the growing season as blighted tips appear.

Conventional and Organic products

Wasp emergence is so protracted it is difficult to predict; chemical measures are of little use.

 

 

3.2.1.2 Botrytis Blossom and Twig Blight

Symptoms - After several days of rainy or foggy weather, young shoots die, turn brown, and become covered with a dusty gray mass of fungus spores. Not common in New York State, but develops occasionally. Blossom blight is usually a concern only when rainy, foggy weather prevails during the prebloom and bloom period.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

None known.

Cultural management

Avoid high rates of nitrogen fertilization. This leads to excessive succulent shoot growth, which is more susceptible to infection.

Conventional products

A.    captan- Captan 50WP (5lbs/A) or 80WP (3 1/8 lbs/A) or Captec 4L (0.75 - 1.0qts/100 gal) as buds swell or have loose scales. OR

B.    ziram- Ziram 76 DF (3lbs/A). Ziram only aids in control and should not be relied on as a stand-alone product for control of this disease.

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

A.    Bacillus subtilis- Serenade Max (1 – 3 lb/A). For improved performance add surfactant such as NuFilm to improve coverage. OR

B.    Streptomyces lydicus WYEC108- Actinovate AG (3-12 oz/A). Foliar applications: for best results apply with a spreader/sticker prior to onset of disease. Re-apply at 7-14 day intervals depending on disease pressure and environmental conditions.

 

 




3.2.1.3 Fusicoccum Canker

Symptoms- Reddish spots appear on the canes, frequently around a leaf scar near the ground. As the canker enlarges, a bull’s-eye pattern develops. Plant parts above the canker may suddenly wilt and die during warm, dry weather, calling attention to the disease. Infection is relatively uncommon except in the colder regions of New York State.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

‘Rancocas’ is resistant; moderately susceptible cultivars are ‘Coville’, ‘Berkeley’, ‘Blueray’, ‘Burlington’, and ‘Rubel’; very susceptible cultivars are ‘Jersey’, ‘Earliblue’, and ‘Bluecrop’.

Cultural management

Prune and burn symptomatic canes as they appear. Take care to avoid winter injury

Conventional products

NOTE: Cultural practices designed to avoid winter injury and pruning out dead wood are more effective than chemical management for this disease.

A.    sulfur- Lime sulfur (5 gal/A). A single spray of lime sulfur as leaf buds begin to break (delayed dormant) can help reduce inoculum of canker in problem locations. Because of potential phytotoxicity, do not apply sulfur within 2 weeks of an oil spray or when temperatures are above 75°F. OR

B.    copper hydroxide- Kocide 101 (3 – 5lbs/A) or Kocide DF (3 – 5 lbs/A) or Kocide 4.5LF (4 pt./A) or 2000 (2-4lbs/A) at a timing similar to that of sulfur (above).

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

A.    Apply a delayed dormant spray of lime sulfur or copper.

 

 




3.2.1.4 Phomopsis Canker

Symptoms- New shoots wilt and die back from the tips toward the crown. The pith and cambium of infected shoots become discolored (dead). Infected mature canes suddenly wilt and collapse in the summer. Sudden death of canes on an otherwise healthy plant is a strong indicator of Phomopsis infection. Also, injured or weakened plants are most susceptible to infection by this fungus. A low level of the distal tip dieback is common in NY blueberry plantings and may not merit attention.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

No known resistant cultivars; ‘Coville’ and ‘Jersey’ are moderately susceptible cultivars. ‘Weymouth’, ‘Earliblue’, and ‘Berkeley’ are particularly susceptible cultivars.

Cultural management

A.    Management is best accomplished by maintaining plants in a vigorous condition with proper pruning and management and by taking all possible precautions to minimize winter injury and early spring frost damage.

B.    To reduce spread, prune, and burn diseased twigs and canes as they appear, ensuring that all infected (brown) stem tissue below the canker is removed.

Conventional products

Same as for Fusicoccum canker above, but with an additional option:

A.    basic copper sulfate Cuprofix Ultra 40 Disperss (2 – 4lbs/A) at blossom bud swell and 14 days later prior to bloom. OR

B.    lime sulfur-. A single spray of lime sulfur as leaf buds begin to break (delayed dormant) can help reduce inoculum of canker in problem locations. Apply Sulforix (1 - 2gal/A) or AllPro Lime Sulfur Solution (5 - 6 gal/A). Because of potential phytotoxicity, do not apply sulfur within 14 days of an oil spray or when temperatures are above 85°F. for Sulforix or above 80°F for AllPro.

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

A.    Apply a delayed dormant spray of lime sulfur or copper.

 

 


3.2.1.5 Scale Insects

Symptoms- A number of species of scale insects, including Oystershell and European lecanium scale, feed on the twigs and can greatly reduce plant vigor. Look for the hard-covered female scale insects on small branches early in the spring.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

None known.

