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Blueberry Bush Abnormality #867340

Asked May 06, 2024, 8:58 PM EDT

Some of my old blueberry bushes have developed an abnormaiity. All the new stems appear with an excess of buds that all create branches which also have an excess of buds that also grow into very thin branches. It kind of reminds me of a female horsetail plant. These stems with all these thin twigs produce little or no berries. It is not like witches broom. I've had a few of those appear over the years. I only fertilize with rock dust and once in while I use sulphur. I use pine needles for mulch.

Washington County Vermont

Expert Response

Good morning, Robert,

Thank you for reaching out to UVM Extension Master Gardener hotline.

Could you share some photos of the plant and growth pattern? That would help us identify what the issue may be and how to address it.


Best,


Chase Novello, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Replied May 09, 2024, 7:50 AM EDT
Hello Robert:

Photos would be great here -- it sounds like witches broom to me which can take a few different forms, see https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/5066e/ and https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/blueberry-witches-broom

Witches broom is systemic -- once a blueberry plant has it, it has it, although it can be managed with pruning. Since you mentioned you had WB before, this is what it may very well be, again a photo would help ID. Feel free to open this ticket back up if you decide to share images.   Hope this info. helps.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 09, 2024, 12:12 PM EDT
Thank you, Lisa.
Unfortunately I did a radical pruning of the plants in question before I wrote my email, so the "evidence" is gone for this year.  I will monitor the situation and write to you next year with photos if the problem persists.
Again, thank you for your time and interest.
Robert Dion

On Thu, May 9, 2024 at 12:12 PM Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2024, 10:28 PM EDT
Sounds good, Robert.  I hope things improve with your blueberries!  
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 16, 2024, 8:52 AM EDT

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