Space plants for good air circulation and quick drying. Fungicides must be applied prior to the wet period. Read on to learn more. Cultural control annually prune to remove infected twigs and to open canopy for good air circulation. The most critical period for infection of blueberry is during bloom. Improve air circulation by using adequate spacing, annual pruning, and weed control. Further sprays at seven- to ten-day intervals may be necessary, depending upon the weather. The optimum temperature range for spore germination is 20-25°c (68-77°f), while the optimum for infection is 16-20°c (61-68°f). The disease is easily confused with bacterial blight and/or the shoot blight stage of mummy berry if there is no sporulation. · also known as blueberry blossom blight , botrytis blight is caused by a fungus known as botrytis cinerea. · cultural practices that improve air movement, such as pruning, aid in the control of blight and fruit rot. Avoid wetting foliage by using drip irrigation instead of overhead irrigation. · the combination of proper cultivar selection, cultural practices, fungicides, and proper harvesting practices are important and effective methods for managing botrytis blossom blight and fruit rot. Improve plant vigor by adjusting soil ph in the range of 4. 5-5. 5 and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization. Repeated use of some fungicides will lead to resistance in the botrytis fungus to these fungicides. Avoid excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer in the spring because rapidly growing tips are more susceptible. Although eradicating blueberry bloom blight is unlikely, you can take steps to manage the spread.
