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Blueberry Fungus #909729

Asked July 14, 2025, 10:37 AM EDT

My 7' tall 46 year old blueberry bushes have Exobasidium Maculosum leaf and fruit spot. I sent pictures to a rep from Maryland State Dept of Agriculture and he identified the problem fungus with certainty. He said he was not allowed to suggest a fungiciide. I can send you a pic via email or text. I am not able to upload from my computer. These bushes have always been prolific. Please help me with a solution to treat this disease.

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Pls include image in your research


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Sent: Monday, July 14, 2025 10:37:47 AM
To: Gloria Hampton
Subject: Thank you for your Ask Extension question (#0179645)
 

Dear Gloria,

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YOUR QUESTION #0179645:

Blueberry Fungus

My 7' tall 46 year old blueberry bushes have Exobasidium Maculosum leaf and fruit spot. I sent pictures to a rep from Maryland State Dept of Agriculture and he identified the problem fungus with certainty. He said he was not allowed to suggest a fungiciide. I can send you a pic via email or text. I am not able to upload from my computer. These bushes have always been prolific. Please help me with a solution to treat this disease.

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The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2025, 10:50 AM EDT
Hi- we have had a few reports of this disease in the past three years from gardeners.

It is not considered a serious disease in Southern states where it is more prevalent. Higher infection levels can be expected with cool, wet spring weather. Prune your plants (renewal pruning) to increase air circulation around leaves and stems. A single liquid lime sulfur application two weeks before budbreak has been shown to prevent infections.

References with detailed management information.
https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1142&title=exobasidium-leaf-and-fruit-spot-of-blueberry

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/exobasidium-leaf-and-fruit-spot-of-blueberry

Renewal pruning: https://extension.psu.edu/pruning-blueberries-in-home-fruit-plantings
Jon

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