Blueberry Mummy Berry: A Common Blueberry Disease
Blueberry plants are not only delicious and nutritious, but they can also be beautiful additions to your landscape. However, these plants can be susceptible to a common disease known as blueberry mummy berry.
What is Blueberry Mummy Berry?
Blueberry mummy berry is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Monilinia vaccinilicorymbosi. It can affect blueberry plants of all ages and varieties, but it is most common in areas with warm, humid climates.
Symptoms of Blueberry Mummy Berry
The symptoms of blueberry mummy berry can vary depending on the stage of the infection. Early symptoms include:
- Browning around major leaf veins
- Wilting and browning of foliage, new shoots, buds, and blossoms
- Curling of new shoots toward the plant
As the disease progresses, infected fruit may appear normal at first, but if cut open, it will have spongy, white, fungal flesh inside. As the infected fruit ripens, it will suddenly turn pink or gray and shrivel up into mummified blueberries.
How to Treat Blueberry Mummy Berry
There is no cure for blueberry mummy berry, but there are steps you can take to control the disease and prevent it from spreading:
- Proper sanitation: Remove and destroy all infected plant material, including mummified fruit, infected branches, and fallen leaves.
- Pruning: Prune away infected branches and destroy them.
- Fungicides: Apply a fungicide specifically labeled for use on blueberry mummy berry.
- Cultural practices: Heavy mulching in early spring or using a winter cover crop can help to inhibit the spread of the disease by blocking out sun and preventing splash back.
How to Prevent Blueberry Mummy Berry
The best way to prevent blueberry mummy berry is to start with healthy plants and follow good cultural practices:
- Choose resistant varieties: Some blueberry varieties are more resistant to mummy berry than others.
- Plant in well-drained soil: Blueberry plants prefer well-drained, acidic soil.
- Provide good air circulation: Space blueberry plants properly to allow for good air circulation.
- Avoid overwatering: Overwatering can weaken blueberry plants and make them more susceptible to disease.
- Fertilize regularly: Blueberry plants need regular fertilization to stay healthy and productive.
Conclusion
Blueberry mummy berry is a common disease that can affect blueberry plants of all ages and varieties. However, by following the tips outlined in this article, you can help to control the disease and keep your blueberry plants healthy and productive.