Blueberry Botrytis - Ask Extension
We have a patch of blueberries that has crumbling flowers. I think it is botrytis. How do I treat?
Knowledgebase
Blueberry Botrytis #869082
Asked May 19, 2024, 9:54 AM EDT
We have a patch of blueberries that has crumbling flowers. I think it is botrytis. How do I treat?
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Can you please send some photos? That will help more accurately diagnose what is happening. Thank you!
This definitely could be botrytis but there are some lookalike problems. One way to confirm is to look for the gray sporulation. If you're not seeing it on the plant, then clip some infected blossoms/berries. Place in a plastic bag with a moist paper towel. This will create a humidity chamber, and that will encourage the fungus to produce its characteristic spores (Look at the first photo here for an example). If you don't see spores after a few days then you may be dealing with a different issue like a bacteria or a different fungus.
Here are some tips to help your plants thrive next year if this is Botrytis:
Here are some tips to help your plants thrive next year if this is Botrytis:
- Annually prune to remove infected twigs and to open canopy for good air circulation.
- Space plants for good air circulation and quick drying.
- Adjust timing and/or frequency of overhead irrigation to keep aboveground portions of the plant dry. Use drip irrigation.
- Avoid late-season fertilization that stimulates growth susceptible to winter injury.
- Practice good weed control.