Cultural management

Good pruning practices should reduce the likelihood of scale problems.

Conventional products

A.    oil- (6 gal/A). Apply a delayed dormant spray consisting of 2 – 2.5 percent oil, early in the spring during bud swell (after the bud scales start to expand, but before the first leaf stands out from the clusters). Thorough coverage is essential for good results. Apply in 250 – 300 gal of water/A, at a pressure of 300 – 400 psi. OR

B.    pyriproxyfen- Esteem (5 oz/A). Apply as crawlers first appear in spring. If applied at delayed dormant period, use with spray oil.

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

None known.

 

 

3.2.2 GREEN TIP

 

3.2.2.1 Mummyberry

Symptoms- Upon infection young leaves and, in some cases, new shoots will wilt, turn violet/brown, and die (similar in appearance to frost injury). The blighted tissues resulting from infection remain fairly soft compared to blighted shoots resulting from spring frost damage. Grayish masses of conidia (spores) can sometimes be observed along the midrib of the blighted leaves. These conidia are means by which the mummy berry fungus subsequently infects the fruit.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

‘Burlington’, ‘Collins’, ‘Jersey’, ‘Darrow’, ‘Rubel’, ‘Bluetta’, and ‘Dixi’ are most resistant to this disease. ‘Rancocas’, ‘Weymouth’, ‘Berkeley’, ‘Bluecrop’, ‘Herbert’, and ‘Coville’ are less resistant. The most susceptible cultivars are ‘Earliblue’ and ‘Blueray’.

Cultural management

Control is greatly aided by disturbing the soil (raking or disking) beneath the blueberry bushes just prior to bud break. The tiny apothecia (little brown trumpet shaped mushrooms 1/8” to 1/4” high) fail to produce infective spores when disturbed during development.

Conventional products1

A.    azoxystrobin- Abound (6.0 - 15.5 fl oz/A). Do not make more than two sequential applications of Abound before alternating with another product with a different mode of action. Apply no more than three applications of Abound per season. Abound is extremely phytotoxic to certain apple varieties. DO NOT apply Abound where drift may reach apple trees. DO NOT apply when conditions favor drift beyond the intended area of application. DO NOT treat apple trees with equipment that has been previously used to apply Abound. OR

B.    captan- Captan 50WP (5 lb/A) or Captan 80WDG (3 1/8 lb/A) or Captec 4L (0.75 - 1.0 qts/100 gal) OR

C.    cyprodinil/fludioxonil- †Switch (11 - 14 oz/A). OR

D.    propiconazole – Orbit (6 fl oz/A). Make applications on a 7 - 10 day interval beginning at green tip. Do not apply more than 30 fl oz per season.

E.    fenbuconazoleIndar 2F (6 fl oz/A). Make applications on an 8 - 14 day interval beginning at green tip. Do not apply more than 24 fl oz or make more than 4 four applications per season. Do not allow livestock to graze in treated fields or offer treated material as livestock feed.

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

A.    Bacillus subtilis- Serenade Max (1 – 3 lb/A). Suppression only. For improved performance add surfactant such as NuFilm to improve coverage. OR

B.    Streptomyces lydicus WYEC108- Actinovate AG (3-12 oz/A). Foliar applications: for best results apply with a spreader/sticker prior to onset of disease. Re-apply at 7-14 day intervals depending on disease pressure and environmental conditions.

1Mummyberry disease is not present in all blueberry plantings; however, management measures are usually necessary in plantings where the disease has occurred previously. In these plantings, fungicide sprays are necessary between bud break and bloom. If not managed when first observed, the disease can become unmanageable in subsequent years as inoculum accumulates.

 

 

3.2.2.2 Botrytis Blossom and Twig Blight

Refer to information given under Dormant (section 3.2.1.2), but note additional chemical option below.

Management Options

Guideline

Conventional products

A.    ziram- Ziram 76 DF(3 lb/A) as an aid in control at green tip.

 

 

 

3.2.2.3 Phomopsis Canker

Refer to information given under Dormant (section 3.2.1.4), but note additional chemical options.

Management Options

Guideline

Conventional products

Cultural practices designed to avoid winter injury and pruning out dead wood are more effective than chemical management for this disease (See 3.2.1.4). If dieback killed entire canes in previous years consider chemical application.

