Blueberry stem blight, caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea, is the primary disease limiting establishment of blueberry plantings in southeastern North Carolina. Pruning serves two control functions: 1) It removes infections from bushes, preventing eventual death of the individual stem or plant, and 2) it reduces the number of spores released in the field by removing dead, spore-bearing stems. Avoid growing the blueberry in either very sandy or very mucky soil. Bluechip and Bounty are the most susceptible cultivars. Botryosphaeria stem blight of southern blueberries: effect of fertilization, temperature, and Botryosphaeriaceae species on lesion - (Peer Reviewed Journal) Effect of nitrogen fertilization and fungicides on Botryosphaeria stem blight lesion development on detached stems - (Peer Reviewed Journal) Smith, B.J., Miller Butler, M.A. Dark brown to black branches that will eventually girdle the stem and cause dieback. It can cause stunted growth and leaf yellowing (Figure 1), as well as increased susceptibility to Botryosphaeria, in some cases leading to plant death. Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) Since stem blight is most damaging to young plantings, heavy pruning to promote rapid growth should be avoided in 1- to 2-year-old plantings; pruning in young plantings should be limited to removal of stem blight-infected canes. Blueberries (Vaccinium spp. Blueberry stem blight caused by members of the Botryosphaeriaceae has become one of the most severe diseases affecting blueberry cultivation in China. Her articles have appeared at Trulia.com, SFGate.com, GardenGuides.com, RE/MAX.com, MarketLeader.com, RealEstate.com, USAToday.com and in "Chicago Agent" magazine, to name a few. Blueberry stem cut away to show the discoloration caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea. A necrotic, brown lesion forms on the twig around the blighted bud, and the sunken necrotic area spreads as the disease progresses (figure 1). ... Botrytis blossom blight (Gray mold) Botrytis cinerea. — Read our Infected stems quickly wilt and die. and blueberry stem blight than are most rabbiteye varieties. This fungus overwinters in dead and infected stems. Diagnose the fungal disease twig or stem blight by inspecting your blueberry plant for infected, dead twigs that rapidly die back up to 6 inches from the tip. While most blueberry cultivars are highly disease and pest resistant, some are susceptible to a deadly disease known as stem blight. Pruning to remove infected stems is the best method of reducing disease in established fields. Infected prunings should be removed well away from the field and burned or shredded. These spores are released year-round with the exception of a few weeks in winter; however, the greatest numbers of infections occur in early summer. Diseases caused by fungi (stem canker, stem blight, leaf spots and fruit rots) are of primary concern. In this study, we examined the causal agent of blueberry stem blight at commercial greenhouse farms in the suburban area of Beijing, China. 4). Site selection when establishing new plantings appears to play a part in the severity of stem blight. The fungus grows profusely, producing a gray to brownish fuzzy material on infected parts. This disease is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. Some cultivars, such as Bluechip (Vaccinium corymbosum “Bluechip”) and Bounty (Vaccinium corymbosum “Bounty”) are more susceptible to the disease than others. Abstract Botryosphaeria stem blight, caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea, is a destructive disease of rabbiteye (Vacciniu,n ache!) Aside from bearing fruit, the shrubs can be used in hedges, borders and even grown in containers on the patio. The infection can also develop in wounds at the base (crown) of the bush in susceptible cultivars, resulting in rapid plant death without the typical flagging symptom associated with infections on individual stems. In addition to twig blight and canker, the fungus causes a fruit rot. Vascular pathogens (fungal and bacterial) represent constant challenges for southern highbush blueberry (SHB) growers. Most recently-released blueberry cultivars have some resistance to stem blight. How to Care for an Umbrella Plant Capella, How to Start Blueberry Plants From Another Grown Plant, Southern Living: Blueberries – Essential Southern Plant, North Carolina State University: Stem Blight of Blueberry, How to Stop Tomato Blight with Copper Wire. Blueberry stem blight has become one of the most severe diseases influencing blueberry productivity and quality in China. Spores are disseminated by rainwater. Blueberry stem blight is caused by a fungus called Botryospheria dothidia. Fertilizer should not be used after mid-summer, especially on young bushes. ), a parasitic higher plant. While most losses are due to root rot, or to stem and twig canker diseases, fruit rots and nutritional problems can also reduce yields. Pruning can be done anytime infected stems are observed, but care should be taken to cut well below the infected area. A&T State University, in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Most infections can be traced to a wound as the initial point of infection. The pathogen spores float on the wind and in rain and enter the plant through wounds. Many plants are also susceptible to dieback fungi, including roses and citrus as well as blueberries. In most cases, stem blight finishes the job, but other stresses play a lead or contributory role. Phomopsis twig blight is caused by the fungus Phomopsis vaccinii. Blueberries with stem blight experience cane death, which can result in the fatality of the plant if it is widespread.