The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has provided guidance for Florida blueberry growers to consider during August.
Disease Management
Disease management remains important. Growers should be scouting for algal stem blotch as well as other leaf diseases. For producers managing bacterial wilt, they should monitor through irrigation or banded bed applications of a phosphorous acid product.
Insects
Insect pest control is significant. Farmers should scout for flea beetles, larval citrus root weevil (pulling dead or dying pants and examining roots and surrounding soil), larval flatheaded borer, chilli thrips and southern red mites. Apply control measures if present.
Weeds
Weed management is also important. Growers should apply a pre-emergent herbicide if summer rainfall has been significant. Also apply a post-emergent herbicide if weeds are at densities that hinder bush growth.