A.    ziram- Ziram 76 DF (3 lb/A). OR

B.    azoxystrobin- Abound (6.0 - 15.5 fl oz/A). Do not make more than two sequential applications of Abound before alternating with another product with a different mode of action. Apply no more than three applications of Abound per season. Abound is extremely phytotoxic to certain apple varieties. DO NOT apply Abound where drift may reach apple trees. DO NOT apply when conditions are favor drift beyond the intended area of application. DO NOT treat apple trees with equipment that has been previously used to apply Abound. OR

C.    pyraclostrobin- Cabrio EG (14 oz/A). Do not make more than 2 sequential applications of Cabrio before alternating with another product with a different mode of action (e.g. Ziram or Indar in this instance). Apply no more than 4 applications of Cabrio per season. OR

D.    pyraclostrobin/boscalid- Pristine WG (18.5 - 23 oz/A). Do not make more than 2 sequential applications of Pristine before alternating with another product with a different mode of action (e.g. Ziram or Indar in this instance). Apply no more than 4 applications of Cabrio per season. OR

E.    fenbuconazoleIndar 2F (6 fl oz/A). Do not apply more than 24 oz or make more than 4 four applications per season. Do not allow livestock to graze on treated bushes.

Organic products

None known.

 

 

3.2.3 PINK BUD

 

 

3.2.3.1 Mummyberry

Follow guidelines under Green tip (section 3.2.2.1). Tissue at the base of infected flower clusters may appear water-soaked or brown.

 

 

3.2.3.2 Botrytis Blossom and Twig Blight

Refer to information given under Dormant (section 3.2.1.2); blossoms may exhibit signs and symptoms. Note additional chemical options below.

Management Options

Guideline

Conventional products

A.    fenhexamid- Elevate (1.5 lb/A). Do not apply more than 6 lb/A of Elevate per season. OR

B.    cyprodinil/fludioxonil- †Switch (11 - 14 oz/A) beginning at 10% bloom and continue through harvest as needed. Applications should be made at 7-day intervals when conditions favor disease development. Treatment is warranted only if persistently wet weather is expected during bloom. Do not apply more than 56 oz/A of †Switch per season. Do not apply more than two sequential sprays of †Switch before alternating with another product with a different mode of action. OR

C.    captan- Captan 50WP (5 lb/A) or Captan 80WDG (3 1/8 lb/A) or Captec 4L (0.75 - 1.0 qts/100 gal) OR

D.    iprodione- Iprodione 4L (1 - 2 pints/A) or Iprodione 50WP (1 - 2 lb/A) or Rovral 50WP (1 - 2lb/A) OR

E.    ziram- Ziram 76DF (3 lb/A). Ziram aids in control and should not be relied on as a stand-alone product OR

F.    captan/fenhexamid- Captevate 68WDG (3.5 - 4.7 lb/A). Do not apply more than 21 lb/A of Captevate per season. OR

G.    pyraclostrobin/boscalid- Pristine WG (18.5 - 23 oz/A). Do not apply more than two sequential sprays of Pristine before alternating with another product with a different mode of action. Do not make more than four applications of Pristine per season.

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

A.    Bacillus subtilis- Serenade Max (1 – 3 lb/A). For improved performance add surfactant such as NuFilm to improve coverage. OR

B.    Streptomyces lydicus WYEC108- Actinovate AG (3-12 oz/A). Foliar applications: for best results apply with a spreader/sticker prior to onset of disease. Re-apply at 7-14 day intervals depending on disease pressure and environmental conditions.

 

 

3.2.4 BLOOM

 

 

3.2.4.1 Mummyberry

Refer to information given under Green tip (section 3.2.2.1), and see products information below. As harvest approaches, berries that develop from infested blossoms become tan or cream colored, shrivel into hard mummies (pumpkin-like), and easily fall off bushes.

Management Options

Guideline

Conventional products

See recommendations from 3.2.2.1. This bloom spray is designed to prevent flower infections. It is necessary only if primary mummyberry (shoot blight) infections were not controlled previously. Substituting captan in the mixture may be preferred if Phomopsis canker is a problem. Mixtures with captan may be repeated at 7 - 10 day intervals throughout bloom if rain occurs. Discontinue use of Ziram DF or Ziram Granuflo as they are labeled only for the shoot blight phase, not flower infection. Highest levels of control are often achieved by using either Pristine WG or Indar 2F. (See 3.2.2.1.)

 

 

3.2.4.2 Botrytis Blossom and Twig Blight

Follow guidelines under Pink bud (section 3.2.3.2).

 

 

3.2.4.3 Anthracnose Fruit Rot and Blossom Blight

Symptoms- Anthracnose occurs sporadically in New York, primarily in seasons or locations with abundant rainfall and warm temperatures. Berry infections are not usually apparent until fruit become ripe but can occur any time during and after bloom. For instance, many infections occur during flowering and the green fruit stage but remain “dormant” until harvest. Infections are most common at the blossom end of the fruit. When fruit begins to color, infected regions will become slightly sunken, giving the surrounding area a puckered appearance. Under very wet or very humid conditions, a layer of slimy pink-orange colored spores will develop on the sunken infected regions.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

None known. Particularly susceptible cultivars include ‘Berkeley’, ‘Coville’, and ‘Bluecrop’.

