The diseases and arthropods that attack blueberries can inflict severe production losses to growers by lowering yield, reducing quality, and shortening the life of a stand. Although nearly 200 diseases and more than 300 insect species have been reported on blueberries, only 20 to 25 ever become abundant enough to cause economic losses, and only 5 or 6 of these are chronic problems that require control every year. As a rule, the most damaging pests are those which attack the buds, destroy the fruit, or threaten survival of the plant.
Maintaining a clean, healthy stand of blueberry bushes is one of the most effective ways to insure good control of diseases and arthropod pests. Weedy fields and field margins provide shelter and overwintering sites for some pests, and dead canes or dying bushes can serve as breeding grounds or sources of inoculum for others. Regular cultivation of the soil kills insects that pupate under dead leaves or near the soil surface, and a good program of fertilization and water management keeps plants vigorous and better able to tolerate small amounts of injury.
Vine Planting Information
