Articles
Mummy berry forecast system improves control of disease in Maine lowbush blueberry
Article number
1357_35
Pages
243 – 250
Language
English
Abstract
Mummy berry (caused by Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi, MVC) is potentially the most damaging disease in lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) in Maine.
Prior to 2007, blueberry growers were making a first application of a protectant fungicide at early bud break with subsequent applications at 7- to 10-day intervals.
Many growers complained that they were not achieving good control of mummy berry.
In 2008, a mummy berry forecast system (MBFS), developed in Canada by Paul Hildebrand and Richard Delbridge, was established in Maine.
The MBFS involves tracking MVC pseudosclerotia and plant development as well as monitoring leaf wetness and temperature to indicate conditions for MVC infection.
These data were used to provide advice to growers on suitable timing for fungicide applications for mummy berry control.
Field trials comparing the calendar and MBFS methods were set up in multiple fields in 2009 and 2010. The MBFS method used fewer fungicide applications to produce the same level of control as the calendar method in field trials.
Protocols were developed to establish and monitor development of MVC pseudosclerotia in the field.
In 2012, weather stations with cellular telemetry were introduced to provide real-time data on weather conditions in the field.
The current system uses grower involvement to report on apothecial and plant development, and 15 weather stations to provide information on risk of mummy berry infection relayed to growers by multiple methods.
Approximately 75% of Maine growers who use fungicides to control mummy berry use the MBFS to aid in timing of applications.
Growers reported that they used fewer fungicide applications and had lower disease levels than in the past.
Multi-year data sets have demonstrated local apothecial and plant development monitoring is the key factor for determining when to start fungicide applications.
Estimating past and future MVC infection provides information to determine the number and timing of fungicide applications.
Prior to 2007, blueberry growers were making a first application of a protectant fungicide at early bud break with subsequent applications at 7- to 10-day intervals.
Many growers complained that they were not achieving good control of mummy berry.
In 2008, a mummy berry forecast system (MBFS), developed in Canada by Paul Hildebrand and Richard Delbridge, was established in Maine.
The MBFS involves tracking MVC pseudosclerotia and plant development as well as monitoring leaf wetness and temperature to indicate conditions for MVC infection.
These data were used to provide advice to growers on suitable timing for fungicide applications for mummy berry control.
Field trials comparing the calendar and MBFS methods were set up in multiple fields in 2009 and 2010. The MBFS method used fewer fungicide applications to produce the same level of control as the calendar method in field trials.
Protocols were developed to establish and monitor development of MVC pseudosclerotia in the field.
In 2012, weather stations with cellular telemetry were introduced to provide real-time data on weather conditions in the field.
The current system uses grower involvement to report on apothecial and plant development, and 15 weather stations to provide information on risk of mummy berry infection relayed to growers by multiple methods.
Approximately 75% of Maine growers who use fungicides to control mummy berry use the MBFS to aid in timing of applications.
Growers reported that they used fewer fungicide applications and had lower disease levels than in the past.
Multi-year data sets have demonstrated local apothecial and plant development monitoring is the key factor for determining when to start fungicide applications.
Estimating past and future MVC infection provides information to determine the number and timing of fungicide applications.
Publication
Authors
S.L. Annis, P.D. Hildebrand
Keywords
Vaccinium angustifolium, Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi, fungicide
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