Cultural management

A.    Prune and remove or destroy dead wood in the spring to reduce overwintering inoculum of the anthracnose fungus.

B.    Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization; this practice promotes prolific development of succulent tissues which are highly susceptible to infection.

C.    Anthracnose is more common and pronounced on overripe fruit, so harvest promptly. Infections can occur during rainy periods anytime between bloom and harvest, but are most serious during warm rains (>70°F).

Conventional products

Bloom time sprays for other diseases such as mummyberry should also manage anthracnose.

A.    azoxystrobin- Abound (6.0 - 15.5 fl oz/A). Do not make more than two sequential applications of Abound before alternating with another product with a different mode of action. Apply no more than three applications of Abound per season. Abound is extremely phytotoxic to certain apple varieties. DO NOT apply Abound where drift may reach apple trees. DO NOT apply when conditions favor drift beyond the intended area of application. DO NOT treat apple trees with equipment that has been previously used to apply Abound. OR

B.    chlorothalonil- Bravo Ultrex (2.7 - 3.6 lb/A) or Echo 720 (3 - 4 pt/A) In plantings with a history of anthracnose, chlorothalonil sprays can provide significant protection if applied when weather conditions are favorable for infection. Chlorothalonil should not be applied after early bloom (and can not be applied after petal fall) to prevent phytotoxicity on developing fruit. The higher rate will give a longer period of residual protection. Bravo and Echo have a 42 days-to-harvest restriction. OR

C.    cyprodinil/fludioxonil- †Switch (11 - 14oz/A) Do not apply more than 56 oz/A of †Switch per season. Do not apply more than two sequential sprays of †Switch before alternating with another product with a different mode of action. OR

D.    ziram- Ziram 76DF (3 lb/A). OR

E.    pyraclostrobin- Cabrio EG (14 oz/A). Do not make more than two sequential applications of Cabrio before alternating with another product with a different mode of action. Apply no more than four applications of Cabrio per season. OR

F.    pyraclostrobin/boscalid- Pristine WG (18.5 - 23 oz/A). Do not apply more than two sequential sprays of Pristine before alternating with another product with a different mode of action. Do not make more than four applications of Pristine per season. OR

G.    captan/fenhexamid- Captevate 68WDG (4.7 lb/A). Do not apply more than 21 lb/A of Captevate per season.

H.    fenbuconazole- Indar 2F (6 fl oz/A). Do not apply more than 24 oz or make more than 4 four applications per season. Do not allow livestock to graze in treated fields or offer treated material as a livestock feed.

Organic products

Reducing overwintering inoculum and prompt harvest of ripe fruit is probably the best approach to organic disease management.

 

 

3.2.4.4 Blueberry Leaf Rust

Symptoms- Infections can take place as early as bloom. However, reddish brown spots usually don’t appear on the upper leaf surface until mid-season. On the lower leaf surface, these spots (pustules) contain yellowish orange spore masses and may turn rusty red with age. Infected leaves may drop prematurely. Leaf rust is a minor disease of blueberries in New York State. However, somewhat severe epidemics may occur sporadically at a local level under favorable weather conditions. The disease generally has little effect on yield unless defoliation is severe. In cases of severe defoliation, yield is reduced the following season.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

Bluecrop’, ‘Burlington’, ‘Collins’, ‘Dixi’, ‘Earliblue’, ‘Gem’, ‘Ivanhoe’, ‘Olympia’, ‘Stanley’, and ‘Weymouth’ are resistant. ‘Jersey’, ‘Herbert’, ‘Berkley’, ‘Blueray’, and ‘Pacific’ are moderately susceptible. ‘Coville’, ‘Pemberton’, ‘Washington’, and ‘Atlantic’ are susceptible.

Cultural management

Removal of hemlocks (alternate host), especially those trees upwind within a 0.4 km radius of the planting may be beneficial.

Conventional products

A.    paraffinic oil- JMS Stylet Oil (3 - 6 qt/100 gal). Apply for optimum coverage of leaf surfaces. Use at least 200 PSI pressure to ensure proper coverage.

Organic products

A.    paraffinic oil- Organic JMS Stylet Oil (3 - 6 qt/100 gal). Apply for optimum coverage of leaf surfaces. Use at least 200 PSI pressure to ensure proper coverage.

