Florida blueberry growers are just a few weeks away from harvest season. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences offers growers management tips for this point in the season.
Producers should monitor for botrytis and apply control measures as needed. Any applications of fungicides prior to a need for overhead irrigation as freeze protection can help reduce disease severity on plants damaged by cold temperatures.
Growers should apply suggested fungicides in rotation for control of anthracnose and/or Alternaria fruit rot at petal fall, 10 to 14 days after petal fall, 20 to 24 days after petal fall and prior to harvest. Producers should consult the Blueberry Advisory System at www.agroclimate.org/BAS. It indicates when weather conditions are favorable for the development of anthracnose fruit rot.
Insect pests should also be scouted for. Growers need to monitor for blueberry gall midge and spray appropriate insecticides when adults are observed. If farmers do not implement traps, they will need to spray before floral and vegetative bud break, with a second spray approximately 7 to 10 days after the first application.
Blueberry producers should apply a post-emergence herbicide if weeds are at densities that hinder bush growth. They should also monitor the health of bee colonies and watch for appropriate level of activity into and out of the hives and on the blueberry bushes.