 

 

3.2.4.5 Powdery Mildew

Symptoms- On susceptible varieties, leaf surfaces may be covered with white fungal mycelia and spores. Infections typically occur at bloom, but symptoms may manifest later in the season. Infected leaves sometimes curl or pucker, and both leaf surfaces may be affected. Chlorotic spots with reddish borders are common on the upper leaf surface, similar to symptoms of red ringspot virus. Water-soaked areas on lower leaf surfaces, directly underneath the chlorotic areas, distinguish mildew from the virus. Because control measures for the two diseases are very different, it is important to distinguish between them.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

‘Berkley’, ‘Earliblue’ and ‘Ivanhoe’ are resistant. ‘Bluecrop’, ‘Rancocas’, ‘Weymouth’, ‘Pemberton’, and ‘Dixi’ are moderately susceptible. ‘Collins’, ‘Rubel’, ‘Blueray’, ‘Herbert’, and ‘Jersey’ are susceptible.

Cultural management

Reduce humidity in the plantings through planting orientation, plant spacing, pruning practices, and by limiting overhead irrigation.

Conventional products

Since symptoms usually do not appear until after harvest, most growers do not attempt to control the disease. Powdery mildew does not seriously impact blueberry production, but premature defoliation caused by mildew may affect long-term productivity.

Fungicide applications are not recommended unless the disease is severe. If fungicide applications are used, it is important to make the first application early after petal fall to reduce primary inoculum and applications throughout June, July, and August to reduce secondary infections.

A.    paraffinic oil- JMS Stylet Oil (3 - 6 qt/100 gal). Apply for optimum coverage of leaf surfaces. Use at least 200 PSI pressure to ensure proper coverage OR

B.    sulfur –Microthiol Disperss (6 - 15 lb/A).Note: Do not use within 2 weeks of an oil treatment.

C.    fenbuconazole- Indar 2F (6 fl oz/A). Do not apply more than 24 oz or make more than 4 four applications per season. Do not allow livestock to graze in treated fields or offer treated material as a lifestock feed.

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

A.    paraffinic oil- Organic JMS Stylet Oil (3 - 6 qt/100 gal). Apply for optimum coverage of leaf surfaces. Use at least 200 PSI pressure to ensure proper coverage OR

B.    potassium bicarbonate – Milstop (2.5 - 5.0 lb/A). Do not mix with other pesticides for fertilizers. Not compatible with alkaline solutions. or Kailgreen 2.5 – 3.0 lb/A). Do not mix with highly acidic products or nutrients. OR

C.    Streptomyces lydicus WYEC108- Actinovate AG (3-12 oz/A). Foliar applications: for best results apply with a spreader/sticker prior to onset of disease. Re-apply at 7-14 day intervals depending on disease pressure and environmental conditions. OR

D.    sulfur – Kumulus DF (6 - 15 lb/A) or Thiolux Jet 80DF (5 - 10 lb/A). Begin when new shoots are 6 inches long or when disease first appears. Repeat at 7 -14 day intervals as necessary. Note: Do not use within 2 weeks of an oil treatment.

 

 

3.2.5 PETAL FALL

 

 

3.2.5.1 Cranberry Fruitworm

Symptoms- The adults (moths) of the cranberry fruitworm appear during late May and early June and lay their eggs at the base of the newly set fruit. The greenish larvae are up to half an inch long and brownish red on the back. Moths of the cherry fruitworm appear late in the blooming season, when the bloom is nearly off. The larvae are three eights inch long and uniformly reddish orange. Larvae of both species attack the green fruit. Cranberry fruitworm larvae web the berry clusters together and feed inside. Damage is obvious. Just a few worms can do extensive damage.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

A sex pheromone for cranberry fruitworm is commercially available and can be used to monitor male moth flight activity and aid in timing insecticide applications.

Resistant cultivars

None known.

Cultural management

Infested berries culled from the clusters should be promptly burned before the larvae inside have a chance to emerge and pupate.

Conventional products

Two sprays are often required to adequately control these pests; the first should be applied at petal fall and the second 10 days later, about 2 weeks before harvest. Some of the sprays against these pests also control leafhoppers, which are vectors for blueberry stunt disease, as well as leafrollers, which are evident at the same time of year.

A.    *†tebufenoxzide- *Confirm 2F (16 fl oz/A) OR

B.    malathion- Malathion 5EC (1 - 2 pt/A) or Malathion 57EC (1.6 pt/200 gal/A) OR

C.    carbaryl- Sevin 4F (1.5-2.0 qts/A) or Sevin XLR (1.5-2.0 qts/A) OR

D.    *azinphos-methyl- *Guthion 50WP (1 - 1.5 lb/A) There is a 30 to 42 Day REI for public (e.g. Pick your own) access to treated areas depending on rate used. Maximum application rate of 0.75 lbs AI/A in 2010 OR

E.    pyrethrin- Pyrenone Crop Spray 0.5EC (2 - 12 oz/A) OR

F.    *phosmet-* Imidan 70WP (1.3 lb/A) OR

G.    pyriproxyfen- Esteem 35WP (5 oz/A) OR

H.    acetamiprid Assail SG (4.5 – 5.3 oz/A) OR

I.      spinetoram Delegate WG (3 - 6 oz/A).OR

J.     fenpropathrinDanitol 2.4 EC (10.67 – 16 fl oz/A

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

A.    Bacillus thuringiensis- Dipel DF (0.5 – 1.0 lb/A ).OR

B.    spinosad- Entrust Naturalyte (1.25 - 2.0 oz/A).

 

 

3.2.5.2 Cherry Fruitworm

Symptoms- The adults (moths) of the cranberry fruitworm appear during late May and early June and lay their eggs at the base of the newly set fruit. The greenish larvae are up to one half inch long and brownish red on the back. Moths of the cherry fruitworm appear late in the blooming season, when the bloom is nearly off. The larvae are 3/8-inch long and uniformly reddish orange. Larvae of both species attack the green fruit. Cherry fruitworm larvae tend to feed inside a single berry and not create as externally obvious damage symptoms as cranberry fruitworm larvae. Just a few worms can do extensive damage.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

A sex pheromone for cranberry fruitworm is commercially available and can be used to monitor male moth flight activity and aid in timing insecticide applications.

Resistant cultivars

None known.

Cultural management

Infested berries culled from the clusters should be promptly burned before the larvae inside have a chance to emerge and pupate.

Conventional products

Two sprays are required to adequately control these pests; the first should be applied at petal fall and the second 10 days later, about 2 weeks before harvest. The sprays against these pests also control leafhoppers, which are vectors for blueberry stunt disease, as well as leafrollers, which are evident at the same time of year.

A.    malathion- Malathion 5EC (1 pt/100 gal or 2 pt./A) or Malathion 57EC 1.6 pt/200 gal/A) OR

B.    carbaryl- Sevin 4F (1.5-2.0 qts/A) or Sevin XLR (1.5-2.0 qts/A) OR

C.    *azinphos-methyl- *Guthion 50WP (1.0 - 1.5 lb/A.) There is a 30 to 42 day REI for public (e.g. Pick your own) access to treated areas depending on rate used. Maximum application rate of 0.75 lbs AI/A in 2010 OR

D.    pyrethrin- Pyrenone Crop Spray 0.5EC (2 - 12 oz/A) OR

E.    *phosmet-*Imidan 70WP (1.3 lb/A) OR

F.    *†tebufenoxzide- *†Confirm 2F (16 fl oz/A) OR

G.    pyriproxyfen- Esteem 35WP (5oz/A) OR

H.     acetamiprid- Assail SG (4.5 - 5.3 oz/A) OR

I.      spinetoram Delegate WG (3-6 oz/A).OR

J.     fenpropathrinDanitol 2.4 EC (10.67 – 16 fl oz/A

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

A.    Bacillus thuringiensis- Javelin WG (0.25 - 1.0 lb/A), or Deliver (0.25 - 1.5 lbs/A) or Dipel DF (0.5 - 1 lb/A)

B.    spinosad- Entrust Naturalyte (1.25 - 2.0 oz/A).

 

 

 


3.2.5.3 Leafrollers

Symptoms- Small terminal leaves are used to construct a shelter for the insect larvae. Flower and fruit may be tied with silk while constructing the shelter. Leafrollers contaminate harvested fruit.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

Pheromone traps can be used. Threshold is 1 larva per 100 leaf shoots.

Resistant cultivars

None known.

Cultural management

None established.

Conventional products

A.    carbaryl- Sevin 4F (1.0-2.0 qts/A) or Sevin XLR (1.0-2.0 qts/A) OR

B.    pyrethrin- Pyrenone Crop Spray 0.5EC (2 - 12 oz/A) OR

C.    *phosmet- *Imidan 70WP (1.3 lb/A) OR

D.    *†tebufenoxzide- *†Confirm 2F (16 fl oz/A) for Obliquebanded and Redbanded leafrollers only.

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

A.    Bacillus thuringiensis- Javelin WG (0.25 – 1.0 lb/A), Deliver (0.25 - 1.5 lb/A) or Dipel DF (0.5 - 1.0 lb/A). OR

B.    kaolin- Surround WP (25 - 50 lb/A) suppression only. Apply on fresh market berries only up to the first 3 weeks after fruit set as trace residues may be difficult to remove after harvest.

C.    spinosad- Entrust Naturalyte (1.25 - 2.0 oz/A)

 

 

3.2.5.4 Blueberry Tip Borer

Symptoms- This is a tiny moth that emerges sometime in early June and deposits eggs on the undersides of tip leaves. The larvae bore into the current season’s wood, each forming a channel several inches in length; this causes the shoot to wilt and die back.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established

Resistant cultivars

None known.

Cultural management

None established.

Conventional products

Two sprays, one applied at petal fall and the other at first cover, control this pest.

A.    pyrethrin- Pyrenone Crop Spray 0.5EC (2 - 12 oz/A).

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

A.    pyrethrin- PyGanic 1.4 ECII (16 – 64 fl. oz/A) or PyGanic 5.0 ECII (4.5 – 18.0 fl. oz/A).

 

 


3.2.5.5 Plum Curculio

Symptoms- The plum curculio is better known as a serious pest of tree fruit crops but occasionally can cause significant injury to blueberries. Female weevils lay eggs in very young fruit, leaving a characteristic crescent-shaped scar that persists throughout the season. The larvae or grubs develop during the season and then exits the fruit to pupate in the ground. The pupae become adults later in the summer. Adults overwinter in hedgerows. Plum curculio is of economic importance on oc­casion; early-ripening varieties are more vulnerable; with late-ripening varieties the damaged berries drop to the ground before harvest.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

After fruit-set fields should be scouted for the characteristic egg-laying scar on young berries. An economic threshold has not been established.

Resistant cultivars

Early-ripening varieties are more at risk of being harvested before damaged berries drop to the ground.

Cultural management

It is reported that clean cultivation will provide some control by killing pupae.

Conventional products

A.    *phosmet-* Imidan 70W (1.33 lbs/A) OR

B.    *azinphos-methyl- *Guthion 50W (1.0 - 1.5 lbs/A). There is a 30 to 42 day REI for public (e.g. Pick your own) access to treated areas depending on rate used. Maximum application rate of 0.75 lbs AI/A in 2010. .

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

A.    kaolin- Surround WP (25 - 50 lb/A) suppression only. Apply on fresh market berries only up to the first 3 weeks after fruit set as trace residues may be difficult to remove after harvest.

 

 

3.2.6 POST BLOOM

 

 

3.2.6.1 Cranberry Fruitworm

Follow guidelines under Petal Fall (section 3.2.5.1).

 

 

3.2.6.2 Cherry Fruitworm

Follow guidelines under Petal Fall (section 3.2.5.2).

 

 

3.2.6.3 Leafrollers

Follow guidelines under Petal Fall (section 3.2.5.3).

 

 

3.2.6.4 Blueberry Tip Borer

Follow guidelines under Petal Fall (section 3.2.5.4).

 

 

3.2.7 SUMMER PREHARVEST

 

 

3.2.7.1 Blueberry Maggot

Symptoms- This pest is potentially very destructive, but generally has not been as serious a problem in New York as in other blueberry-growing regions. Larvae attack the berries (one per fruit) and may cause them to drop, decreasing yield; if they remain on the plant and are harvested, the crop is not acceptable for market.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

Use yellow sticky cards with ammonium acetate. When 1 adult maggot is trapped, consider treatment.

Resistant cultivars

None known.

Cultural management

Sanitation of fields and removal of overripe fruit.

Conventional products

Begin spraying about the time the berries start to turn blue, about July 7-12 upstate and 10 days earlier on Long Island. Because the adults emerge over a long period, three pesticide applications at 10-day intervals are usually required.

A.    malathion- Malathion 5EC (1 pt/A) plus 1.5 qt Staley’s Sauce Base No.7 OR

B.    carbaryl- Sevin 4F (1.5-2.0 qts/A) or Sevin XLR (1.5-2.0 qts/A) OR

C.    *azinphos-methyl- *Guthion 50WP (1.0 - 1.5 lb/A). Restricted-use pesticide; There is a 30 to 42 day REI for public (e.g. Pick your own) access to treated areas depending on rate used. Maximum application rate of 0.75 lbs AI/A in 2010. OR

D.    pyrethrin- Pyrenone Crop Spray 0.5EC (2 - 12 oz/A) OR

E.    *phosmet- *Imidan 70WP (1.3 lb/A) OR

F.    *fenpropathrin- *Danitol 2.4EC (10.66 fl oz/A) OR

G.    *imidacloprid- *Provado 1.6F (6 - 8 fl oz/A) OR

H.    acetamiprid- Assail SG (4.5 - 5.3 oz/A).

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

A.    kaolin- Surround WP (25 - 50 lb/A) suppression only. Apply on fresh market berries only up to the first 3 weeks after fruit set as trace residues may be difficult to remove after harvest. OR

B.    spinosad- GF-120 NF Naturalyte Fruit Fly Bait (10 – 20 fl oz/A)

 

 

 

 

3.2.7.2 Japanese Beetle

Symptoms- Beetles emerge in early July and feed on leaves and fruit.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

None known.

Cultural management

None.

Conventional products

A.    carbaryl- Sevin 4F (1.0-2.0 qts/A) or Sevin XLR (1.0-2.0 qts/A) Apply in July as adults appear. OR

B.    *imidacloprid- *Admire 2F (16 - 32 oz/A) or *Admire Pro (7 - 14 fl oz/A) or *Provado 1.6F (6 - 8 fl oz/A). OR

C.    acetamiprid- Assail SG (4.5 - 5.3 oz/A). OR

D.    *fenpropathrin- *Danitol 2.4EC (10.66 fl oz/A).

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

A.    kaolin- Surround WP (25 - 50 lb/A) suppression only. Apply on fresh market berries only up to the first 3 weeks after fruit set as trace residues may be difficult to remove after harvest.

 

 

3.2.7.3 Anthracnose Fruit Rot

Follow guidelines under Bloom (section 3.2.4.3).

 

 

3.2.7.4 Blueberry Stem Borer

Symptoms- This beetle is responsible for two types of injury. In late June and July, the first 3 to 4 inches of the current season’s growth may wilt or die; this can occur on large, rapidly growing suckers or on small slow-growing twigs. An examination of the injured twig will show it has been girdled in two places, about half an inch apart, caused by egg deposition. The other injury is the dying out of canes. The leaves first turn from green to yellow or reddish green and drop off, and the cane dies. Close examination may show pinholes at 3-4 inch intervals along the shoot and yellowish strings of castings hanging from them. The cane, when split, contains a yellowish, legless grub, one half to one inch long, at the end of a long tunnel.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

None known.

Cultural management

As wilted tips appear in the summer, cut them off below evidence of insect damage, remove them from the field, and burn them.

Conventional and

Organic products

Chemical control is not effective against this pest.

 

 

3.2.8 SPECIAL PESTS

 

 

3.2.8.1 Witches’ Broom

Symptoms- Unusual numbers of broom-like, swollen, cracked shoots arising from lateral buds. Several occurrences may appear on a single plant. Witches’ broom is a relatively minor disease of blueberries in New York State. Generally disease occurrence is so low that crop loss is negligible. However, heavily infected plants may fail to produce fruit.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

Little is known about resistance to witches’ broom. ‘Rancocas’ appears to be least susceptible.

Cultural management

Elimination of secondary host (fir trees) within several hundred yards of the planting will reduce further infection. Since the rust fungus causing this disease is systemic infected bushes will always have the disease. Infected bushes and their associated root systems must be removed to eliminate the source of inoculum.

Conventional and

Organic products

Fungicides are not effective for controlling this disease.

 

 

3.2.8.2 Crown Gall

Symptoms- Stem galls are most frequently seen at cane bases or on large roots. Young galls appear cream to light brown in color; galls become dark brown to black with age. The soil-borne bacterium causing the disease enters wounds at or below the soil line. This disease is occasionally a problem in new plantings but is seldom seen on mature plants.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

All blueberry varieties are susceptible to crown gall.

Cultural management

A.    Plant only disease-free planting stock from reputable nurseries.

B.    Carefully inspect new planting stock for galls on arrival.

C.    Discard any infected plant materials.

Conventional products

None known.

Organic products

(May also be used in conventional production.)

Agrobacterium radiobacter strain K84 may be applied as a preventative root dip to plants before planting in infested soils.

 

3.2.8.3 Blueberry Viruses

Symptoms- There are a number of virus and virus-like diseases of blueberry; most of which have a biological vector such as insects or nematodes. Symptoms often are similar to those of other blueberry problems and range from stunting of blossoms and leaves to leaf, blossom and flower necrosis, leaf discoloration (spotting, flecking, streaking), red streaking or ring spotting on stems. To confirm a virus infection, it is best to submit tissue samples to the plant diagnostic clinic.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

One confirmed infection.

Resistant cultivars

Varies by cultivar and virus. See “Highbush Blueberry Production Guide” for more information.

Cultural management

A.    Plant only certified (virus-indexed) nursery stock. Plants propagated in the laboratory and greenhouse by tissue-culture techniques (i.e., those that have never been grown in the field) are most likely to be free of harmful viruses.

B.    Separate new plantings from old blueberries or wild bushes.

C.    Remove and destroy obviously infected plants as they appear.

D.    Manage vector populations.

Conventional and

Organic products

None known.

 

 

3.2.8.4 Ants

Symptoms- Ants nesting at the base of blueberries may be an indication of the presence of blueberry mealybug, a pest of the roots. The ants tend the mealybugs and feed on the honeydew that they produce. Significant decline in plant vigor, in combination with ant activity, could indicate a problem. Excavate a plant in decline to confirm the presence of the 3-4 mm long, white to pink mealybugs. Controlling the ant population may help reduce the mealybugs.

Management Options

Guideline

Scouting/thresholds

None established.

Resistant cultivars

None known.

Cultural management

None.

Conventional products

A. pyriproxyfen- Esteem ant bait 1.5 - 2.0 lbs/A).

Organic products

None known.

 

 

 


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